Part II: Mango Slains Yabebe

Mango Reforms Bukusu Circumcision

Mango, the great grandson of Mukutukutu and self-invited visitor to Yabebe’s liar, was armed and ready to take out the beast. His eyes had now accustomed to the darkness. Strange sounds outside the cave startled Mango, and he automatically tightened his grip on his embalu - the thin but razor-sharp line between his life and death.

On seeing the log, the dragon-snake made a cautious inspection-trip round the cave and glided its way into the cave – a naked brave man who had paid a visit to the flaming heart of hell. It curved its enormous body as its custom and laid its head on the log –oblivious of an unexpected visitor and in line with Mango’s calculations.

The young man gathered all his energies (in what Chinese Shaolin Temple students refer to as chi) and landed a deafening blow to the lazily relaxing beast. He had made no errors in his plans. The over-sharpened blade sliced deeply, and with a tremendous noise, the serpent’s head flew out. Due to its deadly venom, it is said that the tree dried instantly.

Mango dislodged the head, but the beast did not give up easily. Its body wiggled effortlessly, finally curling around him. He was now being choked, and life was slowly escaping out of them. Death beckoned, but Mango refused to honor the call. Out of mad insights, he pulled his double-edged sword and dealt multiple cuts on the reptilian rendering himself loose.  For the next five minutes, Mango stood in a pool of blood beside the mighty heap, lost in thought –overcome by bukali (shock). Then it dawned on him that the mission was a success; his heart witnessing great joy, never seen before.

“Come and Rejoice!! The Mighty Serpent is dead!  I have killed it! Endemu Yabebe is no more!”

When the nearby watchers saw Mango dash out of the cave shouting, confusion took over, and the message was received with mixed feelings. Many found themselves, running away fast, thinking the snake-dragon was hot on his heels. Three of the Barwa Bakinisu (Sabaot) observers dropped from the tall trees from which they were watching from - one falling into his death!

After some time though, the few brave got the message, came and embraced Mango, carrying him shoulder-high, chanting the best words they could find. Screaming and ululations were picked and amplified by women and children. A new kind of happiness spread in the community. Barwa neighbors were amazed by the news:

“How can Omusinde (uncircumcised) achieve such an honorable treat.  Aren’t we circumcised but used to run away like frightened chicken when the serpent appeared. Mango must face the knife.”

After a few days, Barwa summoned Omubichu professional circumciser and initiated Mango; Opening an era for systematic circumcision. Mango’s old mother learned of his son’s news to be circumcised and broke down...

“Wooeeii, Wooeeeii! My only son! Ahaaa, Hooo. Mango did I not tell you? Circumcision is painful. Now you have chosen it yourself.  There you are!”

The fateful words were later to be picked and used to compose the sioyaye chant which to this day is used when circumcision candidates are taken from sitosi (cattle lick) after being smeared with cold clay in imitation of Mango.

1.   Hee-hee-hee            

      Heee               

      Hee-hee-hee            

      Hee               

      Hee-hee-hee            

      Hee               

2.    Wangwe maalule

        Haa-haaa

       Omusindewe

       Haa-haa

      Omusindewe

      Haa-haa hooh!

3.    Embalu Yefwe ekhalakhale    

       Hoooh               

      Omusindewe           

      Hoooh-hoooh           

   

4.    Mango we Mwiala wakhuwa embalu

       Haa-haaa   

       Wakhuwa embalu

       Haa-haaa   

      Wakhuwa embalu   

      Haaaha-hoooh!

5.    Omusinde oteremaka acha Ebunyolo   

       Haa-haa               

       Acha Ebunyolo               

       Haaa-hoooh!               

6.    Embalu elumabubi eli ematabula

       Haaa-haa

       Eli ematabula

       Haaaaa-hoooh!

7.    Kumwoyo nekalimboro wibele

       Hoooooh

       Omusindewe

       Hoooooh

       Omusindewe

       Hooooh!

(The Leopard that scratches hard lies waiting to pounce on you...Our age-old circumcision tradition remains with you...It was handed down to us by Mango of Mwiala...A coward seeks refuge in Luo land...When the knife come to an end, it hurts most....If you are unprepared better give up now)

Mango successfully went to be circumcised founding own age-set Kolongolo (Khururwe We-Bwayi). Barwa kept their promise and gave him beautiful bride shortly after that.  Mango became the pacesetter inspiring Mototo, Munyole, and Muyobo to get on the knife.

When Mango visited his uncle in Kikayi (Buganda), he spread the practice among Bamaasaba. He later came back to Kenya and lived in Siritanyi for the rest of his life till he breathed his last; an icon, reformist and a great warrior with an out-of-this-world courage and bravery.

Achieving an incredible feat further united the Bukusu. The circumcision practice took root and was carried out every even year; whether during war or peace time. In the political sense, Mango breathed life into Bukusu Unity, making each clan to be a military unit. The community grew strong, and Mango became a great source of inspiration.

With fresh unity and a sense of purpose, circumcision greatly valued and no elder took a public office if there were uncircumcised. Circumcision was rejuvenated and became a sign of bravery and courage; done in commemoration of Mango a brave forerunner.

We can only admire our beautiful past and heroic deeds of the son of Bwayo. We can honor him by teaching our children to follow in his steps and make the vital connection to this beautiful history inspired by Mango.

A story is good, until another one is told ...

........END....