Bukusu Sacred Places

 

Every community has places of cultural significance, in which the people have spiritual connection to their inner self.

All around the world, religions (including Abrahamic religions- Christianity, Islam and Judaism) recommend their followers to visit their holy places at least once every year. These include the Western Wall, Cave of Abraham, Makar or the Vatican.

In African spirituality, certain places are held as sacred due to spiritual renewal, healing or carrying out specific rituals.

As part of the colonial project, the pink man demonized our way of spirituality, shamed us for speaking our tongue, and even destroyed our revered places.

Among the Babukusu and Bukusu speaking clan groups, the following are some of places with spiritual significance;

1.     Bukusu Hill in Masaaba (overlooking Tororo town); where old accounts narrate how the body of Maina Nalukale transformed having been disgraced by Namunguba, wamwikeleka mungubo (had an affair with his youngest wife). What was the mystery of the busaa pots following Maina’s disappearance connect to this ancient hill? And how did the lake in Ebukobelo connect to the tears of this diviner?

 

2.     Mwiala lia Mango: Mango from the house of Bwayo of the Bakhurarwa clan, is known to restart the practice of circumcision among Babukusu in 1700s. He was a daring and courageous warrior who took on the menacing snake serpent of Yabebe. His heroic conquest meant a great deal to Babukusu. The events in this cave changed the history and pride of Babukusu, even in the eyes of Barwa neighbors.

 

3.     Sikulu sia Buyemba and Bubuya: Learn about the contest on Buyemba hill involving kamabele kamayu and kamabou.

 

4.     The Forts of Kitalie, Lumboka and Mumia: They were places that fearsome Bukusu warriors waged war with colonial invaders. Wakoli Omusawa Sikala, son of Mukisu Lufwalula (Omuyemba Omukhayama) led the conquest at Lumboka in 1895.

 

5.     Sikulu sia Chetambe: The survivors of Lumboka made a formidable stand against colonialist in last memorable war at Chetambe hill. In the ultimate sacrifice, hundreds of warriors gave their sweat, blood and even life on this mountain.

 

6.     River Khamukoya: From the lineage of Makutukutu, Mango’s forerunner, there arose a rarely gifted diviner- Manyi Omukhurarwa. In quest to finish off Barwa Banamulinge, a team of Bukusu warriors approached Manyi for counsel; Mamayi Wamamba, Wesi wa Mukwele, Mayote wa Manana, and Yusia wa Weng’ang’a among others. Despite sound counsel, they are misled resulting in an unimaginable slaughter in this river.

 

7.     Mwibale lia Namakanda (’Sikele Sia Mulya’’) in Sang’alo; Learn the legend of Mulia  Omulunda, a man with uncanny powers. How could he manage to leave his and animals’ footprint on bare rock?

 

8.     Others include; Luukulu lwa Masaaba (Mt. Elgon), River Malaba (Lwakhakha) and Kumufunje (the swinging River Nzoia crossing)

 

These and other places hold immense significance to Bukusu community. They connect us to the past, to those who walked before us. As we learn their stories, we connect with them, and understand our authentic identity as a people. Learn about these places and visit them, whenever you can. They carry our sacred history and cultural weight.

I have spoken.