Bibliography

Published Books And Articles

Adamson, G. Bwana Game: The Life Story of George Adamson . London: Collins Press, 1968. (Published in the United States as A Lifetime with Lions . New York: McFadden Books, 1968.)

Adamson, J. The Peoples of Kenya . London: Collins Press, 1967.

Arkell-Hardwick, A. An Ivory Trader in North Kenia . London: Longmans, Green and Co., 1903.

Benson, T. G., ed. Kikuyu-English Dictionary . Oxford Press, 1964.

Bernard, F. E. East of Mt. Kenya: Meru Agriculture in Transition . Munich: Weltforum Verlag, 1972.

———. Recent Agricultural Change East of Mt. Kenya . Africa Series. Athens: Ohio University Press, 1973.

———. "Recent Agricultural Change among the Meru of Mt. Kenya." In Readings on Spacial Structure in Kenya , eds. R. Obduho and F. Taylor. Boulder: Westview Press, 1980.

Bernardi, B. The Mugwe: A Failing Prophet . London: Oxford Press, 1959.

Broun, W. H. "A Journey to the Lorian Swamp, British East Africa." Geographical Journal 27 (1906): 533–34.

Champion, A. H. "The Atharaka." Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute 42 (1912): 68–90.

Chanler, W. A. "Mr. Astor Chanler's Expedition to East Africa." Geographical Journal 1 (1893): 533–34.

———. Through Jungle and Desert: Travels in Eastern Africa . New York: Macmillan, 1896.

Dundas, C. "The History of Kitui." Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute 43 (1913): 480ff.

Dutton, E. A. T. Kenya Mountain . London: Jonathan Cape, 1929.

Fadiman, J. A. "Early History of the Meru of Mt. Kenya." Journal of African History 14, no. 1 (1973): 9–27.

———. Mountain Warriors: The Pre-Colonial Meru of Mt. Kenya . Africa Series, no. 29. Athens: Ohio University Press, 1975.

———. "The Meru Peoples." In Kenya before 1900: Eight Regional Studies , ed. B. A. Ogot, 153–73. Nairobi: East Africa Publishing House, 1976.

———. "Mountain Witchcraft: Supernatural Practices and Practitioners among the Meru of Mt. Kenya." African Studies Review 20, no. 1 (April 1977): 87–101.

———. The Moment of Conquest: Meru, Kenya, 1907 . Africa Series, no. 36. Athens: Ohio University Press, 1979.

———. An Oral History of Tribal Warfare: The Meru of Mt. Kenya . Athens: Ohio University Press, 1982.

First, R. Power in Africa: Political Power and the Coup d'Etat . Penguin: New York, 1971.

Freeman-Grenville, G. S. P. "The Coast, 1498–1840." In History of East Africa , eds. R. Oliver and G. Mathew, vol. 1, 128–68. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1963.

Gedge, E. "A Recent Exploration under Captain E G. Dundas, R.N., up the River Tana to Mt. Kenya." Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society 14 (1892): 513–33.

Giorgis, B. A Tentative Kimeru Dictionary . Meru, Kenya: Catholic Bookshop (Consolata Mission Society), 1964.

Gurney, H. L. G. "The Mwimbi." In Kenya Mountain , E. A. T. Dutton, appendix 6, 203–7. London: Jonathan Cape, 1929.

Henderson, L., and P. Goodheart. The Hunt for Kimathi . London: Pan Books, 1958.

Hobley, C. W. Ethnology of the A-Kamba and Other East African Tribes . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1910.

Holding, E. M. "Some Preliminary Notes on Meru Age Grades." Man 42 (1942): 58–65.

Hopkins, A. J. Trail Blazers and Road Makers: A Brief History of the East African Mission of the United Methodist Church . London: Henry Hooks United Methodist Publishing House, 1928.

Huxley, E. White Man's Country: Lord Delamere and the Making of Kenya . Vol. 1, 1870–1914 . London: Chatto and Windus, 1953.

———. Red Strangers . London: Chatto and Windus, 1964.

———. A New Earth: An Experiment in Colonialism . London: Chatto and Windus, 1969.

