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Wanga Kingdom
The Wanga Kingdom is a traditional kingdom within Kenya, consisting of the Wanga (Abawanga) tribe of the Luhya people (Abaluyia). At its peak the kingdom covered an expansive area from Jinja in west to Naivasha in the East African Rift. The Wanga kingdom was a significant African empire and the most organized structure of government in pre-colonial Kenya politically, economically, and militarily.
In 2016, the Wanga numbered around 700,000, mostly occupying the Kakamega County, Western Province, Kenya. The seat of power is located in Mumias. The Wanga are one of 19 tribes of the Luhya people. There are 22 clans that comprise the Wanga tribe. The Wanga retain the Nabongo, as their monarch. The Abashitse clan holds the royal lineage of the Nabongo. The current Nabongo is Peter Mumia II.
The name Wanga is eponymous, originating from the name of the kingdom's founder, Nabongo Wanga. The name Wanga refers to the people as well as their descent and geographical location.
The origin of the title Nabongo is uncertain. However, Kenyan historian Gideon Were refers to the pre-Wanga ruler, Muima as "Nabongo Muima" indicating that the title may predate the formation of the Wanga Kingdom.
The early history of the Wanga Kingdom is unclear, with various conflicting traditions as to their origins. One tradition holds that they are descendants of ancient Egyptians. [unreliable source?] Their ancestors are said to have migrated, from Egypt to Ethiopia, where they were under the leadership of Simbi and Nangwera before moving to help form the Buganda Kingdom where they were ruled by the Kabaka of Buganda for many generations before relocating to Lela in the present-day Nyanza around the 10th century. [unreliable source?]
The kingdom was founded in the 16th century by Nabongo Wanga, a descendant of the rulers of the Buganda Kingdom. The Nabongo Wanga initially settled in Nyanza Province before moving the capital to Mumias, Western Province.
After the death of Wanga, there was a dispute between his sons over succession. Wabala, Wanga's appointed successor quarreled with his elder brother, Murono over succession rights. Wabala was assassinated in Bukhayo, allegedly at Murono's instigation. Murono was briefly Nabongo before Wabala's son, Musui defeated him in battle. Following his defeat, Murono crossed Nzoia River and established a separate centre near present-day Matungu around 1679–1706.
Nabongo Netya reigned over the Wanga Kingdom c.1760-1787. During this time there were several clans in the Wanga kingdom. They included Murono's clan on the right bank of River Nzoia, Abamuima's clan at Imanga (Between modern day Mumias and Butere) another at Matungu and Netya's in Elureko (modern day Mumias). Netya attempted to bring all these centers under his control with varying degrees of success.
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Wanga Kingdom
The Wanga Kingdom is a traditional kingdom within Kenya, consisting of the Wanga (Abawanga) tribe of the Luhya people (Abaluyia). At its peak the kingdom covered an expansive area from Jinja in west to Naivasha in the East African Rift. The Wanga kingdom was a significant African empire and the most organized structure of government in pre-colonial Kenya politically, economically, and militarily.
In 2016, the Wanga numbered around 700,000, mostly occupying the Kakamega County, Western Province, Kenya. The seat of power is located in Mumias. The Wanga are one of 19 tribes of the Luhya people. There are 22 clans that comprise the Wanga tribe. The Wanga retain the Nabongo, as their monarch. The Abashitse clan holds the royal lineage of the Nabongo. The current Nabongo is Peter Mumia II.
The name Wanga is eponymous, originating from the name of the kingdom's founder, Nabongo Wanga. The name Wanga refers to the people as well as their descent and geographical location.
The origin of the title Nabongo is uncertain. However, Kenyan historian Gideon Were refers to the pre-Wanga ruler, Muima as "Nabongo Muima" indicating that the title may predate the formation of the Wanga Kingdom.
The early history of the Wanga Kingdom is unclear, with various conflicting traditions as to their origins. One tradition holds that they are descendants of ancient Egyptians. [unreliable source?] Their ancestors are said to have migrated, from Egypt to Ethiopia, where they were under the leadership of Simbi and Nangwera before moving to help form the Buganda Kingdom where they were ruled by the Kabaka of Buganda for many generations before relocating to Lela in the present-day Nyanza around the 10th century. [unreliable source?]
The kingdom was founded in the 16th century by Nabongo Wanga, a descendant of the rulers of the Buganda Kingdom. The Nabongo Wanga initially settled in Nyanza Province before moving the capital to Mumias, Western Province.
After the death of Wanga, there was a dispute between his sons over succession. Wabala, Wanga's appointed successor quarreled with his elder brother, Murono over succession rights. Wabala was assassinated in Bukhayo, allegedly at Murono's instigation. Murono was briefly Nabongo before Wabala's son, Musui defeated him in battle. Following his defeat, Murono crossed Nzoia River and established a separate centre near present-day Matungu around 1679–1706.
Nabongo Netya reigned over the Wanga Kingdom c.1760-1787. During this time there were several clans in the Wanga kingdom. They included Murono's clan on the right bank of River Nzoia, Abamuima's clan at Imanga (Between modern day Mumias and Butere) another at Matungu and Netya's in Elureko (modern day Mumias). Netya attempted to bring all these centers under his control with varying degrees of success.