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Abagusii Chronology of History PDF Print E-mail
Written by Kisii.Com Admin.   
Tuesday, 24 July 2007 00:45

 

                                                                    DATES ON WORLD WAR I

08/08/1914

Marital Law declared

09/08/1914

Mr. Spencer D.C. to meet Mr.Horne at Kendu Bay

 10/08/1914

Mr.Dent ADC went to German/Anglico Border and Mr. Evans ADC went to Karunga to fetch      German SDA & wife.

11/08/1914

Theft shops Indian Tumbo, police shooting, panic, Germans come a lot of white troops. Daar-es-Salaam afraid of German invasion. 1 officer arrested.

21/08/1914

Germans took Taveta Station in Seyidia-province. False alarm of Germans coming in      Kitembe. Within 3/4 hour everything ready to march out. KARofficer sick to Kisumu.      No heliograph put up. Mr. Wright CMS of Masero joined volunteers and went with       6 boys to German border. Several Germans in bay near border. 4 Shirati crossed      border in 2 places, but returned.

23/08/1914

Spencer DC apologized for not calling fathers for alarm mobilization. Only   fr.Ross+Ferris would have to move in in case of German advance. Promised to send word when alarm.

25/08/1914

Order from Kisumu: Europ. Women and children to be sent there; men to look after      themselves. Chief Orinda called in; father thinks to have boats ready to evacuate in case no      boat at Kendu. All Kisii porters in Kitembu, required for eventual retreat; fled.

26/08/1914

Spencer sent letter of Ainsworth PC. European residents to Karungu, Homa and Kendu, where steamer is waiting, when Germans advance.   Fathers started digging hole to hide their things to prevent looting by Kisii & Mohammedans.      Hiding finished 29/08/1914 and 02/09/1914.

01/09/1914

Germans try to blow up railway between Voi and Mackinnon-roadstation. Report 8 Germans    and 200 Askaris near Kisii-district border. Looks likely Germans will raid into Kisii-district.

02/09/1914

Mr. Dent had come in from border, was returning today. Kisumu-Kisii connected by Heliograph.

 05/09/1914

Indian troops arrived at the coast.

08/09/1914

Fr.Ross asked Mr. Spencer if it was safe for fr.Stam to leave for Kisumu tomorrow.      From now onwards war in Kisii.

21/09/1914

Germans in great force-alarm Kitembe. Germans towards Hill Kericho.

 

 

 

DATES ON CHIEFS OF SOUTH BOGIRANGO

 

 

+ Before 1911 +

Oketchi continued during European rule.      Oketchi succeeded by Otino- Oino - Nyaboke - Obutu.

1932

Keru began as a chief.

1659

Ezron, chief, died.

1659-1956

Mouti chief.

1956- 

Ongubo chief.

 

 

 

DATES ON COLONIAL CONQUEST

 

 

1905

Northcote in Kisii district via Kisumu and Karungu.

12/09/1905

beginning October 1905: Punitive expedition against Kisii, led by  capt.Jenkins,      accompanied by Northcote. They came via Kericho.

1907 - Jan

Northcote settled in Kisii.

1908 - Jan.

Northcote settled in Kisii.

12/01/1908

Spearing of Northcote.

1908

Punitive expedition against Kisii, led by Lt.Col. Mackay

18/01/1908

Telegram dispatch by Sadler to Colonial Office London about spearing and   punitive action.

1908

Beginning February: Dispatch form Colonial Office (W. Churchill), disapproving punitive      expedition against Kisii. Replied action stopped 06/02/1907

1907

Osumba of Ramagi-clan South Nyakach was employed in building Getembe.

 

 

 

DATES ON EDUCATION IN KISII

 

 

+ Before 1928 +

Only catechumenates, where they taught reading, writing, a bit of arithmetic and      general knowledge. There was no Educational Department in the colony. All education was      voluntary missionary work.

1925

(around) Real education started.

1928

Nyabururu and Kisii school started

1938

Asumbi T.T.C. started by father Molenaar.

1935

There were no books in Ekegusii; There was a grammar class by father Stam.