Jacobs, A. H. "The Chronology of the Pastoral Maasai." Hadithi , vol. 1. University of Nairobi, Department of History, 1968.

———. "Maasai Pastoralism in Historical Perspective." In Pastoralism in Tropical Africa , ed. T. Monod. London: International African Institute, 1975.

———. "Maasai Inter-Tribal Relations: Belligerent Herdsmen or Peaceful Pastoralists?" In Warfare among East African Herders , eds. K. Fukui and D. Turton, Senri Ethnological Studies, no. 3. Senri, Osaka: National Museum of Ethnology, 1979.

Kenyatta, Jomo. Facing Mt. Kenya: The Tribal Life of the Gikuyu . London: Secker and Warburg, 1938.

Kolb, G. "Vom Mombasa Durch Ukambani Zum Kenia." Petermanns Mitteilungen 42 (1896): 221–31.

Lambert, Hugo E. History of the Tribal Occupation of the Land . Part 1 of The Systems of Land Tenure in the Kikuyu Land Unit . Communication of the School of African Studies, no. 22. Cape Town: Cape Town University, 1950.

———. The Use of Indigenous Authorities in Tribal Administration: Studies of the Meru in Kenya Colony . Communication of the School of African Studies, no. 16. Cape Town: Cape Town University, 1947.

———. Kikuyu Social and Political Institutions . London: Oxford University Press for the International African Institute, 1956.

Laughton, W. H. "A Meru Text." Man 64, no. 9 (1964): 17–18.

———. The Meru . Peoples of Kenya Series, no. 10. Nairobi: Ndia Kuu Press, 1944.

Leakey, L. S. B. The Stone Age Cultures of Kenya Colony . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1931.

Maguire, R. A. J. " 'El-Torobo,' Tanganyika Notes and Records." The Journal of the Tanganyika Society (1948): 8–13.

Mahner, J. "Outsider-Insider in Tigania-Meru." Africa 45, no. 54 (1975): 400–409.

Mathew, G. "The East African Coast until the Coming of the Portuguese." In History of East Africa , eds. R. Oliver and G. Mathew, 34–129. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1963.

Middleton, J., and G. Kershaw. The Central Tribes of the Northeastern Bantu . Part 5 of Ethnographic Survey of Africa: East Central Africa , ed. D. Ford. London: International African Institute, 1965.

Moyse-Bartlett, H. The King's African Rifles: A Study of the Military History of East and Central Africa . Aldershot, U.K.: Gale and Polden, 1956.

Mungeam, G. H. British Rule in Kenya, 1895–1912: The Establishment of Administration in the East African Protectorate . Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1966.

Munro, J. F. "Migrations of the Bantu-Speaking Peoples of the Eastern Kenya Highlands: A Reappraisal." Journal of African History 7 , no. 1 (1967): 25–28.

Muriuki, G. "Kikuyu Reaction to Traders and British Administration, 1850–1904." Haditbi , vol. 1, 101. University of Nairobi, Department of History, 1968.

———. A History of the Kikuyu, 1500–1900 , London: Oxford University Press, 1974.

Mwaniki, H. S. K. The Living History of Embu and Mbeere . Nairobi: East African Literature Bureau, 1973.

Needham, R. "The Left Hand of the Mugwe: An Analytical Note on the Structure of Meru Symbolism." Africa 30, no. 1 (1960): 20–33.

Neumann, A. H. Elephant Hunting in East Equatorial Africa . London: Rowland Ward, 1898.

Ogot, B. A., and J. A. Kiernan. Zamani: A Survey of East African History . Nairobi: East African Publishing House; Longmans, Green; London, 1968.

Ogot, B. A., ed. War and Society in Africa . Nairobi: East African Publishing House, 1972.

———, ed. Kenya before 1900: Eight Regional Studies . Nairobi: East African Publishing House, 1976.

Oliver, R., and G. Mathew. History of East Africa . Vol. 1. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1963.

Orde-Brown, G. St. J. The Vanishing Tribes of Kenya . London: Seeley, Service and Co., 1925.

