(Ask Kitimule who was first at Buyumbu) This is a saying among the Bukusu of Western Kenya. The moral is that before you try anything new, you better consult those who have preceded you and have experience. The Narrative: During 1780's before British invasion, the BaBukusu were involved in tribal warfare. It was a period of instability despite their unmatched military prowess. One day, the Bukusu living in Ebwayi noticed smoke rising from a distant hill. They became suspicious that an alien (Barwa) community might have settled there that might be aggressive and threaten the peace of the community. Wisdom of the old says that the community appointed a young man, Kitimule as the chief diplomat to lead expedition to find more about the mysterious smoke. Best being well built, the son of the soil was born-orator who melted people’s hearts. He was the son of Wetosi of the Watukwika Bakitang’a Cluster. Kitimule was a man of caliber and had even been endorsed by Namunyulubunda, the c...

  POWER SHIFT IN BUKUSU LEADERSHIP Before analyzing the rise of Sudi, it is important to mention his arch-rival and supposedly-community leader Wandabwa, son of Namunyulubunda. But to understand Wandabwa well, we have to time-travel back as far as 900 A.D (The Year of Our Lord). As far as memories can grasp, Walumoli the son of Sioka (Omubuya) was the pioneer community leader. Walumoli together with his son Wabutubile takes the community from the plains of Silikwa to Ekukumayi through Sengeli, Namanajalala, and Namarare.  His leadership is succeeded by Sioka a prominent Omulako. Later leadership drops among the Bakhurawra taken by Matukutuku who was a great ancestor of Mango, circumcision reformist. When Matukutuku dies at Esilangilile, power returns to the house of Omubuya as Sanjamolu leads the community up until Bukaya. Batukwiika Bakitang’a then succeeds the community leadership as Maina (II) son of Nalukale, the famed leader arises to power. After decades in rein, he pass...

  Exciting tale of a man that could blind the eyes of enemy raiders, entertain two audiences at the same time, heal the sick through drum beats, tap termites from bare rock and sit on sharp end of his spear .. A story is told of an Omutukwiika Omukwanga child born in 1810 and circumcised in 1832 under the Bakananachi age-set. Wachiye’s father was called Lwasaka and Naumbwa was the name of his mother. Wachiye grows up displaying a unique art and powers of prophecy and mind-blowing tricks that earned him great fame. In a brief reflection of his background, Batukwiika Bakwaangwa were fourth generation (siimila)) descendants of Mbiriira a key Bukusu leader in the 1700s. The other clusters are Batukwiika Basakha and Batukwiika Bakitang’a). Like Bayemba, Bayitu and Bachemayi, Batukwiika are empowered to give public lectures (Khuswala Kumuse). And just like Bakolati, Baala, Bamutilu and Baengele, the Batukwiika traditionally formed the ruling class wearing Ekutusi (Elder’s Robe). The Late...

  Termites for Food? A Bukusu Perspective Long ago. In the countless suns and moons that have passed. When the lands were raw and uncolonized. The lands after period of ogres, when nature-green plains stretched to meet the Lake of  Walule  in the West and the overgrown mountainous Masaaba knuckles touched the blue skies to the North. Bukusuland laid unmutilated full of life.  Simbikhilia ,  Chisoko  and  Kamaninga  sang gracefully and  Namukhokhome , the green-headed rock reptile turned lazily under the rays of the setting sun.  In the quietly flowing waters of unnamed rivers,  Wanakhutu  and  Mukoye-baka  floated with gleam and unrestricted freedom. On the lands, mounting plants, Bees and Butterflies kissed the flowers, energizing the lands. From the red anthills of the Bukusu Savannah, came the flying ancestors. The White and Brown-winged termites, escaping the hot embers of the underworld. Meeting the fresh air of ...