The scramble and partition of Africa in the 19th century was driven by European desire for territorial expansion. In their bid to amass more wealth, they claimed large tracts of land for themselves. But these lands were never theirs to take. They were already inhabited by African communities who had built homes, cultures, religions, and traditions that had close ties to the land.
After laying claim to Ukambani as a part of the East Africa Protectorate, the British built a fort in Masaku, the heart of Ukambani. This cemented British dominance over the Akamba community, and they lost their independence in more ways than one. To begin with, they were forced to start paying large sums of taxes. As renowned long-distance traders, the Akamba made a living by ferrying goods from the coast to the inland regions. The heavy levies destabilized their income source and their prominence in this trade route. Ancestral lands were also confiscated and converted into white settlements. Women were raped and men were killed during confrontations with British soldiers. The Akamba took all of this in stride until one major decision changed the course of events.
Ithembo (fig) trees held a lot of spiritual significance among the Kamba. They were sacred spaces that were used as shrines. In 1890, when the British cut down a large Ithembo tree to use as a flagpole at Masaku Fort, this became the straw that broke the camel’s back. This was not only an affront to Akamba culture, but also to their faith. This spurred one woman into action, her name was Syonguu wa Kathukya.
Born and raised in Ukambani near Athi River, Syonguu exhibited incredible abilities. Syonguu had the ability to foresee the future, and she used this ability to help her people prepare for adversity. When the Ithembo tree was cut down, she ordered warriors from the hills of Iveti to attack the fort. Unsurprisingly, the name Iveti means ‘women’ in Kamba, perhaps a tribute to the strength of female Akamba leaders like Syonguu, and other celebrated ones like Syokimau and Syotune.
The fort was stormed and the warriors fought valiantly, but Syonguu’s army was considerably weakened after the capture and surrender of two of the most gallant Iveti warrious, Nzibu Mweu and Mwana wa Muka. Once they were overpowered, Syonguu was forced to abandon the struggle.
She might have lost the battle, but Syonguu wa Kathukya certainly did not lose the war. She inspired a whole community into action to fight for their independence. She is remembered for being a great seer as well as a formidable resistance leader.
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