Naweza
Based on true stories?
Written by Thynna Ngangura
I
It is said that her ancestors had crossed a
vast land in the Great Lakes region of Alkebu-Lan (known today as Africa) in
search of fertile farmland for agriculture and cattle breeding.
Two brothers, Mwaza and Chibwire left the
Bukunzi, eastern land of their forefathers, and embarked with their families on
a journey towards the West.
Moons after moons, they walked.
Until one day, their journey changed course.
“We’ve been walking endless days and nights,
Mwaza. Our wives and children are exhausted. We can’t impose more strain on our
cattle” said Chibwire, ready to settle at this very point.
“We are not there yet”
answers Mwaza.
“How do you know?”
“Let’s send him
hunting. We can rest for a while and we will continue our walk when he returns”
says Mwaza as he prepares to send off his hunter dog.
Days passed. The
dog never returned.
One morning, as the sun was rising on our nomads’
camp…
“I received a message from the ancestors. The
sign will appear to us and we will know where to settle; we have to continue
our journey” says Mwaza to Chibwire.
“The dog didn’t
come back, Mwaza. I know you are devastated by this loss. What other message do
you want our ancestors to show us? I am staying here” replies decisively Chibwire.
“Fine. Stay. I will
resume the voyage until I see the sign. They said a special bird will lead us to
a place we will call home. That place is not here. Not for me.”
Chibwire and his family stayed in Mbobero, in the region of Kabare.
Mwaza, his family, cattle and shepherds left. The two brothers never
saw each other again.
