Abagusii people are easily noticeable for their strong cultural heritage, signature accent, and strong love for bananas. They are industrious with a good reputation in politics and business. Behind these successes is a long list of Kisii heroes and legends.
Inherent prosperity, fortune, and victories explain why the Kisii people still value their art and culture. Further down is a summary of Gusii heroes comprising those who went the extra mile to guard tribal values.
List of top 25 Kisii heroes and legends
Kisii warriors, prophets, foretellers, academicians, musicians, and athletes rank highly alongside other legendary Kenyans.
One trait that they all share in common is bravery, mapped with admirable leadership qualities.
1. Kisii warrior Otenyo Nyamaterere
The famous Otenyo Nyamaterere was a well-trained and experienced frontline Kenyan warrior in the fight against British Invasion.
Warrior Otenyo comes from Bogeka Ward, Kitutu Chache South, where he was born about 1880.
He grew under the care of his aunt Moraa Ngiti, a tough woman who had adopted him at a young age.
Otenyo rose to the status of a community war commander after launching a deadly attack against the British sponsored King’s African Rifles.
In one instance, Otenyo wounded Sir Geoffry Alexander Stafford Northcote at Manga Hill even though the British soldier was armed with a gun.
Otenyo’s glory sparked following the attack but was later captured and beheaded. His head was transported abroad and is presently preserved in a British Museum.
2. Kisii Prophet Sakawa of Nyakoe
Prophet Sakawa remains a mysterious Kisii legend to date. Many remember him as a man of wisdom, preferring silence.
Sakawa from Kitutu Chache was born in the 1840s. He grew to become a reliable forecaster fin all communal affairs.
Kisii Warriors relied on Sakawa insights for preparations on possible raids. The seer was equally famous as Prophet Eliamwamu. Others called him Sakawa of Nyakoe.
Sakawa rose to fame for accurately predicting the Sao Sao war between Kisii and Kipsigis raiders.
He also earned a top place among the Kisii Council of Elders for prophesying the 1905 British invasion way ahead of time.
Some believe that prophet Sakawa disappeared from among men as he sought comfort on his favourite wooden stool.
3. Gusii heroine Moraa Ng’iti
The famous Moraa Ngiti was a prophetess and a skilled traditional healer. She was a strong woman who dedicated her life to protecting all.
The popular Moraa Ngiti was born in the 1850s and lived until the 1920s. She was a bold wife to Ngiti, a reputable traditional healer husband.
Just like her nephew Otenyo, Moraa Ngiti predicted the European Invasion “Abarumbasi” of 1905. She also rose to the status of a seer and skilled woman at warfare.
Apart from raising the feared Otenyo, she composed several songs warfare songs against British colonialists.
The beheading of Otenyo did not stop Moraa Ngiti from her duties as a Kisii seer.
Records indicate that she continued to mentor young warriors until her old-age-death in 1929.
4. Nyandika Maiyoro a long-distance barefoot runner
Kenya’s long-distance runner, Nyandika Maiyoro, excited the world upon receiving a congratulatory message from the Queen of England.
Entering the racetrack late and barefoot did not stop Nyandika Maiyoro from giving Kenya an honorary win.
5. German-based philosopher Prof Joseph Nyasani
Kenyan scholar and Kisii professor Joseph Nyasani with 41 titles died in 2016 at the age of 80 years.
The father of six was a notorious german-based television personality and author.
Nyasani’s sharp brains broke a 300-year record through a Latin dissertation he authored in 1963.
Nyasani completed his doctorate studies at the University of Cologne and later proceeded to Ruhr-University of Bochum for law studies.
His multi-lingual capability in Spanish, Latin, Italian, French, English, Kiswahili, and Ekegusii remains a mystery to many.
6. Simeon Nyachae father Chief Musa Nyandusi
Jomo Kenyatta’s ally Chief Musa Nyandusi was a powerful leader during the colonial era, serving for more than 30 years until 1964.
Simeon Nyachae’s father was the first man from the land to own a car in 1943. In his earliest fleet were Chevrolet Sedan and Fordson.
It is from the family tree of Chief Musa Nyandusi that Abagusii sourced political leaders for decades.
The man of 15 wives and 100 children donated land for the establishment of Kisii High School. Similarly, he gave another piece for the construction of the modern-day Gusii Stadium.
