Rock Formations in Kakamega
Ikhongo Murwi: The Crying Stone of Ilesi
Shortly after passing the turnoff to Malinya, 5 km south of Kakamega town, rises the prominent 40 m tall rock formation of Ikhongo Murwi. Rather unmistakable, towering along the A1 Kisumu-Kakamega Road, it is stunning, both as a landmark and a cultural shrine. It is colossal when viewed at close quarters. As it tells, the Ikhongo Murue, contrived of a large boulder resting on top of a massive tapered rock spire, is the harbinger that heralds good or bad omen for the people living around it. Still, it is a striking stack, slender and splendid, in dramatic landscape. Also known as the crying stone of Ilesi, it adds incredible geological diversity.
Its cultural import posits a perfectible human figure, the head resting on weary shoulders with tears streaming down its length. Moreover, its weeping, as water trickles from a rock pool at the top, is surmised to be a prediction that pleasant events are about to happen. The converse is true. And when the rock pool dries out, as it does in some years, it raises the alarm, nationally. Although subject to seasonality, and the extend of thick bush around it, the best time to glimpse the Crying Stone of Ilesi, weeping of course, is after the rain season. There are walking trails around the Ikhongo Murwi and a large clearing that doubles as a picnic site.
Kenya is home to diverse and striking rock formations, many that hold geological, cultural, and historical sway. These rock formations not only offer breathtaking scenery but are also deeply intertwined with local myths, culture, and history. They attract both nature lovers and those interested in Kenya’s unique geology.
Index of Rock Formations Around Kenya
Baringo County - Olduka Valley, Chebloch Gorge, Bungoma County - Musikoma Hills, Mwibale Wa Mwanja, Sangalo Rock, Busia County - Kavirondo Rocks, Emakina Hills, Kakapel Rock, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Melwa Gorge, The Foothills, Embu County - Karue Hill, Kianjiru Hill, Homa Bay County - Soklo Kipenji, Gembe Hills, Kanyamwa Escarpment, Isiolo County - Nantuudu Rock Spire, Mlima Tatu Kula Mawe, Kajiado County - Ol Doinyo Orok, Kakamega County - Ikhongo Murwi (Crying Stone of Ilesi), Mawe Tatu, Kilifi County - Marafa Kitchen, Chasimba Rock, Kisumu County - Kopere Rocks, Abindu Rock, Kit Mikayi, Kitui County - Ngomeni Rock, Nzambani, Gai Rock, Makueni County - Mbiu Nzau, Dare Devil's Rock, Mandera County - Marehan Stone, Marsabit County - Aruba Rock, Nabuyatom Cone, Sacred Mount Forore, Meru County - Mugumo Rock, Kierra Stone Woman, Migori County - Chinato Crying Stone, Nakuru County - Fischers Tower, Nandi County - Nandi Rock, Tabolwa, Aldai, Samburu County - Mount Ololokwe, Taita Taveta County - Wesu Rock, Turkana County - Mogila Range, Lokichar Hills, Cathedral Rock, Vihiga County - Maragoli Hills, Kima Stone Mountain, Wajir County - Malabar Hill, West Pokot County - Kang’alan Escarpment, Mount Koh
Kakamega County remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s cultural and ecological diversity, with its vibrant traditions, economic activities, and natural beauty making it a critical part of the nation’s heritage. Smack in the middle of Western Kenya, enjoying a temperate climate, Kakemega is both populous and vibrant.
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Explore Destinations Nearby Ikhongo Murwi
A Guide to Kakamega County
A Summa Digest of Kakamega
About Kakamega Way Back When
30 Destinations in Kakamega County, arranged as one would visit these - north, south, east then west - with aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Mwikhupo Falls, Sidikho Falls, Kakamega Forest Ecosystem, Kisere Forest, Malava Forest, Mawe Tatu Hills, Kakamega National Reserve, Isukuti Guest House, Udo Bandas, Isiukhu Falls, Lirhanda Cave, Busambuli Lodge, Isecheno Nature Reserve, Kambiri Hill, Mukai Stone Cave, Savona Isle Resort, Rondo Retreat Centre, Yala Nature Reserve, Nandi Escarpment, Lamanis Haven, The Golf Hotel, Kakamega Sports Club, MMUST Botanical Garden, Muliro Gardens, Rosterman Gold Mines, Shilahi Garden, Ikhongo Murwi, Ilesi Pottery Centre, Malinya Stadium, Nabongo Cultural Centre, Hamptons City
Know More About Kakamega County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
The altitudes of Kakamega varies between 1,240 ms to 2,000 ms. The southern part of the county is rather hilly, and strewn with unique and rugged granite tors, rising in places to nearly 1,950 ms.
Temperatures range from 18oC and 29oC. January to March are the hottest while June to August are cold spells. The climate is equable over the county, with adequate and well distributed rainfall.
