The Wanga kingdom is a Bantu kingdom within Kenya. It consists of the Wanga tribe which is a part of the Luhya people. The kingdom covers an expansive area from Jinja in west to Naivasha in the east African rift. Wanga kingdom was and still is a significant African empire. It was the most organized structure of Kenya in pre-colonial Kenya politically, economically and militarily. The seat of power is located in Mumias.
They are one of the nineteen tribes of the Luhya people and has twenty two clans. The name Wanga is eponymous as it originated from the name of the kingdoms founder, Nabongo Wanga. Similarly, the name referred to the people as well as their descent and geographical location. They are descendants of ancient Egypt because ancestors migrated from Egypt to Ethiopia. The Wanga people were under the leadership of Simbi and Nagwera before moving to Buganda kingdom. There, they were ruled by the Kabaka of Buganda for many generations.
Families were usually polygamous, with the first wife accorded special status. In addition, the practice of polygamy meant more hands to work in the field, an advantage in the society founded on agriculture.
Children inherited the clan of their father. However, they are not allowed to marry from either their clan or the clan of their mother. The first son of the first wife was usually the main heir to his father, and he had a special name denoting this status- Simakulu. At birth, children were named after grandparents or famous people, or after the weather.
Wanga Culture Heirs
Nabongo Wanga was the founder of the kingdom. He was a descendant of the rulers of the Buganda kingdom. His sons were; Nabongo Wabala, Nabongo Murono and Nabongo Musui. After his death, there was a dispute between his sons over succession. Wabala, Wanga’s appointed successor quarreled with his elder brother Murono over succession rights. He was assassinated allegedly at murono’s instigation. In due course, Murono became the leader before Wabala’s son defeated him in the battle. The son was Musui and this made him to cross River Nzoia and established a separate center.
The Wanga culture still reigns to this day. It is one of the most memorable and interesting cultures.
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