An 'interesting' occasion that happens once in a life time catapulted me back to the days when I was a child reading from 'Hallo Children - Mzee Safari books'. I should be forgiven for being nostalgic but as a member of the Wanga Nation, I must explain that event. Our reigning Nabongo His Majesty Paramount Chief (Rtd) Omwami William Japheth Wambani Rapando went to be with his contemporaries on the evening of 1 January 2012. There are those who would be forgiven to suggest that these rantings are best consigned to the litter bins of eras gone by....but for me they kindled as much interest in my culture and people as I have in the cultures of others.
The East Wanga Kingdom witnessed the crowning of King William Japheth Wambani Rapando when the bones of his father Nabongo Rapando were exhumed and reburied at the Shimuli shrine on the outskirts of Mumias town.
The Royal Paramount Chief (Rtd) Nabongo Japheth Wambani Rapando's body was at St. Mary's Mission Hospital, morgue - Mumias sub county within Kakamega county. His Majesty was removed on Thursday the 12th January, 2012 from his home, Royal Garden, at Mulambo village in East Wanga off Shianda-Malaha road, where His Majesty lay in state. The royal funeral service and burial was conducted on Saturday the 14th January, 2012.
The Royal Paramount Chief (Rtd) Nabongo Japheth Wambani Rapando's body was at St. Mary's Mission Hospital, morgue - Mumias sub county within Kakamega county. His Majesty was removed on Thursday the 12th January, 2012 from his home, Royal Garden, at Mulambo village in East Wanga off Shianda-Malaha road, where His Majesty lay in state. The royal funeral service and burial was conducted on Saturday the 14th January, 2012.
According to the Aba'Shitesetse, the Nabongo is buried seated and continues to reign from an "eshiembekho" until a new King is anointed. I read today that the new Nabongo has been anointed. Prince Maurice Rapando, 54, will be the next king of the Wanga after a council of elders endorsed him shortly before the burial of his father, Nabongo William Japheth Wambani Rapando, on Saturday. His inauguration will take place after the late Nabongo's remains are reburied at Shimuli shrine. Until then Nabongo William Japheth Wambani Rapando still reigns from the afterlife.
The late Nabongo was good friend of my family and of the same lineage and hence this has awoken some interest in me.
The late Nabongo was good friend of my family and of the same lineage and hence this has awoken some interest in me.
The King is Dead...Long Live the King.
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