In all the narratives of yesteryear, one legend of a great man has never been forgotten – that of Luanda Magere.
You see, even as you say his name, there is a shift in tone because the name ‘Luanda Magere’ means ‘mighty rock’! And indeed the man lived up to his name, standing as a beacon of hope to the Luo community.
The Luo’s only fought during the day time when the sun was overhead. Luanda was always at the front, his large figure and serious warrior-face leading the charge. The Luo’s were ever feuding with the tactful Nandi warriors, who always came to battle with victory at the forefront of their minds. Luanda would tear each Nandi warrior apart without breaking a sweat. When the Nandi would throw spears and arrows towards Luanda, the sharp tools would simply bounce off his dark skin and break on the ground. Truly a man of might!
In time that when the Nandi intended to face the Luo on the battlefield and word was came round that the mighty Luanda would be present, the Nandi would retreat and plan for another day.
As was after battle custom, the victorious community would raid the yielders of their livestock and their women. After one battle, Luanda took to Nandi land where he was offered the most beautiful Nandi woman. She was truly a sight to behold with her smooth calves and beaded ears and neck – regal amongst her tall and proud people. Luanda took her as his wife and she joined his homestead. She performed wifely duties obediently, acting as a second wife who had little say in the home.
One day Luanda fell ill while his first wife was out for the day. Luanda called for his beautiful Nandi wife.
“I am ill and I need my medicine,” he said. “Because my first wife is not around you will have to help me nurse my illness.”
The Nandi girl nodded and he gave further instructions. “You must make me medicine and come with a knife, and once you do, you will cut my shadow and place the medicine on it.”
It was certainly a strange way to cure an illness but the wife did as was instructed. In no time, Luanda was well again and strong.
His wife was impressed by his complete recovery and unbeknownst to her husband that one request completed her marriage mission. She sent word to her people of the secret of Luanda’s shadow. It was his weakness and their power.
Another battle was arranged. The Nandi vs the Luo. Armed with spears and shields the Luos already felt victorious having Luanda among them. Luanda charged at the Nandi but the battle took a surprising turn as hundreds of spears were thrown to the ground aiming at the great warriors’ shadow.
There was a loud thump, and dust filled the air as Luanda fell to his knees disempowered by the Nandi spears. In agony he writhed and his spirit left him. As his blood slowly seeped into the ground, his body turned to stone.
It is said that Luanda’s spirit roamed the Nandi land after that day, causing a great drought for years. His spirit continued to help the Luo elders and forever the stone that was once a man stands in the great plains.
Forever revered.
Kina cha maisha ni bora kuliko urefu wake.