16/12/1911

Fr. Brandsma attended Educational Board Meeting in Nairobi.

27/12/1911

Meeting fr.Wall - A.D.C. Captain Brook & Kisii chiefs.

24/01/1912

Fr.Brandsma writes to D.C. requesting assistance for boys of the Education Board Meeting.

25/01/1912

Fr.Brandsma wrote to Frs Bouma & Willox re-education and grants.

04/09/1912

Letter to D.C. about chiefs sons learning at Nyabururu.

 

 

 

DATES ON KISII WARS

 

 

Around 1820

Southern Abagusii revolted against Luo of East Nyokal under Moyande.

 till 1900

Getutu fought Luo of Mumbo.   Period of famine.  Battle of Kengere: Kisii-Luo . Sakagwa was a young man. Eburiya Sakagwa; Sakagwa prominent now.   Kisii-Luo

Around 1880

Battle of Sao Sao (or Migori River).      Kisii+Kuria+Luo - Kipsigis (Le Vinc)

1890s

Battle of Sao Sao.

1890s

Building of Chindwaki as protection against Kipsigis.

Around 1905

Kisii-Luo wars ended with coming of Europeans

1760-1907

Kisii enemies were: the Luo, Maasai and famine (Ogoto).

 

 

 

DATES ON ROMAN CATHOLIC MISSIONS

 

 

1911

Nyabururu mission opened by fr. Brandsma & Wall

1657

Gekeno mission opened by father Mole

1659

Gekeno mission gave birth to Rangenyo Mission

1659

Rangenyo mission opened by fr. Mol

12/01/1908

fr.Brandsma visited Kisii for the first time

1909

fr. Brandsma decided on Nyabururu plot

1901/1910

3 houses built by Mikaeli Butiko

1910 July

Saboke, Joyo, Otero, Kitembe sent to Kakamega

1911 Nov.

fr. Matthews appointed fr Brandsma & Wall to open Nyabururu

13/12/1911

fr. Brandsma & Wall arrived at Nyabururu

27/12/1911

Meeting fr. Wall - ADC Captain Brook & Chiefs

10/09/1912

letter applying for legal registration of marriages

31/10/1912

fr. Wall applies for Official Regulations rebuilding schools and placing  native Catechists

02/11/1912

Received regulations asked for 31/10/1912

02/11/1912

Application for building a school in Kisii Township by fr. Wall

 

 

 

DATES ON ORIGINS OF ABAGUSII

 

 

Around 1760

Abagusii migrated from Kano plain to Gelegele

 Around 1800

Abagusii routed from Gelegele in all directions by Masai

1800

Abagusii made contact with Luo of East Nyokal

1800/1820

The southern group of the Abagusii subjected to the Luo of East Nyokal

1820

Southern Abagusii revolted against Luo of East Nyokal under Moyande

1850/1870

Southern Abagusii fought among themselves about land issues

1820-1850

Getutu group under Nyakundi settled in Valley, West of Manga Ridge

 till 1900

Wars between Getutu and Luo of Mumbo. Kisii abandoned Nyanwanga Hill

1968

Several Kisii families brought under jurisdiction of Chief of East Kasiput

Around 1890

Abagusii were living near Igendia, near Kendu Bay

 Around 1905

Kisii-Luo wars ended with coming of Europeans

 Around 1750

Iron-industry in N.Mugurango

1928

First locust appeared in Kisii up to 1931

1932

Cattle for dowry were registered

1933

§A kind of plant was introduced in Kisii by the name of OMOGUTE
§First radio bought in Kisii

1934

Introduction of Coffee

1935

§Government introduction of education
§ A kind of disease called EKIEBENENI appeared

1937

§Dowry of seven cattle was established and registered
§African Courts introduced
§ Cattle vaccination against pneumonia introduced
§ Land boundary disputes started

