Legends and Heroes in Homa Bay The Legend of Nyamgondho Wuod Ombare 28 km west of Ruma National Park lies a shrine of intriguing cultural anecdotes. It is found at the narrowed Nyandiwa peninsula, at the most westerly point in Homa Bay County. Known as the site of ‘the lady of the lake', more proper Nyamgondho Shrine, it has has an inscrutable myth that baffles locals and travellers alike. It is a popular myth in the Gwassi region that's also studied in the schools across Kenya. The genesis and exodus of the myth is engrossed in the deeds of one man, Mbare the son of Ombare, popularly known as Nyamgondho Wuod Ombare. He lived between the late 14 and early 15 centuries on the shores of Lake Victoria in present day Nyandiwa village. The legend relates that Mbare, stone poor and without two pennies to rub together, was out fishing in the lake using a fishing net (mugondho). Eager for bountiful fish he pulled in his net, only to find a beautiful woman inside. There was a surprised silence! One can only guess the preamble was awkward too. Once on land, the two agreed that he would take her in and keep it a secret. She promised in turn to make him wealthy, on the condition he never tells a soul of her wherefroms. In time, the lady of the lake brought good tidings and fortune to Nyamgondho. As only heaven is impregnable to vice, he became capricious, often brutal and an increasingly fickle companion. As his wealth increased over the years, he married more wives and also began having one over the eight. Angry and distraught, the lady of the lake returned to whence she had come from, vanishing into the lake. The rock formations resembling her footsteps can be seen at the point where she entered Lake Victoria! And to Nyamgondho’s horror, all the animals followed her back pertinaciously into the lake. Seeing all his possession disappearing into the lake, he stood sad, looking askance at the shore of the lake. Shattered, he rested his chin on his walking stick and mystically turned into a tree. In recent years, Nyamgondho Mini Park was installed nearby to immortalize the legend of Nyamgondho Ombare. Located in front of the social hall at Nyandiwa, it is made up of an artistic installation of natural sized wooden statues depicting Nyamgondho. It has six stations, corresponding to the six central moments of the myth, and at each of them the visitor will admire the statues and recall the events. Legend has it that that the lady of the lake was a goddess. She is believed to be same woman who performed many other supernatural acts on the shores of Lake Victoria, including the sinking Simbi Nyaima. If so, then her name should probably be Anyango Nyar Gwassi, or Anyango the daughter of Gwassi. This, if true, has a canny correlation to the Biblical story of Lot’s wife. Both stories portray people who disobeyed God’s directives because of their love for material wealth and were punished by death while looking in the direction where their wealth lay. 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 Located in the western Kenya, bordering Lake Victoria, Homa Bay County is known for its scenic landscapes, extensive lakeshore, and vibrant community life. It also offers a rich blend of cultural and historical attractions. Touring Homa Bay County allows you to immerse yourself in a part of Kenya's natural beauty, cultural diversity, and immersive historical heritage that rarely gets under the limelight. You Are Here: Nyamgondho Shrine Where to Next? Explore Destinations Nearby Nyamgondho Shrine A Guide to Homa Bay County A Summa Digest of Homa Bay About Homa Bay Way Back When 48 Destinations in Homa Bay County , arranged as one would visit these - southeast, north then west - with aid of narratives, strip maps and distance chart: Sondu Miriu Hydro Station , Old Kendu Bay Town , Olmak Beah Resort, Kendu Adventist Gendia , Lake Simbi Nyaima , Ondago Swamp National Sanctuary, Kisindi Lodge and Spa , Homa Hills , Abundu Hot Springs, Bala Lawi Hot Springs , Kanjera Prehistoric Site , Kanam Prehistoric Site , Asego and Kasarua Hills , Homa Bay Town , Asumbi Catholic Church , Asumbi Resort, Kodera Forest , Ruri Hills , Soklo Kipenji , BJs Ranch , Mbita Point , Victoria Sands Lodge, Gembe Hills , Mbita Ferry , Rusinga Island , Rusinga Island Lodge , Tom Mboya Mausoleum , White Stone Beach Resort , Rusinga Island Festival , Ngodhe Island , Kasawanga Village , Mfangano Island , Mfangano Island Lodge , Mawanga Rock Art , Kwitone Rock Art , Abasuba Peace Museum , Siambi Resort , Takawiri Island , Ringiti Island , Mbasa Islands , Gwassi Hills , Lambwe Valley , Ruma National Park , KWS Obiri Guest House , Kanyamwa Escarpment , Nyamugondho Shrine , Gor Mahia Shrine Know More About Homa Bay County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments What's The Lay Of The Land In C.43? Homa Bay is split into two main eco-zones; lakeshore lowlands and upland plateau. The lakeshore lowlands lie between 1,163 and 1,219 ms, with a long stretch bordering Lake Victoria along the north. What's The Air Like In Homabay? Homa Bay has an inland equatorial climate pattern modified by altitude, and Lake Victoria. Temperature ranges from 18 o C to 33 o C, with the warmest months being between December and March. February is usually the hottest month of the year. Know More About Homabay County…

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