———. "Circumcision Ceremonies among the Amwimbe." Man 13, no. 79 (1913): 137–40.

———. "The Circumcision Ceremony in Chuka." Man 15, no. 5 (1915): 65–68.

———. "Mount Kenya and Its People: Some Notes on the Chuka Tribe." Journal of the African Society 15 (1916): 225–33.

———. "The Southeast Face of Mt. Kenya." Geographical Journal 51 (1918): 389–92.

Peters, K. "From the Mouth of the Tana to the Source Region of the Nile." Scottish Geographical Magazine 7 (1891): 113–23.

Piggot, J. R. W. "Journey to the Upper Tana." Proceedings of the Royal Geographic Society 12 (1890): 129–36.

Prins, A. J. H. "The Coastal Tribes of the Northeast Bantu." In Ethnographic Survey of Africa: East Central Africa , part 3. London: International African Institute, 1952.

Rawcliffe, D. H. The Struggle for Kenya . London: V. Gollanez, 1954.

Routledge, W. S. With a Prehistoric People: The Akikuyu of British East Africa . London: E. Arnold, 1910.

Russell, E. W., ed. Natural Resources of East Africa . Nairobi: East African Publishing House, 1962.

Shackleton, E. R. "The Njuwe." Man 30, no. 143 (1930): 201–2.

Sorrenson, M. P. K. Origins of European Settlement in Kenya . Nairobi: Oxford University Press, 1968.

Stigand, C. H. The Land of Zinj, Being an Account of British East Africa, Its Ancient History and Present Inhabitants . London: Constable, 1913.

Tate, H. R. "Journey to the Rendile Country, British East Africa." Geographical Journal 23 (1904): 220–28.

Taylor, R. D. F. "The Gumba and Gumba Pits of Fort Hall District, Kenya." Azania 1 (1966): 111.

Thompson, J. Through Masailand: A Journey of Exploration among the Snowclad Volcano Mountains and Strange Tribes of Eastern Equatorial Africa . Boston: Houghton-Mifflin, 1885.

Tignor, R. L. The Colonial Transformation of Kenya: The Kamba, Kikuyu, and Maasai from 1900–1934 . Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1976.

Vansina, J. Oral Tradition: A Study in Historical Methodology . Trans. H. M. Wright. Chicago: Aldine Publishing, 1965.

Wisner, B., and P. O'Keefe. Land Use and Development . London: International African Institute, 1977.

Unpublished Research

Almy, S. W. "Rural Development in Meru, Kenya: Economic and Social Factors in Accelerating Change." Ph.D. diss., Stanford University, 1974.

Blackburn, R. "A Preliminary Report of Research on the Ogiek Tribe of Kenya." Research paper, no. 89. Institute of Development Studies, Cultural Division, University of Nairobi, January 1970.

Jacobs, A. H. "The Traditional Political Organization of the Pastoral Maasai." Ph.D. diss., Oxford University, 1965.

Kamunchululu, J. S. T. "Meru Participation in Mau-Mau." University of Nairobi, 1975. Typescript.

Laughton, W. H. "An Introductory Study of the Meru People." M.A. thesis, Cambridge University, 1938.

Lowenthal, R. A. "Tharaka Age-Organization and the Theory of Age-Set Systems." Ph.D. diss., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1973.

Mahassin, A. Gh. El-Safi. "Some Contributions of Swahili Poetry to the Understanding of the History of the Northern Coast of Kenya." Institute of Development Studies, Cultural Division, University of Nairobi, 1970. Typescript.

Mahner, J. "The Insider and the Outsider in Tigania, Meru." Institute of Development Studies, Cultural Division, University of Nairobi, May, 1970. Typescript. (Published as "Outsider-Insider in Tigania-Meru," Africa 45, no. 54, 1975.)

McKim, W. L. "The Role of Interaction in Spacial Economic Development Planning: A Case Study from Kenya." University of Nairobi, 1975. Typescript.

Mwaniki, H. S. K. "The British Impact on Embu, 1906–1919." Department of History, University of Nairobi, 1969. Typescript.