1939

Cattle were confiscated for the second World War

1650

§Establishment of Headmen (now Asst. Chiefs)
§ Vaccination started

1653

Small pox vaccination and cattle dowry

1658

Abolition of cattle dowry

1957

Tea was introduced in North Kisii

1960

Grade cattle was introduced in Kiss and first given to Mr. L. Okenyi

1961

Floods in Kisii

1962

Army worms invaded the districts - Amakonde

1963

Kenya independence

1964

African Courts were abolished and Magistrate Courts started

1965

§ Land Adjudication started in Kisii
§ The spirit of harambee started to build roads, schools, bridges etc

1969

Population census

1973

Chikororo – Kisii Moran system was established to mainly defend Kisii – Masai border

1974

Eclipse of the sun

2000

The Birth of Kisii.Com

 

 


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Last Updated ( Friday, 08 February 2008 21:07 )
 
Gusii in the Colonial Era PDF Print E-mail
Written by Kisii.Com Admin.   
Monday, 23 July 2007 10:44

Two books have been written by Robert Maxon on the historical colonial period in Kenya especially among the Abagusii people. These two books are fascinating to read and shine a well deserved light on a period that was both critical to the current state and stature of the Gusii people and the surrounding neighbours. Below are brief excerpts from two books that he has written on the Gusii people. You highly are encouraged to purchase the entire books to educate yourself on this important, rich and critical period of the Abagusii people. Both books can be obtained through major book retailers.

  1. Conflict and Accommodation in Western Kenya - The Gusii and the British , 1907-1963
  2. Agrarian Transformation in Kenya 1930-1950

Robert Maxon Received his BA degree in History from Duke University , He taught high school history, English and Swahili in western Kenya from 1961 -1964. After returning to the United States, the author pursued graduate studies in Kenyan History at Syracuse University. Following field research ( 1968-69) in Kenya and Britain, he received a Ph.D in history in1972. Maxon has carried out further research in Kenya in 1972 and 1978-79. He has remained at West Virginia University since joining its history department in 1969 and currently holds the rank of professor. From 1983-1989 he served as department chairman.

 


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Last Updated ( Sunday, 09 March 2008 12:15 )
 
The Early migrations PDF Print E-mail
Written by Kisii.Com Admin.   
Saturday, 30 June 2007 14:13

The Gusii, together with the Kuria and Luhya, are among the earliest Bantu groups in Kenya, with at least part of their ancestors having arrived in the southwest of Kenya near Lake Victoria (Nyanza) at the beginning of the first millennium AD. Their subsequent history is somewhat confused, as it seems to involve two separate migrations of apparently unconnected people, who eventually merged with the original Bantu-speaking inhabitants of the lakeshore to become the Gusii.

One version has the bulk of the Gusii coming from Uganda (see Misri - myth or reality? below). Once in Kenya, they settled in the foothills of Mount Elgon, before moving south some five hundred years ago. The causes of this migration are said to have been either due to drought, or to conflict with the Nilotic-speaking Kipsigis, who are now part of the Kalenjin.

On the way, two generations stayed at Goye Bay on Lake Victoria, after which they headed to the Kano Plains, the disablingly hot, humid flatlands that lie between Kisumu and the western highlands. Here they lived for over a century in scattered homesteads over the plains, and it is was in Kano that the clan structure of the present-day Gusii began to take shape, in the form of four large families headed by warriors who led the migration south, and which became the Bassi, Girango, Sweta and Wanjare clans.

Then, presumably to flee the advance of the Nilotic-speaking Luo, they finally moved to their present location in the Gusii (Kisii) Hills.

The other version suggests that the Gusii came from the south of Lake Victoria, settled for a while in the Kano Plains where they presumably merged with the Gusii that had come from Mount Elgon, and together they then moved into the Gusii Hills.





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Last Updated ( Sunday, 01 July 2007 20:51 )
 
Origins of a name: Mogusii or Gwassi? PDF Print E-mail
Written by Kisii.Com Admin.   
Saturday, 30 June 2007 14:12
 
The name Gusii or Kisii has two possible origins. The more prosaic is that is comes from 'Gwassi', which was a place on the shores of Lake Victoria at which the Gusii are believed to have lived as fishermen before fleeing the Nilotes.

