Legends and Heroes in Nyamira Otenyo Nyamaterere: The Great Gusii Warrior "There is little written about the resistance to the establishment of the British colonial rule in Gusiiland. The scant knowledge available on this historical phenomenon in Kenya is inaccurate and intentionally distorted in favour of the colonial master. The truth, contrary to the incorrect histories presented by the British, is that the Kings African Rival soldiers suffered a humiliating defeat in their initial encounter with Gusii warriors. It was a landmark historical event. Otenyo Nyamaterere is incorrectly portrayed as a frustrated and deranged lone-ranger who was high on narcotics when he attacked with a spear and injured the first District Commissioner of Kisii, Geoffrey Northcote". – John S. Akama. The District Commissioner did not survive the attack. A punitive expedition was inevitable. By hook or crook, Otenyo Nyamaterere was a wanted man, dead or alive, if only to save face and avoid losing the colonial upper hand. Inevitably, Otenyo was captured, and the punishment predicated on positive reformation, or fear, was truly dramatic. To date, the specific grave where Otenyo’s body was buried has never been identified, and the Gusii elders demanded the repatriation of his skull, said to be held at a British Cultural Museum. Two wrongs don't make a right! Presently, an inquiry to correct this false portrayal of an eminent warrior who valiantly came out in defense of his people and its lands is necessary. 1905, the British colonial machinery, with the aid of King's African Rifle, had arrived en-masse in Gusiiland. The aim was a takeover, met with initial resistance from the Gusii warriors, who were ill-equipped for the tussle and offense issued. As a show of might, the newcomers burned homesteads, seized livestock and destroyed crops. A massacre for the acquisition of supremacy. Any resistance henceforth was a death warrant, public execution style. In due course, the British, King's Africa Rifles, and their Nubian porters forcefully settled in the present-day Kisii town, known as Getare at the time, but not without tensions from the Kitutu region which was known to be the militaristic hotbed of Gusiiland. However, constant fighting made it hard for the British to realize their expansionist dreams. To maintain decision-making processes over their homeland, the Gusii elders encouraged young men who had gone through the initiation ceremony to marry, fearing a whole generation would be wiped out, citing prophet Sakawa's foresights of the coming of the white man before his death in 1902. On numerous occasions, the British made sudden predatory invasions on cattle camps known as ‘ebisarate' and seized livestock. One well-known British hostile attack on Omogusii was in 1908 when they raided ‘ebisarate' in the Kitutu region and confiscated over 8,000 livestock. Superior weapons, in the form of gunpower, overpowered the young warriors, easily killing them and getting away with it. That year, the Abagusii community resolved enough was enough and the young warrior Otenyo Nyamaterere, son of the Bogeka clan, who was deeply angered by the British brutality led a group of warriors on a counterattack. His main target was Sir. Geoffrey Northcote, otherwise known as ‘Nyarigoti’ by the Abagusii people, whom they viewed to be their terror. This came after Otenyo’s aunt Moraa, a revered woman believed to be a prophetess foresaw Otenyo’s greatness and success in the fight against their oppressors. After blessings from Moraa, Otenyo and other warriors were set, ready to battle the metal gun armed British with only poisoned arrows, while defending themselves with spears. When the hour came, the warriors hid behind bushes, pledging vengeance to their death. The attack took place at the present-day Manga, in Kitutu. Though armed with inferior weapons, the Gusii managed to lay an ambush on the British and recover livestock, which they led towards the Manga escarpment. Some brave warriors sacrificed their lives and many more were wounded. Otenyo hit Nyarigoti’s neck bleeding to death which resulted in jubilation in Abagusii land. Otenyo did not go down without a fight and when the angry British colonizers sought to retaliate during one of the many brutal battles, he was speared down by a British official and captured, tried in public and executed by a firing squad at the Kisii stadium. His head was later cut off and sent to Britain while his body was found beside a bridge with many gunshot wounds. His capture was at present-day Manga. Otenyo died a hero and his spirit still flows in the bloodstream of our gallant warriors who fought tooth and nail against those who threatened our peace. Under the guidance of the Gusii elders, Otenyo's headless body was buried at the top of Manga escarpment. It goes without saying that our warriors and heroes like Otenyo Nyamaterere deserve respect and honor for their sacrifice, commitment, resoluteness and patriotism. Our ancient legends most of the time were away from their families in line of duty, they are our heroes. Still and all, the honours are on Nyamira to put up a historic monument, at the least, to stand as testaments to the zeal, brevity, heritage, and to perpetuate the legacy, of Otenyo Nyamaterere. 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 Touring Nyamira County offers a glimpse into the natural heritage of western Kenya, and cultural encounter with the charismatic Abagusii community. At Keroka, Otenyo Cultural Group Center offers insights into their traditions and customs. Generally speaking, Nyamira County is agrarian, typified by rolling hills. You Are Here: Otenyo Nyamaterere Shrine Where to Next? Explore Destinations Near Otenyo Nyamaterere Shrine A Guide to Nyamira County A Summa Digest of Nyamira About Nyamira Way Back When 18 Destinations in Nyamira County , arranged as one would visit these - southeast, west then north - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart: Amanzi Resort , Kibugat Hill , Kipkebe Tea Estate , The Henri Boma , Eyaka Falls , Nyakwana [Keera] Falls , Kegogi Market , Nyamira Falls , Nkoora Hill , Bonyunyu Dam , Keroka , Otenyo Cultural Group Center , Manga Ridge , Otenyo Nyamaterere Shrine , Manga Hills , River Gucha , Kiabonyoru Hill , Chabera Coffee Factory , River Sondu Bridge Know More About Nyamira 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.46? Nyamira is precipitous, from undulating to rolling, with flat-topped ridges alternating with bottomlands. Much of the land within Nyamira has been put under heavy cultivation. What's The Air Like In Nyamira? The maximum day and minimum night temperatures are normally between 28 o  C and about 10 o C respectively, translating to an average temperature of 19 Degrees C. Know More About Nyamira County…

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