AbiriKenya

Historic Sites in Bungoma

Chetambe Fort: The Strategic Defence

Today, what remains of Chetambe Fort is a trench about 12 feet deep. The entire site, however, is thought to have covered four acres, some two kilometers out of Webuye town. Precisely, it is just off the Webuye-Kitale highway before one reaches Sipala enroute to Lugulu. Sitting on private property, the future of this historic site remains in doubt. This is partly because locals now till the land for sustenance. The fort was designed by warrior leader Omwami Chetambe Ifile.

Indeed, the site is a far cry from the fortress the great leader contrived in the wake of impeding colonial disruption. Standing sentinel to the east of Webuye town, Chetambe Fort, then and now, is the first target of most visitors to the town. The happenstance of Chetambe Hill made obvious the choice to built a fort here. It sits saliently at the corner of A1 Kakamega-Kisumu, Webuye-Kitale and A104 Webuye-Eldoret Roads just 2 km from the town and an easy walking journey.

Dubbed “the Golan Heights of Bungoma” owing to its unique location perched above Webuye town, this was the place, in 1895, of a last ditch stand by the Bukusu group of the Luhya tribe against the motley line-up of a British punitive expedition which had enrolled Ugandan, Sudanese, Maasai and even other Luhya troops. Tribal legend has it that the Bukusu – a Bantu speaking people living in the hilly grasslands between the Nzoia River and the southern slopes of Mount Elgon – and Tachoni warriors watched the advancing British forces from this vantage.

The point of view of the advancing colonial officers was poles apart. During the March to May long rains in 1895 C.W. Hobley, the newly arrived officer in charge of the British administration station at Nabongo Mumia’s fort, embarked on an expedition against the Bukusu “to subdue the tribe”. Written information about the dust-up lacks detail or, it just may be, was grossed over. What is certain is that the casualties, on account of inferior weapons, were disppropiatenly on the natives.

While the Bukusu and Tachoni tribes had prepared as best as they could with what little resources they had, mobilizing legions to resist colonial rule leading up to 1895, it is estimated that nearly 450 native warriors were slain by the British forces. Standing at the Chetambe’s Fort, it is not hard to imagine the bone-chilling terror felt by the Bukusu and Tachoni tribes who were going to attempt to fend-off the British forces guns with just pikes, arrows, and sheer defiant determination.

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Kenya is home to numerous historic sites that showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, ancient civilizations, colonial history, and struggle for independence. These historic sites offer valuable insights into Kenya’s past and its diverse cultural heritage, making them essential destinations for visitors interested in her history.

Index of Historic Sites Around Kenya



Baringo County - Timboroa Railway Station, Bungoma County - Chetambe Fort, Kilifi County - Prince Henry the Navigator Monument, Vasco da Gama Pillar, Malindi Pillar Tomb, Portuguese Chapel, Malindi Butwani Pier, Kwale County - Shimoni Ruins, Lamu County - Shela Mosque, Lamu Fort, German Post Office, Siyu Fort, Machakos County - Macmillan Castle Sabuk, Fort Machakos, Makueni County - Gurdwara Makindu Sahib, Patterson Ruins Tsavo, Meru County - Kaaga War Memorial, Twin Baobab Trees, Giant Meru Oak, Mombasa County - Fort Jesus, Old Port, Sanaa Gallery, Leven House, Old Law Courts, Kengeleni Bell, Old Railway Station, Mbaraki Pillar, Fort St. Joseph, Kraph Monument, Fort Makupa, Arab Rifle's Monument, Mombasa's Tusks, Ras Serani Light, Mandera County - Fort El Wak, Nandi County - Kaptumo I Kipture Forts, Samiitui Aldai Historic Stone, Nyeri County - Old Ruling Court, Taita Taveta County - Kitchwa Tembo Hill, Salaita Hill, The Sniper Tree, Maktau Railway Station, Mwashoti Hill, Mwakitau Hill, Tana River County - Tana Delta Old Fort, Tharaka Nithi County - The Mutunguruni Tree, Wajir County - Wajir Fort, Ancient Orahey Wells, Orahey Bunkers, The Old Town Wajir

Historic Ruins along the Coast of Kenya - Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River & Lamu

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outlook

Touring Bungoma County a rich cultural and natural experience. Visit the local villages to experience traditional Luhya culture, including music, dance, and food. The Luhya are known for their vibrant cultural heritage. Around Bungoma County are many great spots for photography and to appreciate the nature’s beauty.

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Explore Destinations Near Chetambe Fort

A Guide to Bungoma County



A Summa Digest of Bungoma

About Bungoma Way Back When

26 Destinations in Bungoma County, arranged as one would visit these - north, south east then west - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:

Mount Elgon National Reserve, Elephants Maternity Ward, Chepkitale Forest, Kaptama Viewpoint, Chemoge High Altitude Training Camp, Bukusu Cultural Centre, Maeni Shrine, Namunyu Cave, Daraja la Mungu, Malakisi Falls, Kabuchai Hills, Teremi Falls, Chwele Market, Muyayi Dam, Luucho Hills, Musikoma Hills, Hunters Paraside Cottages, Bungoma Sports Club, Mwibale wa Mwanja, Buteyo Miti Park, Sangalo Rocks, Chetambe Fort, Old Webuye Mills, Nabuyole Falls, Kumfunje Bridge, Mwikhupo Falls

Know More About Bungoma County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

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