Wanika. 
1 1 1 
privilege of that body to be fed and feasted. Most 
crimes and misdemeanours therefore are punished 
by fine. For debt, theft, assault, adultery, etc., the 
offenders are mulcted in their flocks and herds, the 
fines, of course, being devoured by the Kambi. 
An incorrigible thief is sometimes sold out of the 
country, and a man's children may be seized and 
enslaved for debt. There are two crimes which are 
visited with capital punishment — murder, and an 
improper use of Uganga (sorcery). A Mganga, for 
instance, is supposed to have the control of the 
elements in his hands. Therefore should the country 
suffer from drought, the probability is that the Mganga 
will be suspected of maliciously preventing the rain ; 
and as this is held to be a crime equal to murder, 
the man will be punished accordingly. Sometimes, 
however, expulsion from the country, or the sale of 
the individual into slavery, is substituted for capital 
punishment. Trial takes place before the Kambi, its 
members being both judge and jury. The accuser 
and accused meet face to face, and witnesses on both 
sides are patiently heard. The case is well sifted, 
and is discussed pro and co7t by the judges, with a 
good deal of acuteness and ability, and it must be 
admitted, not unseldom with much fairness ; though 
no doubt personal relationships, friendships, and 
bribes will now and then interfere with the admi- 
nistration of even-handed justice. In doubtful and 
mysterious cases, trial by ordeal is resorted to. This is 
called by the Wasuahili Kiapo,"and by the Wanika 
Kiraho." It is administered in different ways. The 
following may be mentioned. First, the " Kiraho cha 
Tsoka " (the ordeal of the axe). This consists of 