Rosen, D. M. "A Preliminary Report of Research among the Mukogodo, Laikipiak District." Discussion paper, Institute of Development Studies, Cultural Division, University of Nairobi, January 1968.

Temu, A. J. "British Protestant Missions in Kenya, 1873–1929." Ph.D. diss., University of Alberta, 1967.

Archival Collections

Consolata Mission Archives. Consolata Roman Catholic Mission Order. Turin, Italy.

The archives contain several diaries written by the first Roman Catholic priests to enter Meru after 1912–1913. There are several detailed descriptions of Meru customs as observed up to the 1920s. All diaries are in Italian. The most significant are the following:

Balbo, Father R. P. Diary. 1914–1926.

Bellani, Father P. A. "Costumi degli Bameru" (Customs of the Meru people). Notebook, handwritten. Dated 1920 but continuous over several years.

———. "Da Nyeri al paese di Meru" (From Nyeri to the country of Meru). Travel diary, handwritten. February, 1915.

———. "Ntuara ya Egoji" (The bell of Igoji). Diary. 1923–1926.

Pecomino, Brother Gerinte (probable author). "Mezzo serolo di attentiva dei missionari della Consolata nell' Africa Orientale, Inglese visto a volo d'uccello" (Half a century of activities of missionaries of the Consolata of British East Africa seen from a bird's-eye view.) Typescript. Undated but probably written in the mid-1920s.

Consolata Mission Archives. Mikinduri Roman Catholic Mission. Mikinduri, Tigania, Meru, Kenya.

Mikinduri Mission Logbook, 1913–1939 . In Italian.

Consolata Mission Archives. Mujwa Village, Igoji, Meru, Kenya.

"Brevi cenni storici sulla prefettura apostolica di Meru" (Brief historical account of the apostolic prefecture of Meru). Typescript, 15 pages. Unsigned, undated copy.

"Logbook" of the Mujwa [and therefore Kiija]. Roman Catholic Mission, 1911–1925. Typescript. Unsigned, undated (1925?).

"Note di etnologia sulla tribu Meru" (Ethnological notes on the Meru tribe). Typescript. Unsigned, undated.

Kenya National Archives (KNA). Nairobi, Kenya.

The Kenya National Archives contain voluminous records of the colonial period, the earliest years of which are relevant to this study. It should be noted that Mwimbi and Muthambi were originally designated as part of the Cuka subdistrict, which in turn was administered from Embu. Insight as to the initial British impact on Meru-Mwimbi social institutions can be gained from examination of the following:

Chuka Sub-District Political Record Book, 1907–1918 . See "Early History of Chuka and Mwimbi," unsigned typescript.

Central Province Political Record, 1906 .

Marsabit [District] Political Record Book, 1908–1914 . See Appendix D (Meru), "Safari Record," by Capt. J. Bois, which is one of the earliest European accounts of conditions in Meru at the time of its submission to Britain.

Meru District Record Book, 1911–1926 .

Meru Political Record Book, 1908–1921 .

Embu [District] Political Record Book, 1907–1928 .

Rhodes House. Oxford, England.

The collections at Rhodes House hold the private papers of those working in British Africa during the colonial period. Investigators dealing with the history of Meru will find the following of interest:

Orde-Browne, G. St. J. District commissioner, Cuka subdistrict, 1913.

Platts, Mrs. Madeleine Laverne. Diary. November 1912 through May 1913.

She resided in Meru as wife of W. E Platts, acting district commissioner.

Saint Paul's Theological Seminary. Historical Archives (Anderson's Archives). Limuru, Kenya.

Rev. William B. Anderson, Master of History, has supervised the collection of oral history by students of the seminary since 1961. The emphasis is on precolonial customs and initial experiences with European missionaries. The data were not always systematically collected and should be considered reliable only if corroborated by additional oral testimony. The collection has, however, proven valuable in identifying historically reliable informants and as corroborative material.

"Customs and Traditions of the Meru People of Thaichu, Tigania." Handwritten manuscript. Collected by Festus Ringeera, 1961.