The more poetic explanation holds that a man called Mogusii was their founder, from whom the Gusii took their name (Abagusii means 'the people of Mogusii'). Mogusii lived in the late sixteenth-century, and was the great-great-great-grandson of a famous leader called Kintu. Also known as Muntu, Mundu and Wantu, Kintu is credited with having led the first Bantu migration from the semi-mythical place called Misri...



Misri - myth or reality?
Some oral histories tell the intriguing tale of a place called Misri, which was where the Gusii say they lived a long time ago. They don't know exactly where this place was, but they do know that life there was very hard, full of disease, famine and drought.

Kintu, the great-great-great-grandfather of Mogusii, crops up in this story as a very powerful leader. The name Kintu, incidentally, is also common in West Africa, and was the name of a number of kings and leaders.

The Gusii say that Kintu ruled over the ancestors of not only the Gusii, but the Maragoli, the Ganda, Kikuyu, Embu, Meru and the Kuria. The story of Misri is intriguing as it exists among other people, too: not just among the Kuria (who are historically very close to the Gusii - click here for their version of the myth), but also among the much more distant Meru - for their version of the Misri myth, see the section on Meru history.

At one time, continues the story, a prolonged drought decimated their livestock, so they decided to leave Misri. The migration was led by Kintu, who made a new home for all his people around Mount Elgon, probably some time before the fifteenth century. There they lived as hunters and gatherers, but they also cultivated millet and rice, and kept herds of cattle, goats and sheep. The population rose, and with it came quarrelling over grazing and hunting rights. This led to the dispersal of the population, although an alternative version of the history says that it was the arrival of the Kipsigis that pushed them out.

The first people to move away from Mount Elgon were the Ganda (now in Uganda), followed by the Soga. Another tradition relates that the ancestors of the Kikuyu, Embu and Mbeere were also at Mount Elgon, and moved east into the Rift Valley and across into central Kenya. This is odd, because as far as I know Mount Elgon does not feature in any of those peoples' oral histories.

Whatever, the Gusii stayed on at Mount Elgon for a few more decades until a very bad drought killed much of their livestock. The fruit trees withered and died, and the wild animals either perished or moved away.

When they left, they headed south under the leadership of a man named Osogo, until they reached the north-eastern shores of Lake Victoria. There, they wandered eastwards along the shore, until they arrived in the Kano Plains at the foot of Ramogi Hill (the mythical place of origin of the Nilotic-speaking Luo). Here they met a number of settled Bantu-speaking people, who were fishermen and cultivators of millet, bananas and root-crops. They also kept cattle, sheep and goats, and knew the art of working iron. The ancestors of the Gusii settled with these people, with whom one presumes they eventually merged.


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Last Updated ( Sunday, 01 July 2007 20:53 )
 
The Nilotic invasions PDF Print E-mail
Written by Kisii.Com Admin.   
Saturday, 30 June 2007 14:12
 
During the century that the Gusii were living in the Kano Plains, the Luo invasion of the north-eastern shores of Lake Victoria began, culminating in the total expulsion of the Gusii from the lakeshore by the eighteenth-century (the year 1755 is given in some versions, and 1770 in others).

The Luo were led by a famous warrior called Ramogi Ajwang', and were well versed in warfare, having fought their way south over several centuries through the western part of the Rift Valley. Being a cattle-herding people, the Luo were also more mobile than the predominantly agricultural Bantu living on the lakeshore. Some of the Bantu tribes were assimilated by the new-comers, but most chose to flee: some to the north and south, but mostly eastwards into the fertile hills flanking the lake.

Unfortunately, at the same time that the Luo were advancing around the lakeshore, the Maasai were advancing southwards along the Rift Valley to the east of these hills. Although the Maasai seem not to have come into contact with the Gusii at that time, the Nandi - who had been displaced by the Maasai - did. Having lost most of their herds to the Maasai, the Nandi (now part of the Kalenjin group) raided Gusii homesteads in search of fresh cattle.

So around 1770, Gusii elders called a big community meeting to find out what the people felt about a move southwards. They sent scouts to see where they could settle in peace. The best place seemed to be country near Kabianga in Kericho district.


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Last Updated ( Sunday, 01 July 2007 20:52 )
 
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