Kilumi. It might sound like a mundane word, yet the power it possesses is enough to move a people into action. Between 1911 and 1913, one shujaa harnessed the power and the art of Kilumi to mobilize her people, her name was Syotune wa Kathuke.
In times of war, communities turned to religion and the beliefs they held dear to ascertain victory over their foes. The Akamba were no different and in fact, were revered for their supernatural capabilities. Born in the mid 1800s, Syotune was a strong leader who was well versed in the performance of Kilumi, a sacred dance Kilumi was performed by women and accompanied by chants during exorcisms which were conducted by men.
By 1901, the effects of colonialism had begun to take root. Hut tax and poll taxes were mandatory, and fertile lands had been reallocated to British settlers. This did not bode well with many of the Akamba, including Syotune. In the face of these trying times, she chose to forge a path to freedom for herself and her people. In 1911, she formed a women’s resistance movement to counter colonialism. At the time, this was a new concept and by itself might not have worked well, but Syotune understood the importance of tradition to her people and used this knowledge to fuel her cause. Using Kilumi dance, she founded an organization known as Ngai Ngoma or The Dance of God through which she mobilized women to demonstrate against colonial rule. With the assistance of a man named Kiamba, her efforts became the spark needed to ignite a major anti colonial movement by Kamba women.
Ngai Ngoma’s influence grew steadily over time and Syotune recruited spies who worked as her informants. Through this network, she protested taxation and menial jobs given to Africans, and demanded the return of cattle and land confiscated by Europeans.
Syotune ran this organization successfully until 1913, when the threat it posed to colonial leadership became evident. Troops were sent to Ukambani to suppress Ngai Ngoma and arrest its leader. Shortly after her arrest, Syotune was exiled to Kismayu, where she remained for two years before returning to her homeland.
Syotune wa Kathuke: warrior of the wilderness. We remember her for her fierceness and fearlessness, a true shujaa!