"The History of Communications in Meru District." Handwritten manuscript in English. Deals with precolonial obligations for communal labor with regard to construction and maintenance of paths, bridges, and so on. Collected by Justus Thambu, Imenti, 1962.

"Traditions and Customs of Meru Long Ago." Handwritten manuscript. Unsigned, undated.

"Traditions and Customs of Mwimbi." Handwritten manuscript. Unsigned, undated.

"Traditions and Customs of Nyambeni Division, Igembe." Handwritten manuscript from Igembe, North Meru. Unsigned, undated.

School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). University of London. London, England.

United Methodist Mission Annual Report, 1911–1940 .

Private Papers

Irvine, Rev. Dr. Clive. (Irvine Papers.)

Founder, Church of Scotland Mission, Chogoria, Mwimbi, 1923. Now resident of Nairobi, Kenya. Private papers on founding of the mission include early issues (1915–1916) of the Kikuyu News , which carry articles detailing Church of Scotland Mission efforts prior to the actual founding of the Mwimbi Mission. Among the most useful are issues nos. 53 (January? 1915), 58 (January–February 1916), and 59 (April–May 1916).

Kirera, Rufus.

Farmer and storekeeper, Nkubu, South Imenti. "Murembere jwa tene jwa Imenti: Murembere jwa ntire" (Imenti prayers of long ago: Prayers of sacrifice). Manuscript. Meru language.

Lambert, Hugo E. (Lambert Papers.)

Lambert was district commissioner of Meru in 1933–1935, and 1939–1941. During these periods he spent considerable time investigating Meru history and social structure. After his death in the late 1960s his private papers were donated by his widow to the University of Nairobi. As of this writing they have not been catalogued but are accessible to scholars. Only a small portion of Lambert's writings were devoted to the Meru, chiefly a series of essays appended to Meru District's annual reports.

In addition he had begun to organize a number of larger manuscripts, including one of almost five hundred pages, for eventual publication. A partial listing of the documents most relevant to the study of the Meru appears below:

"Administrative Use of the Indigenous Institutions of the Meru." Typescript, 18 pages, 8 October 1939. A revised version of this appears as: The Use of Indigenous Autborities in Tribal Administration: Studies of the Meru in Kenya Colony (Communication of the School of African Studies, no. 16. Cape Town: Cape Town University, 1947).

"The Constitution and Personnel of Statutory Institutions in the Meru Native Reserve." Typescript, 47 pages, 6 December 1939.

"Disintegration and Reintegration in the Meru Tribe." Typescript, 22 pages, 9 January 1940.

"Female Circumcision and Early Initiation." Typescript, 13 pages, 3 November 1934.

"Meru District: Notes for Chiefs." Typescript, 14 pages, 11 January 1941.

"The Meru Yet to Come." Typescript, 38 pages, Christmas 1941.

"Native Customs." Long, bound notebook, filled with handwritten notations.

"Native Customs." Short, thick, bound notebook, filled with handwritten notations.

"The Place of Stock in the Native Social System." Typescript, 16 pages, 1938.

"The Social and Political Institutions of the Tribes of the Kikuyu Land Unit." Part 2 of The Systems of Land Tenure in the Kikuyu Land Unit . Typescript, 479 pages, used as the basis of his book Kikuyu Social and Political Institutions .

Laughton, W. H. (Laughton Papers.)

These papers are in the owner's possession in Hull, England, and are as yet uncatalogued. Laughton was an educational missionary for the United Methodist Mission in Meru between 1931 and 1957. His papers deal primarily with his work for the mission during the 1930s and 1940s, as well as with anthropological research conducted in Imenti.

M'Anampiu, Stephan.

Master of History and vice principal, Meru Teacher Training College, Meru Town, Imenti. Several handwritten manuscripts, in English or Meru, dealing with the origins and precolonial history of selected clans of North Imenti. (See also MOS 79.)

Mbabu, Ephantus.

Chief, Igoji subdivision, Meru. Handwritten manuscript, untitled, Meru language. Deals with the origins and precolonial methods of war among the Mwimbi, Muthambi, and Cuka.

Mbogore, Mukungu wa.

