The rush of water gushing down the 70-metre-high cliff is the only indication of the existence of a waterfall in Leseru town. Located on the outskirts of Eldoret, Koromosho Falls is an inconspicuous site tucked away from curious eyes by the lush landscape. The falls characterize the sudden break of the Sosiani River 80 kilometres from its source in the Kaptagat Forests as it plunges over the granite escarpment and into the winding valley below.
In addition to being well hidden by its surroundings, Koromosho Falls also conceals an enormous cave behind its cascades. This cave is home to bats that only venture out in search of food, otherwise spending their lives in this damp dark cavity. The mist that hangs in the air around the cave opening gives the tale an even more eerie feel.
Previously christened Selby Falls in honour of renowned British hunter Harry Selby, this new name did not bode well for area residents. While maps drawn during the mid-20th century embraced this change in nomenclature, the Kalenjin community residing in Leseru held fast to the Maasai word Koromosho which means monkey. The abundance of these primates in the region was the rationale behind this name choice and with time, the term Selby was swept away by the prevailing desire to maintain the falls’ original moniker.
Despite the undeniable beauty of Koromosho Falls, the place holds a sad and dark history. Years ago, this waterfall was the place where the old Kalenjin men and women came to put an end to their lives. These were community members who believed they had exploited their societal productivity and did not want to be perceived as burdens to their families. On a designated date, they would bid their families goodbye and gather at the top of the cliff to sing their final songs. After a brief prayer, they would hold hands before jumping to their death. There were no burial rites held for them, since their bodies washed downstream and were eaten by wild animals. This practice, which is referred to as sheu, was quite common but was only restricted to the elderly.
Even with its melancholic past, Koromosho Falls definitely has a bright side to it, literally. The kinesis of water as it makes its way through the riverbed is harnessed for electricity production. The Sosiani Hydro Power plant, which is situated upstream of this waterfall, was established in 1955 by the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen). This plant currently contributes 0.4 megawatts of power to the national grid.
Have you visited Koromosho Falls before? Perhaps even caught sight of the bats that live in its cave? Share the stories and secrets of this waterfall with us.