PamojaTwasikia

 Today Kakamega District is inhabited predominantly by Wanga people – one of 17 sub-ethnic groups of the Abaluyia of Western Kenya In recent times Mumias has been dominated by the sugar cane industry, with the Mumias Sugar Company Limited being the largest sugar manufacturer in Kenya, producing around 42% Kenyas annual sugarcane output. In 2008 the Nabongo Cultural Centre and shrine was opened, preserving cultural traditions and artifacts. The grounds also house a mausoleum containing the graves of previous Wanga kings. The opening was attended by Nabongo Peter Mumia II, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, and ministers James Orengo and Fred Gumo.

 Traditional Luhya homestead at the Nabongo Cultural Centre and Shrine In 1926, the new Colony and Protectorate of Kenya redefined the Wanga Kingdom’s territory to be the equivalent of the modern Western Provence in Kenya today. This act led to the eventual loss of any meaningful political power the Wanga Kingdom had possessed, although Nabongo Mumia remained powerful and influential until his death in 1949. During the colonial period, other tribes in Kenya such as the Kikuyu people, the Kamba people, the Kalenjin people under Koitalel Arap Samoei, and the Giriama people under Mekatilili Wa Menza all initially resisted British rule. Due to their resistance to colonial rule the British did not extend comparable influence in colonial Kenya during the Scramble for Africa, the British alliance thus led to the prominence of the Wanga kingdom. The Anglo-Wanga collaboration and trade with Arab/Swahili slavers became profound at a time when most communities of north and central interior of...

 The Wanga kingdom is a Bantu kingdom within Kenya, consisting of the Wanga (Abawanga) tribe of the Luhya people (Abaluyia). At its peak the kingdom covered an expansive area from Jinja in west to Naivasha in the East African Rift. The Wanga kingdom was a significant African empire and the most organized structure of government in pre-colonial Kenya politically, economically, and militarily. In 2016 the Wanga numbered around 700,000, mostly occupying the Kakamega County, Western Province, Kenya. The seat of power is located in Mumias. The Wanga are one of 19 tribes of the Luhya people. There are 22 clans that comprise the Wanga tribe. The Wanga retain the Nabongo, as their monarch. The Abashitse clan holds the royal lineage of the Nabongo. The current Nabongo is Peter Mumia II. Etymology The name Wanga is eponymous, originating from name of the kingdoms founder, Nabongo Wanga. The name Wanga refers to the people as well as their descent and geographical location. The origin of the ...

 Nabongo Wabala, Nabongo Murono and Nabongo Musui After the death of Wanga, there was a dispute between his sons over succession. Wabala, Wanga’s appointed successor quarreled with his elder brother, Murono over succession rights. Wabala was assassinated in Bukhayo, allegedly at Murono’s instigation. Murono was briefly Nabongo before Wabala’s son, Musui defeated him in battle. Following his defeat, Murono crossed Nzoia River and established a separate centre near present day Matungu around 1679-1706. Nabongo Netya Nabongo Netya reigned over the Wanga Kingdom c.1760-1787. During this time there were several clans in the Wanga kingdom. They included Murono’s clan on the right bank of River Nzoia, Abamuima’s clan at Imanga (Between modern day Mumias and Butere) another at Matungu and Netya’s in Elureko (modern day Mumias). Netya attempted to bring all these centers under his control with varying degrees of success. During the reign of Nabongo Netya, land disputes lead to conflict betw...