CHARACTER OF WAKWAFI 3 



worsted. They lost all their cattle and were dispersed, some 

 fleeing to their relations in Leikipia, or to the districts near 

 Lake Baringo and the highlands near the Guaso Ngishu on the 

 west, whilst others took refuge at Taveta, Arusha-wa-ju, or even 

 further west in Ngaruman, Ndassekere, and Ndesserian. 



Deprived of their herds, they were now compelled to lead 

 a sedentary life and to till the ground. Gradually a few of 

 their settlements regained prosperity and power, and the Wa- 

 kwafi living at the southern base of Mount Meru are now a 

 strong and respected little people. 



The character of the Wakwafi is inferior to that of the 

 Masai, and it is a good thing for the cause of progress in this 

 district that the latter were the conquerors in the struggle. 

 There was a second outbreak in 1875 or 1876, in which the 

 Wakwafi of the north, known also as the Leukops, were the 

 aggressors, and seemed at first likely to be the conquerors, the 

 head Masai Leibon, father of Mbatian the present chief, having 

 been slain on the field of battle. But with the accession of 

 Mbatian the tide turned, the Leukops were completely routed, 

 a little remnant taking refuge amongst the Wakikuyu on Lake 

 Baringo, or amongst the Burkeneji, whilst a few remained in 

 their native land as servants to their conquerors. Thus the 

 power of Mbatian was increased, and some half of the original 

 Masai herdsmen were converted into agriculturists. 



Most of the Wakwafi lead a wretched life, and as a result 

 their physical development has been arrested. The crops they 

 raise vary according to the fertility of the districts cultivated 

 by them. The Wakwafi of Taveta, who must not be con- 

 founded with the true W^ataveta, and those of Great and Little 

 Arusha are very successful, whilst others elsewhere can 

 grow nothing but dhurra and eleusine. The great ambition of 

 them all is, however, to add to their stock of cattle, and some 

 combine hunting, fishing, and the keeping of bees with tilling 



B '2 



