Otamba Makesi Walia: An Antelope on a Goats-Market

Once upon a time, in Bukusu land, when the future was in a distant past…

Long before the coming of the pink man became a memory people’s mind…

Long before Wachiye wa Naumbwa, Mutonyi, Khakula, Sing'uru, Maina wa Nalukale or Mukite wa Nameme were born to consult the oracle and prophesize on our lands ….

Long before Mango son of Bwayo from Ebukhurarwa wrestled with the giant killer snake in the dark caves of Mwiala….

Long before Ngutuku wa Watiila, Maelo wa Khaindi, Sikhokhone or Kaluuka wa Nabwonja poured their wisdom in leading the people in peace and war…

– A great famine befell the land. 

Rains got scarcer and vegetation started drying up. Finding water became a problem and livestock also began to die. Increasingly, homesteads had less and less to eat and people lived in fear of death. And yet, the skies shone bright and no sacrifices by elders in Mountain tops charmed the gods. 

In the clan of Baechalo, there lived Kharuba whose household felt the pangs of the prolonged famine. Neither Kharuba’s season of birth nor his circumcision is well remembered. It is however strongly suggested that he was an Omuchuma by age-set. Having inherited a handful cattle and goats from his old man, Kharuba had less to be proud of. Shortly after the coming of the drought, Kharuba realized that his big family had less to eat. He could not sleep well and each passing day signified worry. His children would sleep on a hungry stomach, often crying as it were the norm with other neighbors.

Then Kharuba decided it was enough! Otambatamba okhafwa [better be poor but do not die]. Unless he did something, Kharuba knew he would spend the last energies digging graves for them. 

After a thoughtful time, Kharuba went forth in his hut and took down his hunting kit and spear. In silence, he set off into the bushes, knowing well other hunters had often come home empty-handed. He told no one where he was headed, but his heart told him it might end well. 

Recalling his youthful days of agility, he foraged in the woods in search of a hunt even for a hare. Alas! He just got lucky. At a stone throw away, the hunter spotted a steenbok lazily eating. She was fat and beautiful, with soft furs that were smooth on sight. She probably was pregnant and Kharuba already made a quick calculation that the steenbok would make a week’s meal for his family. Slowly, he stalked into the right position, strategically placed his spear knowing he was within range to bring it down. What luck!

However, something strange kept holding him back. He could not spear the animal; as if some strange forces had held back his arm. Amid feeling the strange power, Kharuba would hear a slow gentle voice; ‘Please, Please, do not kill it. It looks so beautiful!’ The hunter pulled back stealthy, surprised with how the strange power was holding him. Beauty over food, that was unlikely of any hunter, leave alone one whose family awaited their last meal!

Then, unlikely idea stuck him. Catch it with your hands!

How could he do that? Weren’t they trained that a spear or arrow gave a hunter more advantages than bare hands? Anyway… 

For a third time, Kharuba came forth, calculatedly seeking to pounce on the steenbok. Duuu! He had managed it! The beautiful animal was startled; ready to take off by it was too late. Sensing the danger, it started bleating like a goat. He tightened his grip, never to let go. With ropes ready, Kharuba tied the animal and swung it around his shoulder.’ What a heavy antelope!’ he remarked. Upon reaching home, a thought came across his mind. He would not kill the animal.

Next morning, before the sun’s virgin rays lit the village, he woke and strapped the animal on his shoulder. He was headed for Ebumasaaba. He had heard that conditions in Ebumasaaba were well and trade flourished. For days, he walked and walked, eventually reaching his destination.

Upon his arrival people were amazed with what he had carried. They crowded around him, wishing to strike a bargain with the animal he carried. What a beautiful goat? How did you manage to keep it skin so smooth? They were utterly surprised to the sight of the beautiful animal. ‘I make sure it sleeps on a carpet of good grass’ Kharuba cunningly but confidently replied. 

Apparently, the strange goat attracted many buyers. It was a good time and Kharuba managed to strike a high bid. The winning family gave him a huge bundle of bekekhe and eleusine (buulo). Bukekhe, an old delicacy, composed of dry peeled bananas. In fact, he was given an escort to help him carry the huge bundle since it was too heavy for a single person to carry. 

Before leaving, Kharuba forewarned the buyers that they should tether the ‘goat’ for at least three days before leaving it to mingle with the rest of the goats. The family did as advised. However, on the third day, when the steenbok was released from the tether, she made way and swiftly ran into the bushes. Even the fastest herd boys could not catch it. ‘The goat must be a very fast runner. Anyway, we shall track it latter’, they gave up.

The story of Kharuba selling a wild steenbok to ignorant Bamasaaba traders does not stop there. In Bukusu oral tradition, Kharuba’s unusual encounter to source food by use of the steenbok gave birth to a well-known proverb: Otamba makesi walia (if you have wisdom, you will eat). Even today, the proverb reminds us to be wise in a difficult situation, so that we innovate a way out!

A story is good, until another is told

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