Acrobats leave fans asking for more

By NANJINIA WAMUSWA

When the group Shikongolo Junior takes to the stage to demonstrate their acrobatic prowess, spectators are left asking for more.

The group has 13 members who are drawn from the same family in Western Province. The children are aged between four and 12. They perform in turns with three to four performing at ago.

The name ‘Shikongolo’ is derived from one of their acrobatic styles in which they coil like a millipede or Shikongolo as the worm is known.

The acrobats are pupils at Mukambi Primary School in Lusheya village in East Wanga, Mumias.

The children developed interest in acrobatics after seeing their father Andrew Musungu, a feted acrobat, meet and entertain dignitaries.

Immanuel Musungu says, "I saw father’s photos in newspapers taken while performing and wanted to travel and meet politicians and other dignitaries like him."

They started practicing. Seeing their determination, their father resolved to teach them acrobatic skills. They learned very quickly and started going out with him to entertain guests at functions.

They have travelled widely and entertained dignitaries. They also perform regularly at the Bukhungu Stadium during national holidays.

They earn money from these performances which they use to buy books and other basic needs.

Apart from entertainment, they aspire to become engineers, pilots, lawyers and doctors.