Chogoria, Mwimbi. Handwritten notebook, Meru language, untitled. Deals with family affairs, genealogy, and property of his father, M'Mbogore M'Mwendo, first chief of upper Mwimbi under the colonial regime (see also Meru Oral Sources).

M'Inoti, Rev. Filipo.

Ex-chief, Miiriga Mieru, North Imenti, Meru; among the first wave of converts and later the first African missionary. Became the first Meru minister of the United Methodist Mission, Imenti, in 1934.

"Asili ya Wameru na tabia zao" (The origin of the Meru and their customs).

Typescript, 49 pages, Swahili language. Meru United Methodist Mission Archive, Imenti. Copy, Swahili language, Laughton Papers. English translation (handwritten) by Fabian Njage, Muthambi. Both Swahili and English language copies are in my possession.

M'Mwarania, Alliano.

Housepainter, South Imenti. Several handwritten manuscripts, Meru language, dealing with precolonial law, military training, spirit worship, and cursing (ironsmiths). Written data subsequently corroborated by oral interviews with original informants.

Meru Oral Sources

The following is a partial list of individuals interviewed during the fieldwork period of this study. Interviews with Europeans were in English. Interviews with Africans were in Swahili or Meru, with subsequent translation into English. All interviews were tape-recorded and subsequently transcribed. Copies of these manuscripts have been deposited with the department of history, University of Nairobi, where they currently available to scholars.

Informants, including Meru sources, whose names have been transliterated, have been assigned a number based on the order in which I interviewed them. These numbers are referred to in the notes as MOS (Meru Oral Source) numbers. I have provided information on each informant in the following order: full name; place and date interviewed; name of Meru age-set (e.g., Murungi) and estimated age in 1969; occupation or status within Meru or colonial structure (e.g., warrior, farmer); additional relevant data; main interview topics (e.g., duties of warriorhood).

1. Laughton, William Henry. Six interviews, May 1969, Hull, England. Educational missionary, Methodist Mission Society (later, United Methodist Mission), 1931–1957. Carried out anthropological research in North Imenti, Tigania, 1930s. Topics: identification of potential informants, anthropological and historical orientation.

2. Brassington, Howard, M.D. One interview, May 1969, Bristol, England. Medical missionary, United Methodist Mission, late 1920s to late 1930s. Founded Maua Methodist Mission Hospital, Igembe, Meru. Topic: supernatural forms of resistance ("witchcraft") used by local population to stop construction of hospital, 1930–1931.

3. Bernardi, Bernard. One interview, June 1969, Consolata Roman Catholic Mission Headquarters, Turin, Italy. Missionary in Meru, 1950s, author of The Mugwe: A Failing Prophet . Topics: traditional position of Mugwe; impact of colonial occupation upon the institution.

4. Irvine, Rev. Dr. Clive. Four interviews, August 1969, April 1970, Nairobi, Kenya. Medical missionary, Church of Scotland Mission (later, Pres-

byterian Church of East Africa), Mwimbi, 1923–1963. Founded Chogoria Mission, Mwimbi, 1923. Forty years of mission work in Mwimbi area. Topics: reaction of Mwimbi to early mission contact; supernatural forms of resistance.

5. Lambert, Grace. One interview, August 1969, Nairobi, Kenya. Widow of H. E. Lambert, former district commissioner, Meru. Residence in Meru 1935–1937, 1940–1941. Topics: location of husband's private papers; identification of potential informants; discussion of husband's methods of oral research.

6. Home, Marjorie R. One interview, October 1969, Nairobi, Kenya. Widow of Edward Butler Horne ("Kangangi"), British conqueror and first district commissioner of Meru. Topics: location of husband's private papers; identification of potential informants; discussion of husband's methods of oral research; early responses to pacification.

7. Airaldi, Father B. Three interviews, December 1969, Mikinduri Village, Mission chief, Mikinduri Roman Catholic Mission, Consolata Mission Order, Mikinduri, Tigania, Meru. Topic: Initial Catholic (missionary) penetration into Meru.

