The Heritage Site of Lamu

It’s Monday afternoon and Sankan has just arrived home from school. She runs to the door where her mother waits on her. Sankan’s face looks like she’s bursting to share with her mother what her day was like.

“Hi, mum! I learned a new word today!” Sankan says taking off her school shoes by the door.

 “Well, what did you learn?” Her mother asks.

“The word heritage. It means something that has been passed down for generations. I learned it when we studied county number 5!” Sankan says. She gets her shoe brush and shoe polish before sitting by the door to polish her shoes.

“Did you know that Lamu has had people living there every day for the past 700 years?” She asks, dusting her right shoe.

“Yes I do, I also know that Lamu hosts Kenya’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and in 2001 it attained the title Heritage site.” Her mother says, sipping on her tea. “That is because Lamu is still in its natural state and the people there still embrace their culture.” She adds.

Sankan explains to her mom the beautiful pictures of Lamu that her teacher used to teach them about county number 5. “Mum, have you been to Lamu?” she asks while opening her tin of shoe polish.

“Yes, I have. I once worked there.” Her mother replies looking nostalgic. “On my first weekend in Lamu, I rode a donkey to Lamu Fort and the German post office.” Sankan’s mother adds.

“People can ride donkeys? Do they still ride them?” Sankan asks, shocked.

“Yes, they do. Cars are not allowed. Only donkeys for road transport and dhows for transport on water.” Her mother replies.

Sankan’s mother continues with wonderful stories about Lamu. She explains the beautiful architecture of the Riyadha Mosque where Prophet Muhammad’s birth is celebrated.  

“ My favorite is the annual yoga festival with classes on the beach and people from all over the world attending. Oh, Sankan we really must go this year,” mum says with delight on her face.

“Lamu is a fascinating place to live,” Sankan says, closing her tin of shoe polish.

“I heard they had a German post office yet Kenya was colonized by the British?” Sankan asks.

“That’s true, however, one of the Lamu towns called  Witu was the only place in Kenya that was a German protectorate.” Sankan’s mother explains.

“Aha, now that makes sense. I would love to visit Lamu someday.” Sankan says as she blows air from her mouth onto the shoes she has been polishing.

“County 005 really is an interesting place mum.” I have more things to narrate tomorrow when we review what I learnt today.” Sankan admits to her mother.

Sankan’s mother smiles before whispering, “Let me tell you one more interesting tidbit, a secret. 

Sankan smiles as she leans closer to her mother. “Tell me,” Sankana whispers back. 

“Okay. Witu Town became fully independent and was ruled by a Sultan called Fumo Umar ibn Ahmad until 1923.” Mother discloses.

“Initially, Witu was a hideout for people escaping enslavement in Zanzibar. When it became independent, it welcomed visitors of different kinds, and these visitors intermarried with the local community. “Sankan’s mother finishes.

“Wow! Lamu a town against slave trade!” utters Sankan as she rises to arrange her pair of shoes on the shoe rack.