Kiboye: The Story of the Saving Abasuba Warrior

Kiboye: The Saving Warrior (Abasuba community) (2020) by Shujaa StoriesNational Museums of Kenya

Kiboye: The Saviour Warrior of the Abasuba
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Kiboye: The Saviour Warrior of the Abasuba
The canoe violently rocked back and forth, and some water entered Kiboye’s eyes. He cursed under his breath as he looked into the waters that surrounded the canoe. The waves were rising and crashing against the canoe, startling its occupants and making them shiver with fear and cold. Kiboye was anxious, he knew that the lake was angry. And he knew that this was probably because of what he had done before he fled.

Kiboye: The Saviour Warrior of the Abasuba
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A few moons before, Kiboye had been in the kingdom of Buganda, when some interesting news reached him. Apparently, Semakooikoro, the brother of Kabaka Junju had returned from exile because he was the rightful heir to the kingdom and was going to take the Kabaka’s seat by force. Life was about to get exciting.

Kiboye: The Saviour Warrior of the Abasuba
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Kiboye formed a rebel army drawn from the Abakantu and joined Semakooikoro in his quest. The two planned an attack during which Kiboye killed Kabaka Jjunju. Further, drunk on the Abakantu victory, Kiboye severely mutilated the dead man’s body.

When he heard the news, Semakooikoro was horrified. Killing Jjunju was not part of the plan. As the newly appointed Kabaka, Jjunju’s death would tarnish his reputation. Therefore, he ordered for the Abakantu to be killed. However, when the Abakantu learned about this plan, they fled, led by Kiboye.

Kiboye: The Saviour Warrior of the Abasuba
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That was how they found themselves on the rocky waters of Lake Nalubaale, sailing away to an unknown destination.

After what seemed like days, they arrived at an island, called Mfangano. Kiboye’s brother, Wetewe, decided to stay on this island with part of the group.

Kiboye and the remaining people proceeded with the journey. They soon arrived at another island called Eluzinga.

Kiboye: The Saviour Warrior of the Abasuba
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However, as the two groups settled in their new homes, internal wars started between them. And so, for the four decades preceding colonial domination, the two groups constantly jostled for power over the two islands.

Many things have since changed. Eluzinga is now called Rusinga island, Lake Nalubaale has become Lake Victoria and the Abakantu have become known as the Abasuba.

Kiboye: The Saviour Warrior of the Abasuba
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However, the legend of Kiboye, the saviour warrior of the Abasuba, continues to linger from generation to generation.

Kiboye's legacy lives on
Islands such as Rusinga which are located within Lake Victoria are important nesting sites for migratory birds. They are also spawning grounds for fish. This may have played an important role in why the Suba people settled in such an area – nature would provide food and other essential services for them.

Credits: Story

Credits: Story
Research field work was undertaken in Samburu and Marsabit (for Gabbra, Samburu, Rendille, Saakuye, Dasanach, Elmolo, Waayu a.k.a Waata, and Burji superheroes/heroines), Embu and Tharaka (for Aembu, Tharaka, Ameru and Mbeere superheroes/heroines), Mombasa ( for Boni, Swahili, Pokomo, Segeju and Bajuni superheroes/heroines)and Taita-Taveta/Voi (for Taveta superheroes/heroines) capturing all information about the heroes from the 40 selected ethnic groups/communities by Museum’s research team. The illustrations were done using digital media by Shujaa Stories Limited.


National Museums of Kenya - Contributors
Mzalendo Kibunjia (PhD) - Director General
Purity Kiura (PhD) - Director Antiquities, Sites & Monuments
Julias Juma Ogega - Senior Curator/Research Scientist
Njuguna Gichere - Research Scientist
Lydia Gatundu - Art of Curator
Emmanuel Kariuki - Exhibit Designer
Philemon Nyamanga - Curator/Research Scientist
Mercy Gakii - Curator/Research Scientist
Imelda Muoti - Curator/Archivist
Innocent Nyaga - Marketing Officer
Suzanne Wanjaria - Exhibits Designer
Ray Balongo Khaemba - Senior Collection Manager
Raphael Igombo - Education Officer
Eddy Ochieng – Photographer/Videographer


Concept Developer:
Shujaa Stories Ltd


Creative Direction:
Tatu Creatives Ltd
Shujaa Stories Ltd


Shujaa Stories Ltd – Contributors
Masidza Sande Galavu - Illustrator
Jeff Muchina- Editing
Martha Shavuya Galavu - Illustrator
Brian Kiraga – Research and Writing
Daisy Okoti - Editing
Shani Mutarura - Editing
Juelz Laval – Photography/Videographer
Linda Tambo - Photography


Other Contributors
Nature Kenya- The East Africa Natural History Society (EANHS)
Spellcast Media


Date Created:
2019/2020


Location Created:
Kenya

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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