8. Ghilardi, Father P. V., M.D. One interview, Turin, Italy, July 1967. Archivist, Consolata Roman Catholic Mission, Turin, Italy. Topic: Initial Catholic (missionary) penetration into Meru.

9. Irvine, Anthony (Tony). Two interviews, June 1969, December 1969, April 1970, Nairobi, Kenya. Son of Dr. and Mrs. Clive Irvine, and the child in the ox wagon (see chapter 9). Provides significant insights on his father's experiences during the mission pioneer years.

10. McKeag, Capt. Victor Malcolm. One interview, May 1969, Armagh, Northern Ireland. District commissioner, Meru, 1937–1939, 1943–1945. Topic: Reconciliation of Njuri Nceke with colonial administration, 1930s–mid–1940s.

11. Hopkins, J. Gerald H. One interview, December 1970, Stellenbosch, South Africa, by J. Hewson. Former assistant district commissioner, 1917–1918, district commissioner, Meru District, 1927–1932. Instrumental in breaking the influence of two supernatural societies (A-Athi, Kagita) over large sections of Meru District. Topics: supernatural societies in Meru; impact on nonmembers; stages of elimination.

12. Pownall, Stephen. Two interviews, August and September, 1969, Nanyuki, Kenya. Former trapper and cattle buyer, Ukambani region, Central Kenya. Topics: Meru migration route through Ukambani (Kamba Country) with particular reference to their passage by the "four white peaks" referred to in Meru oral tradition.

13. Kairanyi, M'Muraa wa. Six interviews, September and October 1969, Kirua Village, North Imenti. Murungi age-set; estimated age, 85 years. Status: warrior (claims to have been a war leader); translator for H. E. Lambert; chief; senior chief; member and later chairman of the Njuri Nceke (highest elders' council) for northern Meru. Considered by community as expert on historical subjects, especially those related to military affairs. Topics: traditional war; history and functions of councils of elders; warriors. Frequently corroborated data from other areas.

14. M'Mwarania, Alliano. Five interviews, September and October 1969, Nkubu, South Imenti. Kiruja age-set; estimated age, 50 years. Member of Omo clan (clan of Mugwe), thus unusually interested in retention of precolonial customs; former member, Meru Helping Country Association, 1950–1953. Has spent leisure time in learning from elders of Imenti, lgoji. Topics: identification of potential informants (his original sources); Kiamas of boyhood; spirit worship; traditional curses; ironsmiths.

15. M'Ikaria, Gerrard. Two interviews, September and October 1969, Nkubu, South Imenti. Kiruja age-set; estimated age, fifties. Status: farmer, housepainter. Member of Omo clan; father a prophet (Muroria); claims also to have dealt with spirits (Nkoma) in childhood. Unusual interest in singing of traditional (precolonial) songs, particularly those concerned with male circumcision, warriorhood. Topics: traditional spirit worship; relations between spirits and men.

16. Ntangi, M'Anyoni wa. Four interviews, October 1969, Nkubu, South Imenti. Murungi age-set; estimated age, late seventies. Status: Muroria (prophet); also functions as curse detector (Muringia). Topics: functions of Muroria and related ritual specialists; types of contact between ancestral spirits (Nkoma) and man.

17. M'Ringui, M'Rinkanya. Two interviews, October 1969, Nkubu, South Imenti. Kiruja age-set; estimated age, late fifties. Status: curse detector (Muringia) and son of a curse detector. Allegedly circumcised by ancestral spirits (Nkoma) as a child. Topics: work of the Muringia and related ritual specialists; types of contact; relationships between ancestral spirits and man.

18. M'Murungi, M'Mwiriria. One interview, October 1969, Kirea Village, South Imenti. Murungi age-set; estimated age, eighties. Status: curse detector (Muni wa Uta: breaker of the bow). Topics: functions of the Muni wa Uta and related ritual specialists.

19. M'Munyiri, Ngaruro. One interview, October 1969, Kirea Village, South Imenti. Murungi (Kirianki) age-set; estimated age, early eighties. Status: truth seeker (Mugwatithania Gikama: administrator of the oath of the "hot" iron). Topics: functions of Mugwatithania and related ritual specialists.