Notably, Chief Nyandusi earned a couple of British Medals ‘Service to the Crown” for his unwavering leadership style.
Present day heroes in Gusiiland
The following heroes and heroes were recogned in 2021 by his excellence Uhuru Kenyatta, during a Mashujaa Day celebration held at Gusii Stadium.
1. Jared Nyambweke #59
Mr Nyambweke is a respected marathoner having crossed the borders to take part in international competitions.
For instance, he won a gold medal during the Nigeria Africa championships held in 2018.
Jared Nyambweke also scooped a bronze medal at the Yokohama world relay series – 2019.
In the same year, he took part in the celebrated USA penny relays.
Gold medals from the continental games Kenya, Poland World Relay series, and KDF games 2021 add to the long list of his glorious record.
2. Samson N. Onyancha #60
Mr Onyancha is a hero for promoting peace talks between Abagusii and the neighbouring Transmara people.
He is famed for initiating peace talks which have resulted in declining cases of cattle rustling between the Maasai and Kisii people.
3. Charles Asati Momesu #79 –top Gusii heroes
Veteran KDF soldier Charles Asati Momesu served in the disciplined forces for at least 30 years.
Asati who doubled up as an athlete is now a peace-minded citizen in various community projects within Nyamira County.
4. Jared Ochanda Mombinya #80
Jared Mombinya is not only a traditional musician but also a Kenyan peace ambassador.
He is an instrument of peace, especially in Nyamira County. Mombinya was spotted for his pivotal roles in peace committees and youth empowerment projects.
Stella Nyamosi received recognition for her outstanding roles in community development projects.
She is a long-serving educator of 35 years with a reputation for promoting education in Trans Nzoia County.
6. Fenny Kerubo #105
Evangelist Fenny Kerubo is an award-winning Kisii gospel musician.
She qualified into the list for demonstrating unequalled patriotism in her songwriting and performances.
7. Evangelist Douglas Otiso #106
The dramatic Otiso from Kisii County is an award-winning artist with several groove award nominations.
Exemplary performance during the Gusii Stadium held Mashujaa Day celebrations 2020 influenced his position in this list.
8. Boaz Areri #110
Kisii County-based producer, performer, and songwriter Dokta B real names are Boaz Areri.
The youthful artist is a hero for successfully coordinating Mimi ni Shujaa and Abanyangongo hits.
Besides, he has consistently demonstrated patriotism in his creative productions.
9. Benson Oseko Nyang’iti #130
Kisii County legendary Benson Oseko Nyangiti is the founder of Abagusii Council of Elders located opposite Kisii High School, only meters away from Kisii Town CBD.
He is a living treasure and an admiral in conflict resolution within Kisii County.
10. Makori Mangera #139
Makori Mangera from Kisii County received Mashujaa Day honour under the freedom fighter category.
He is among the few surviving Kenyan warriors of liberation and peace.
11. Yunes Bwari Zakayo #169
A career of 35 years as a teacher qualified the now-retired Yunes Bwari into the status of a Shujaa.
Apart from attending classes, she became an administrator in different Kisii County initiatives.
Yunes is a hero today out of the exposure she received while working in community development.
12. Dickson Manyange Ondwari #203
Sports personality Dickson Manyange is a regional hero in the Kenyan National Deaf handball team.
In 2018, he represented Kenya in the world Deaf handball competitions held in Brazil.
The crowns of Manyange include a Soya Award for people living with disabilities.
13. Richard Juma Okayo #215
Richard Okayo from Kiamokama is a Gusii hero is the caliber of Nyantika Maiyoro.
Mr Okayo is an aced athletics personality from the 60s. in 1968, he won an Olympic athletics bronze medal after finishing in the 7th position.
More top Kisii heroes and legends
The list of Kisii County legends is endless, with life-touching stories.
Here are some more Kisii legends in our history books.
Lawrence Sagini – first cabinet minister from Kisii
Several of these Kisii heroes are particularly noticeable for their influence and humanitarian service.
They all deserve recognition for their dedication and fearlessness at a time when the Kisii community was vulnerable.
Remembering heroes in Nyamira and Kisii Counties
If only we had enough monuments and archives to celebrate and recognize all Kisii heroes even in days to come.
Kisii heroes are the reason why Abagusii are the most successful across the country. They are founders of superior local systems among them Kisii customs and traditions.
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