How chief ‘cast a spell’ on missionaries in Kibwezi

This picture of Kibwezi, taken in 1900 with security guards by a ‘government office’ perhaps illustrates the fear the colonialists had of the place. [File, Standard]

Kibwezi may not be a bastion of the opposition but at a time when it mattered, this town kept at bay a far more superior adversary who was armed to the teeth with guns and the Bible.

There was a time in the history of this country when the mere mention of Kibwezi sent chills down the spines of missionaries who were trying to establish their dominion over Kenya’s hinterland.