Son of Ogada and Atoka Nyokado. 
Grandson of Ogallo. 
Borne of the Kanyamwa people.

His name was Gor.

Born at the end of the 18th century on the shores of the lake of the Kavirondo, Gor Obunga was named in honour of one of his forefathers – Obunga Osewe. While his father had over twenty wives, he stood out as the only son of his mother, a position that gave him a special place in her homestead.

His grandfather Ogallo was known by many as a powerful chief, with powers of prescience and healing. When Gor was about five years old the revered Ogallo visited Ogada’s homestead. One by one each of Ogada’s 22 wives were called with their sons to receive a blessing from the elderly man. Each received a blessing and a choice cut from a bull that had been slaughtered for the occasion.

When Gor was brought forward by Atoka to receive his blessing as a grandson things changed. When the old man heard his name he paused – this was the son who carried the spirit of Obunga. Slowly he shook his head and put the meat aside. This child would receive a different blessing. He picked up ash from the remnants of the fire and turning them round and round in his hand pronounced mysterious words over them before placing the ash in Atoka’s basket, and giving her strict instructions to bury the ashes in her hut. Her co-wives laughed at her, not knowing that Gor had received the most powerful blessing of all.

Time would unveil the power of the consecration.

Gor soon began to exhibit mystical and magical powers even in youth – strength and foresight that would provide both warnings and prosperity to the people of Kanyamwa in Homa Bay. Legend has it that even Ogallo was amazed by the powers of his grandson.

In time he was given the name Mahia – which denotes strange and powerful. By the time he clocked youth Gor became the leader of his people.

Gor Mahia was said to have had the ability to not only fight and overcome wild animals, but also to transform himself into them. With the ability to command animals as his warriors he was feared throughout the land. Coupled with that was his vast knowledge of herbs that would enable him to heal the sick.

Gor Mahia lived for over 120 years and died in 1922 not far from where he was born. The location of his resting place is in Ruma National Park marked by the Oribi Guest House. No one is allowed to pick even a single leaf from the area even though many have tried as the spirit of the great man is never to be disturbed.

Gor Mahia… mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.