Mugwe: The Legendary Leader

Do you know the story of how the Ameru community came to settle in their present-day home, at the foot of Mount Kenya? Legend has it that a long time ago, the Ameru were enslaved on an island called Mbwaa by “The Red People”. The conditions of their enslavement were brutal and dehumanising, and the Ameru made every effort to escape. It is said that they were finally able to flee to freedom when the Red Sea parted for them. The Meru were overcome with gratitude towards their god, Mulungu. Not wanting to repeat the events of the past, Meru elders made a sacrifice to Mulungu to ask for a leader who would guide the younger generations and ensure the prosperity of their community. In answer to their prayers, Mulungu appointed Mugwe.

Mugwe is the spiritual leader, diviner and medicine man of the Meru tribe. Each of the nine Meru sub-tribes (Igoji, Imenti, Tigania, Mitine, Igembe, Mwimbi, Muthambi, Chuka, Tharaka) had their own Mugwe. Mugwe acted as a go-between for the Ameru and Mulungu. He performed various sacrifices and made offerings on behalf of his community. His other duties included healing the sick and blessing community members before special and important occasions including initiation, marriage, war and expeditions. Mugwe could also foretell the future. He would warn the Ameru soldiers of imminent attacks on the community, which gave them sufficient time to prepare for battle.

Mugwes were considered to be magical beings who could not die. Therefore, not just anyone in the community could become a Mugwe. For one to be a Mugwe, they had to be a descendant of a Mugwe. Usually, this was the first son of the first wife of the Mugwe. Even then, there were specific behaviours expected of those who were to become the community’s spiritual leader. The person was to have no blemishes, whether physical or moral, they were not allowed to over-indulge in alcohol or be unfaithful to their partner and they were banned from engaging in any physical labour or wars. In return, the community would cater for the Mugwes needs.

The ancient practice of having Mugwes has died out in most Meru sub-tribes, apart from Tharaka, which still has a Mugwe. We salute these shujaas for protecting their communities!

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