A pivotal moment in The Bukusu history

 

Here’s a glimpse into a pivotal moment in The Bukusu history, a tale of bravery, resistance, and the clash of cultures during colonial expansion.

The story begins with Nubian soldiers, also known as the Uganda Rifles, and mercenaries preparing for an assault on The Bukusu in 1893. Leading this formidable force was Semei Kakungulu, a prominent chief of Busoga and commander of Baganda fighters. Kakungulu would later go on to establish the Abayudaya community in Uganda, which embraced Jewish practices.

The tensions arose from a growing problem of desertion among porters traveling from the coast to Mumias. Many abandoned their caravans in Kavirondo (Nyanza and Western regions), lured by the abundant food supply. Some deserters fled with rifles, which were highly prized by local chiefs. As British administrator Mr. Spire noted, “Native chiefs loved to have gunmen in their entourage for prestige.” Bukusu chiefs even offered cattle in exchange for rifles, intensifying the issue.

Spire attempted to curb this by warning chiefs that the rifles were government property, but the warnings fell on deaf ears. Resorting to force, he sent 25 Nubian soldiers to demand the return of rifles from Chief Majanja’s village. However, Spire underestimated the Bukusu’s strength and supplied his soldiers with limited ammunition. When a soldier’s gun accidentally discharged during negotiations, it triggered an overwhelming response from the Bukusu warriors, who swiftly defeated the soldiers.

When Charles Hobley succeeded Spire as administrator, his first task was to demand compensation from the bukusu Chief for the slaughtered soldiers. Negotiations failed, and the Bukusu chiefs, emboldened by their victory, refused to attend peace talks, threatening to attack Mumias instead.

Faced with imminent danger, Hobley called for reinforcements from Uganda. William Grant of Busoga arrived with Nubian soldiers, 1,000 Baganda fighters under Kakungulu, and additional support from Wanga spearmen and 100 Maasai mercenaries. Even Captain Sitwell of the British Army’s Royal Dublin Fusiliers joined the operation, though Grant retained command due to his experience.

The expedition marched toward Bukusu territory, crossing the swollen River Nzoia in precarious canoes over two days. Upon reaching a fortified Bukusu village, the force attempted to breach the walls. Despite using a Hotchkiss gun and deploying Baganda fighters, the Bukusu warriors fiercely defended their village, repelling attacks with spears and overwhelming the soldiers.

Grant adjusted his strategy, using a Maxim gun to breach the wall while repositioning troops. The village was eventually captured and burned, though the Bukusu resistance inflicted heavy losses on the expedition. Meanwhile, Maasai mercenaries attacked another fortified Bukusu village, creating chaos with flaming arrows.

Hobley’s memoirs recount the bravery of the Bukusu fighters, including one warrior who charged at him and Captain Sitwell, undeterred by gunfire. The warrior was only stopped by a close range pistol shot.