6 Kenyan Superheroines You Need to Know

What are your superpowers?

“Shujaa” is a Swahili word that means brave or courageous. It also refers to someone who is a hero. Here six of Kenya's greatest heroines are celebrated. They fought for their communities’ land, freedom and spiritual well-being, and they are revered by their communities to this day. We tell the stories of our past because we are proud of how far we’ve come, and to inspire our own stories.

1: Cierume - The Dancing Embu Warrior

Cierume was the dancing warrior from Embu, who killed men with her dancing stick, and went on to become a powerful, fearless leader.

In the end, Cierume lost her chieftainship as a result of a conspiracy by the jealous men. In spite of this, her legacy lives on and her name continues to inspire Embu women to show determination in everything they do.

2: Ciokaraine - The Brave Meru Warrior

Ciokaraine M’Barungu was a prominent female diviner, leader and human rights activist from Meru.

She is said to have been as famous as Cierume of the Mbeere and Wangu wa Makeri of the Gikuyu.

3: Hawecha - The Oromo Dreamer

At a time when men ruled the world and young women had no authority whatsoever, Oromo girl Hawecha gradually rose to a position of unprecedented leadership and power, becoming the most famous prophetess of the Oromo people.

4: Mekatilili Wa Menza- The Giriama Wonder Woman

Thought to have been born in the 1840s, Mekatilili is said to have been one of Kenya’s earliest freedom fighters.

5: Mepoho - The Giriama Magic Woman

The Magic Woman Mepoho was a Mijikenda diviner of repute. She would take part in a spiritual dance, through which – upon being possessed by a spirit – she could then prophesy. She could foretell of any calamities such as drought, famine or foods.

Mepoho also foretold the coming of the British colonialists, before the earth opened and she was swallowed alive.

6: Syokimau - The Kamba Oracle

Long before the coming of the white man, possession of supernatural powers was greatly revered among the Kenyan tribes. Of these tribes, only a few individuals could rival Syokimau of the Kamba for prophetic powers.