The Abasiekwe Elders: Bunyore’s Legendary Rainmakers. The Abasiekwe clan, residing in Vihiga County, Kenya, is renowned for its traditional rainmakers, believed to wield the power to summon or halt rain. Rooted deeply in the cultural heritage of the Bunyore people, these rainmakers claim to control weather patterns, protecting crops from hailstones and droughts through ancient rituals.
Historical Significance
The shrine of the Abasiekwe rainmakers is located at Esibila, near Nganyi hills in Luanda sub-county. This sacred site, shrouded in mystery, is accessible only with divine permission. Historically, the rainmakers’ influence was so profound that even the late President Jomo Kenyatta sought their aid to end the devastating drought of 1973. In gratitude, the government established a meteorological station and later a radio station at Nganyi hills to broadcast weather predictions.
Ritual Practices
When performing rainmaking rituals, the Abasiekwe elders don white kanzus, hats, and grey coats, carrying sticks fashioned from the Mugumo tree. Chiefs and their assistants would traditionally bring food offerings—maize, beans, millet, and sorghum—to the rainmakers each harvesting season to ensure crop protection. Those who failed to provide offerings risked their crops being ravaged by hailstones as punishment.
The Origin of the Rainmaking Tradition
Legend has it that the rainmaking knowledge was imparted to the Abasiekwe clan by a mysterious woman from Siaya. During a heavy rainstorm, she sought refuge at the house of Nganyi, the clan’s forebearer, after being turned away by others. In gratitude for the hospitality, she taught Nganyi the secrets of rainmaking using specific herbs and tree leaves mixed with water. This knowledge has been passed down through generations, from Nganyi to his descendants, and remains a closely guarded secret within the clan.
The Rainmaking Process
The rainmaking ceremony takes place in the Olutsiri shrine, a forest filled with ancient indigenous trees, including a sacred 200-year-old Mugumo tree. The shrine houses a significant tree, Olufuri, planted on the grave of Olutsiri, one of the original rainmakers. Here, rainmakers kneel before the tree, stirring a pot of smelly water and herbs with a traditional straw. As the water bubbles, the air grows cold, birds sing, and clouds gather, signaling the impending rain.
Cultural Taboos and Practices
Women are generally excluded from the rainmaking process due to cultural beliefs about purity. Only a chosen virgin girl can bring the necessary water to the shrine. The forest and its trees hold immense cultural significance, with rituals performed to appease the spirits whenever a tree falls. Specific trees, like Lifobombwe, are used to create mixtures that prevent thunder and lightning, highlighting the deep connection between the clan and their environment.
The Decline of Tradition
Despite their historical importance, the practice of traditional rainmaking is gradually fading. Modern influences and changing societal norms have led to a decline in these ancient rituals. However, the legacy of the Abasiekwe rainmakers continues to be a fascinating aspect of Bunyore’s cultural heritage.
Conclusion
The Abasiekwe clan of Vihiga County represents a rich tapestry of cultural history and traditional knowledge. Their unique ability to control the weather through ancient rituals has not only shaped their community but also left an indelible mark on Kenya’s cultural landscape. As modernity encroaches, preserving such traditions becomes crucial to maintaining the cultural identity and heritage of the Bunyore people.
