Gusii elders have called for the return of the community’s legendary warrior Otenyo Nyamaterere’s head which was allegedly shipped to London after he was killed by the British soldiers as proof of his death.

In addition, the elders have demanded compensation from the British government for atrocities committed by the colonialists during the struggle for independence.

Speaking to the press at the Kisii Cultural Hall in Kisii town, former Kisii University Vice Chancellor John Akama appealed to the British government to return Otenyo’s spear, shield and skull, which he claimed was transported to the United Kingdom where it is lying in a London museum.

Prof Akama called for reparations for the damages inflicted on the Gusii community, which include the killing of thousands of people and theft of more than 20,000 livestock.

 “King Charles III came to Kenya a while back and talked about the issues of reparation and so, we are demanding compensation for the damages we suffered as a people,” he said.

Abagusii Council of Elders Chair James Matundura noted that the return of Otenyo’s head and paraphernalia would enable the community to accord him a decent burial. 

Similarly, Charles Nyaanga said that, despite the death of community members and loss of property, they were rallying for Otenyo’s skull so that he could be buried according to the cultural rights of the Abagusii.

Nyaanga urged the political leaders in Kisii and Nyamira counties to join the elders in advocating for the compensation of the community members.

Joseph Siko, a resident, decried the killing of senior warriors and the subsequent beheading of Otenyo, adding the spirit of the Gusii warrior remains restless and continues to haunt the current generation.

According to document history, Otenyo Nyamaterere was a warrior who led a battalion of Gusii warriors in resisting British colonisation. He was encouraged by his aunt (by some accounts adopted mother) Moraa Ng’iti to launch an attack against British forces.

He is famously remembered for injuring GAS Northcote, a British colonial administrator, triggering a widespread rebellion. Northcote had first gone to Kisii as part of a military force in 1904, which massacred people and raised the Union Jack – the British flag.

According to Wikipedia, Northcote returned in 1907 as the areas first administrator and was on his way back from a punitive expedition when he was attacked by Otenyo with a spear after shooting dead Okwengu K’Akala at Got Ong’ong’o presently Got Ka’Nyakworo around Ruga Market Centre.

Although Northcote survived the attack, Otenyo’s ambush inspired widespread resistance which took a month to quell. The warrior was arrested, tried in public, and then killed by a firing squad at Kisii Stadium. His body was then beheaded and transported to London as proof of his death.

What remained of him was left on a public bridge as a warning to others.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Mercy Osongo