Heroes and Legends in Taita Taveta

Mwangeka Wa Malowa: Lionized Taita Warrior

When a local hero makes exigent plans to safeguard his community’s freedom, prepare for an invasion by a wave of outsiders, champion for local hegemony, marshal a local army, then fight tooth and nail for the dignity and prosperity of the people, there’s a place in history for their valor. And when the supreme ordeal harkens back to a decussate theme, in Kenya the fight against colonial rule, then the folklore is etched in stone. Among the Taita, it was Mwangeka Wa Malowa.

The magnificent, after whom Mwangeka Caves get their epithet, a string of caves that cling to the shoulder of Vuria Hill ideally conforming to the template of a hide out where he met the elders and troopers, was such a hero: a potent warrior and chief who united in his character a set great qualities above them all his sense of duty. Mwangeka was born in 1842 in Mwanda Kwa Weni Ngasu, today’s Mwanda village, at the base of Vuria Hill, where he grew up. He married three wives: Zighe Mshote from Msudu, Mfwa Mwaghowa from Bura and at the last Mfwa Ndaghina from Mwanda. From the three wives Mwangeka had four sons and two daughters.

In the late 19th century Mwangeka became a prominent chief. At his command was a Taita army that watched over the high-priority sections on the trade routes from Mombasa through Taru, Voi, Mwatate, Taveta to Kilimanjaro. As traders and explorers began crossing through Taveta en-masse, it became part of the plan to prosper his community by levying tax. Since he was in control of the entire route, Mwangeka levied taxes on coastal traders for them to pass through his country.

This apparent agenda to benefit his society had certain logic. Some traders signed treaties (mtero) with Mwangeka to guarantee their safety while passing through the Mombasa-Kilimanjaro route. Whatever his purpose, and in all likelihood, this agenda in application drew resistance and led to disruption in trade noted among traders allied to the Sultan, who viewed this stance as being insolent to the Sultan.

In their bid for trade supremacy these traders had one small problem: the military backup, at a little more than 100 km away in Mombasa, was dwarfed by that of Mwangeka. Moreover, the Sultanate had not invested nearly enough in security to compete; it kept operating expenses lower by forging treaties. The resentment too was evidenced by the fact that the incoming Imperial British East Africa Company, on good standing with the Sultanate, had plans to move further in the hinterland.

The occupation of the Taita territories in particular excited the coastal traders and the Sultanate, so much so that they were inclined to support the British. In 1892, Captain Welson took command of the British soldiers and those of the Sultan to invade and dislocate Mwangeka Malowa’s leadership and military strength, with a purpose of raising the British flag and installing colonial rule. As with other military incursions, the Brit soldiers did what they were famed for, plundering and torture.

That was until they met Mwangeka’s men at Mwashoti who welcomed them with stern resistance. It had taken the British one month to get to the Taita Hills, thanks to the terrain that favoured Mwangeka’s soldiers. Even with their superior tactical weapons the British were sent scampering down the hills in retreat. They were no match for the shrewd military tactics of Mwangeka’s soldiers. This overpowering resistance by Mwangeka’s troops forced Captain Nelson in the British command to order for a strategic military retreat with the motive of more logistical planning.

While on retreat, they sent out military intelligent corps and scouts to villages where they stumbled upon Mbogholi wa Samaghembe, a local leader from Bura. Bribed and coaxed into acting as a go-between mole, Mbogholi agreed to give the game away on Mwangeka’s fighting campaigns. As the legend goes, Mbogholi had cunningly approached Mwangeka Malowa for advice on how to foil the invading enemies, and he [Mwangeka] offerred him all the fighting tactics all in good faith.

After gathering all intelligent briefs from Mbogholi wa Samaghembe through his intelligence corps, Captain Nelson, emboldened with confidence, ordered troops to advance via Mlughi using scorch-earth as the general policy, who wrecked the village, burned houses, destroyed properties and killed unarmed citizens. Isanga Iwishi, from Mrugua village, sent word to Mwanda about the carnage at Bura and Mwashoti. At a crisis meeting to plan how to settle scores, a native seer (mlaghui) warned of his death, but Mwangeka ignored the alarm, fixed on saving his people.

Mwangeka led his troops to Mwashoti and Mlughi and put up a brave fight, but the counter was vicious. Reinforcement did not arrive in good time, and on the retreat a British bullet found its mark – Mwangeka fell to the ground. Many of his soldiers were killed and wounded. This forced his henchman, Mnjala wa Ruma, to give a withdrawal order. Some warriors ran to Mwanda and ordered the villagers to move out of their houses and seek refuge at the strategic and safe Vuria Cave.

