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| Kit-Mikayi: The Historic Rock |
Kit-Mikayi are unique sedimentary rocks located in
Kisumu West District, Kisumu County along Kisumu-Bondo road. The rocks are
arranged in a rather amazing way.
One would want
to ask how or who arrange the rocks that way. According to Geologists, the
rocks were once beneath the earth surface but due to continuous soil erosion
they became exposed showing the great architecture by God. It has excellent
scenery while standing on top being blown by cool breeze.
Tales
of the Rock
The word Kit Mikayi is a word in the Luo language
when loosely translated means ‘rock of the first wife’. Luo custom allows
polygamy and men can marry as many women he pleases. I guess you can remember
the late Akuku danger who was famous for marrying over 50 women. Polygamy
therefore is perfectly normal this sides of the world.
The rock in ancient times was the home of the leader
of a Luo warrior of the Seme clan who have settled in that area. All weapons
including spears and arrows were sharpened on the rock before the warriors
could go to engage in battles with the Abaluhya and Abagusii who wanted to take
over the land. Before going to war, all the warriors could convene at the rock
for prayers where they would be blessed by the religious leader. The leader
used to stay on the rock together with his first wife hence the name
Kit-Mikayi. All other wives would bring food in a rotational basis. The rock is
arranged in such way that it forms some sort of house that has rooms ranging
from bedroom to resting place.
The
Hole and Holy Water
There is a hole
in between the rocks that the area residents believe that runs through to Lake
Victoria. They claim that a man once slipped and entered the hole only his
lifeless body to be found in Lake Victoria three days later. This information
has not been verified so the truth is not known. Next to the hole, there is a
curved rock that holds water which is believed to be holy water. People come
from far and wide to fetch the ‘holy water’ for cleansing and healing purposes.
Traditional religious sects like the Legio Maria come to the rock to fetch the
holy water and sometimes fast for several days.
Improved
Management
The rock
attracts thousands of tourists who are amazed by this marvelous feature. This
has brought with it lots of revenue that the residents often disagreed on how
to share it. The rock is under the jurisdiction of the local government, Kisumu
County Council who seem not to be bothered by the rock leaving it to the locals
to manage it. The wrangles however came to a stop when minister for
co-operative visited the area and launched Kit-Mikayi Co-operative Sacco which
are now managing the facility. This has led to increased revenue collection and
better services. There was a time when locals could emerge from all directions
when they see visitors approaching the rock each one of them demanding entry
fee to the rock. The co-operative has received sponsorship from Maseno
University which has put some structures where one can relax and take snacks
and also build washrooms which were previously missing. Trees have also been
planted around the rock making it much cooler. Plans are underway of putting up
a 4 star hotel in the area to accommodate more visitors who would like to spend
a night at the rock.
Land
of Rocks
First time visitors to the land of Seme are usually
amazed by many rocks covering the land. They wonder how the residents practice
agriculture. It is unfortunate that the rocks have no commercial value however
they provide a perfect landscaping beautifying the land. The rocks just like
Kit-Mikayi are arranged in unique designs that can take your breath away. Not
yet there? Make a point to visit this historic place this coming holiday.
