Cyilima Rugwe: the Child King who avenged his father
Category: Ancient pre-colonial Rwanda
Last Monday, we learned about the valiant death of King Ruganzu I Bwimba and Princess Robwa Nyiramateke. In the wake of his death, King Ruganzu I Bwimba left a new born son called Rugwe, who later was enthroned Cyilima as his dynastic name.
Before reaching his majority, Cyilima I Rugwe had his father’s senior advisor (Umwiru mukuru) Cyenge act as the regent. Once he claimed his throne, he was adamant of throwing a big party at his palace but he remained brooding (talk about a debbie downer). The next morning, he refused to do anything - no drinking, no tobacco, no parade of Inyambo cows (the sacred long horned cows)! The kid completely shut himself off!! Everyone started to wonder what happened to their young king…
Finally, he opened up and stated, “inzoga nizinywere Kimenyi, Inyambo nizimurikirwe Kimenyi. Ibitaramo nibigirirwe Kimenyi. Ni we mugabo, we wishe data, none akaba yidendereje mu bye” (Let Kimenyi drink the alcohol, let Kimenyi be honored with the Inyambo, let the parties be for him. After all, he’s the one who killed my father — and now he’s flaunting it!) Growing up without a father after losing him in a crazy circumstance, you can imagine the pain and anger he harbored… (poor baby💔)!
Cue a man called Mukubu wa Mushyoma, an intrepid warrior aka the man as deadly as as a snake’s lightning strike, aka the warrior who spilled blood at the battle of Rwishima (that’s his icyivugo - a self-introductory poem). He told the king, “if that’s what is breaking your heart, don’t worry - your warrior will handle. I went to Gisaka Kingdom with your late aunt Princess Robwa, I know the way. Leave it to me, your majesty.” Hearing what Mukubu said, the king felt reassured that he resumed his activities with enthusiasm.
As promised, the next day, Mukubu wa Mushyoma slipped away toward Gisaka Kingdom feigning desertion. He went to the court of King Kimenyi (remember the guy who married princess Robwa??) and lied, “Narushye guhakwa n’umwana ndakugarukiye, n’ubundi wari umpatse urabizi.” (I’m tired of serving that boy-king. I’m back where I belong — with you, my true master). King Kimenyi of Gisaka was thrilled because Mukubu wa Mushyoma was famous for his archery skills!
After a few days: King Kimenyi asked Mukubu if he was still a skilled archer - Mukubu without hesitation, answered that his skills were better than ever😏. Then, the king of Gisaka invited Mukubu to a friendly archery competition, both hit the targets like the pros they were! Then our man on a mission, Mukubu, challenged King Kimenyi to go hunting wild animals - for Mukubu, that’s how they could compare their skills (I smell a trap…).
King Kimenyi of Gisaka agreed to the bet without second thought (this man has been very blind since the beginning 🤦🏾♀️)
The next morning, the 2 men went to hunt in the forest, along with a royal servant. Rattled by the hunting dogs, animals burst into the clearing, Mukubu hit the prey first🏹. Trying to match his opponent, King Kimenyi, raised his bow to shoot an animal, suddenly, Mukubu like the flash, shot an arrow at King Kimenyi killing him instantly! Kimenyi fell on the ground, MUERTO - RIP!!
Mukubu checked that he was still alive, then severed his head, took his royal regalia (a confirmation of his target) and placed them in the beer gourd (ikibindi). He also killed the Gisaka royal servant to destroy all evidence (ngl kudos to him, he covered his behind 😂) - off he run back to Rwanda!
While Mukubu was running back to Rwanda, the Gisaka people waited for their king and guest to return from the hunting trip to no avail. They decided to go looking for him, they found their king decapitated lying on the ground - oopsie! On the other side of the border, specifically at Gisozi (a neighborhood in Kigali), Mukubu presented King Kimenyi’s head to the young king of Rwanda, Cyilima I Rugwe, who showered him with honors and immense rewards!!
Ladies and gentlemen, that’s how Cyilima I Rugwe avenged his father, the martyr, Ruganzu I Bwimba!
📜 NEXT:
Friday historical tidbits 02/05 - Cyilima I Rugwe’s wedding: drama and chaos!😂