Bunge Lentupuru: The Ferocious Warrior

Over 100 years ago, Bunge Lentupuru was born in the Ilchamus community of Mukutani, a place some distance away from Lake Baringo. He was a healthy child who grew quickly and was proactive. Among his brothers, he was the strongest, a quality that earned him favour with his father.  

Lentupuru was also a quick learner. At the tender age of seven, he understood the way of life of his people. The Ilchamus were hunter-gatherers, farmers, and fishermen. This little boy upheld these practices by herding his father’s cattle and protecting them from predators, as well as learning how to fish and hunt.  

During his teen years, Lentupuru, like every other Ilchamus male, had to undergo moran training to become a warrior. Moran training was no easy feat – it consisted of isolated survival in the bush, learning the community’s customs, and finally undergoing the most important rite of passage: circumcision. Lentupuru proved himself during his training and developed courage, strength, and endurance. He also learnt how to protect his people during war under the spiritual guidance of the Laibon (medicine man). After this initiation, he joined the moran age-set called Ibaricho.  

One day, as Lentupuru was grazing his father’s cattle some distance away from home, he encountered a pride of ng’etuny (lions). The lions were on the hunt and attacked the biggest bull in the herd, which was also his father’s favourite. A cry went up from his lips asking other morans who were herding their cattle nearby for help. Nobody responded quickly enough and so Lentupuru leaped into action; his moran training had prepared him for such an eventuality. Armed only with a ng’otit (spear), Lentupuru charged for the lioness leading the pride and punctured its belly. It died instantly. This caused the most ferocious lioness in the pride to lunge for him. Lentupuru drove his spear through its throat and took it down as well. The rest of the pride let go of his father’s bull and scampered for safety.  

That night, a great feast was held in honour of Lentupuru. The young sang about his bravery, while the old uttered words of blessings to him for it. Other morans of the Ibaricho age-set showered him with gifts.  

Lentupuru later married two wives who bore him seven children. In 1975, in present day Kiserian Location in Mukutani Ward, Baringo County, the Orkoik council of elders recognized the bravery of Bunge Lentupuru and declared him a Laibon and an Orkoiyot (chief leader). 

He is remembered to date as a hero among heroes. 

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