At the cave, Ruma announced to the Mwanda nation that their hero, Mwangeka, was dead – that the white people had killed him and taken away his body. The people were aghast, in mourning, when the British soldiers arrived at Mwanda village. The imminent danger was obvious with burning houses and property in the village lower down. Further annihilation by British was only curtailed by the arbitrary effort of the French missionaries who sought for peaceful compromise between Taita people and the British. After the installation of the British rule in Taita, coastal merchants (Arabs) in full swing demanded to get slaves from Taita – as recompense of the property that had been plundered by Mwangeka’s soldiers.

Kenya has a rich tapestry of legends and heroes that reflect its diverse cultures and historical narratives. Among these is Mekatilili wa Menza, the lionized Giriama elder and prophetess who led here people on a resistance against British colonial rule in the early 20th century. These legends and heroes highlight the diversity of Kenya’s heritage and the resilience of her people in the face of challenges.

Index of Kenyan Legends & Heroes

Homa Bay County - Nyamgondho Wuod Ombare , Gor Mahia , Kajiado County - Laibon Mbatian, Kakamega County - Nabongo Mumia, Kilifi County - Mekatilili wa Menza , Kisumu County - Luanda Wa Magere, Kwale County - Mwaozi Tumbe , Lamu County - Gasara Winn, Mwana Kupona Binti Msham, Mwana Tau, Mwana Hadie Famau, Mwana Masura, Mombasa County - The Mazrui , Muranga County - Karuri Wa Gakure , Wangu Wa Makeri , Nandi County - Koitalel Arap Samoei , Nyamira County - Chief Otenyo Nyamaterere , Nyeri County - Mugo Wa Kibiro, Taita Taveta County - Mwangeka Wa Malowa , Tana River County - Fumo Liyongo , Turkana County - Nayeche the Jie Heroine

Situated in south-western Kenya, and part of the Coast Region of Kenya, Taita-Taveta County is known for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage. The county features diverse landscapes, including the Taita Hills, which are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, and the vast plains of Tsavo, which are part of Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks – Kenya’s largest wildlife preserve.

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Explore Destinations Near Mwangeka Wa Malowa’s Shrine

Guide to Taita Taveta County

A Summa Digest of Taita Taveta

About Taita Taveta Way Back When

85 Destinations in Taita Taveta County , arranged as one would visit these - north, west then south - with aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:

Chyulu Hills National Park , Kisula Caves , Kampi ya Kanzi Lodge , Tsavo West National Park , Kamboyo Lodge , Mzima Springs , Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge , Ancient Roaring Rocks, Ngulia Hills , Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary , Kitchwa Tembo Hill , Chaimu Crater , The Five Sister's Hills , Shetani Lava , Finch Hattons Camp , Mount Kilimanjaro , Lake Chala , Crystal Lake Chala Caves , Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp , Sniper Tree , Gicheha Ziwani Farm , The Njoro Springs , Grogan’s Castle , Mokine Hill, Lake Jipe , Lake Jipe Eco-lodge , Salaita Hill , The Taveta Military Cemetery , Maktau Indian Cemetery , Maktau Railway Station , Taita Hills Game Lodge , Taita Hills Museum , Sarova Salt Lick Lodge , Mwashoti Hill , Maili 27 Bridge, Mwakitau Hill , Lumo Game Sanctuary , Lions Bluff Lodge , Lualenyi Camp , Ndolwa Game Sanctuary , Dembwa Falls , Bura Mission Church , Vuria Hill , Taita Hills , Wesu Rock , Taita Rocks Hotel , Malowa's Shrine , Taita Skull Caves , Taita Research Station , Kilangarenyi Falls , Ngangao Forest , Kenyatta Caves , Mount Sagalla , Rev. Wray Memorial Museum , Ngutuni Wildlife Sanctuary , Volunteer International Camp Tsavo , Mount Kasigau , Kasigau Base Camp , The Maungu Plains, Rukinga Wildlife Sanctuary , Wushumbu Conservancy, Teita Sisal Estate , Mbulia Conservancy , Tsavo East National Park , Ithumba Elephant Nursery , Yatta Plateau , Tsavo Springs , Emusaya Wilderness Arc , Galdessa Little Camp , Lugard's Falls , Mudanda Rock , Voi War Cemetery , Lion Hill Lodge , Kanderi Swamp , Voi Wildlife Lodge , Aruba Dam , A. Aruba Lodge , Nyiri Desert

Know More About Taita Taveta County: Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

What’s The Air Like in T.Taveta?

The mean temperature in Taita Taveta is 23 Degrees Celsius, cooler around the hills and hotter on the Nyika where the Tsavos sit. Rainfall distribution is uneven, with the highlands receiving higher rains than the lowland areas.

What’s The Lay Of The Land in C.06?

Taita Taveta County is divided into two major topographical zones: The upper zone high zones, and the lower zone consists of plains of Tsavos.

Know More About Taita Taveta County…