20. Kinugu, M'Mukwea. One interview, October 1969, near Kirea Village, South Imenti. Murungi age-set; estimated age, eighties. Status: curse detector (Muringia); allegedly circumcised by ancestral spirits (Nkoma) as a child; still practicing today. Topics: functions of Muringia and related ritual specialists.

21. Kiringuri, Mwembu wa. Two interviews, December 1969 and January 1970, upper Chure Village, South Imenti. Murungi age-set; estimated age, eighties. Status: curse remover (Muga) and son of a curse remover (Muraguri). Topics: functions of Muga and related ritual specialists; traditional spirit worship; persecution of ritual specialists by the colonial regime.

22. Gacoro, M'Mukira. One interview, December 1969, Miiriga Mieru, North Imenti. Murungi age-set; estimated age, eighties. Status: curse remover (Muga). Topics: work of a Muga and related ritual specialists; traditional spirit worship; persecution of ritual specialists by colonial regime; supernatural societies (Mwaa, Wathua) in North Imenti.

23. Gakuru, Mwamucheke wa. Twelve interviews, December 1969 to June 1970, Gaichau Village, Muthambi. She refused to reveal name of age-set; estimated age, eighties. Nearly blind, thus took unusual pleasure in recounting events of the past. Topics: traditional death and afterlife; traditional religion (spirit worship); supernatural societies, with particular focus on the role of women therein; traditional courtship and marriage in Muthambi. Frequently corroborated data gathered from or about women in other areas.

24. Muiri, M'Muthanya M'Kieberia. Two interviews, April 1970, Kirirwa Village, South Imenti. Murungi (Riungu) age-set; estimated age, eighties. Member of Omo clan (clan of Mugwe). Status: farmer. Topics: traditional functions of the Mugwe and related ritual specialists; initial reactions to colonialism; decline and disappearance of the Mugwe institution (Ugwe).

25. M'Imotho, M'Munyugi. Two interviews, April 1970, near Kirirwa Village, South Imenti. Murungi (Riungu) age-set; estimated age, eighties. Member of Omo clan. Status: farmer. Topics: traditional functions of the Mugwe and related ritual specialists; initial reactions to colonialism.

26. M'Mukiri, Hezikiah. Nine interviews, December 1969 to July 1970, Katheri Village, North Imenti. Murungi (Riungu) age-set; estimated age, eighties. Status: former member of the Njuri Nceke; present member of Kiama Kia Mbiti (council of oldest living age-set). Early convert, United Methodist Mission, Imenti. Highly intelligent, deeply aware of the Meru past and his own role in transmitting it to the young. When younger, actively sought out knowledgeable elders to learn historical traditions; one of the first Methodist Christians to join the Njuri. Now considered by contemporaries as the most historically learned man of his area (North Imenti). Topics: origins of Imenti people; migration onto Mount Kenya; relations with Maasai; Tigania-Katheri wars; history of the Njuri Nceke, witchcraft societies (A-Athi); traditional warfare. Frequently corroborated data from other areas.

27. Gikamata, Gituuru wa. Five interviews, December 1969 to June 1970, Kionyo Village, South Imenti. Kiramana (Kiriambobua) age-set; estimated age, mid-nineties. Status: war leader (Ncamba). Topics: origins of Meru; pre-Meru occupants of Mount Kenya; traditional military tactics, training; persecution of ritual specialists under colonialism. Considered by contemporaries as most historically reliable man in his area (South Imenti). Consistently refused to deviate from original wording of traditions, even when logically flawed. Frequently corroborated data gathered from other areas.

28. M'Mutani, M'Thaara. Fifteen interviews, December 1969 to July 1970, Kauuni Village, Muthambi. Murungi (Riungu) age-set; estimated age, early eighties. Status: warrior; later, chief of warriors, upper Muthambi, under early colonial administration. Extraordinary command of the past. Topics: traditional warfare; impact of colonialism on (Muthambi) warriorhood; origins of Muthambi; supernatural societies; elders' council of Muthambi (Kiama Kya Kibogo).

29. Kirongoro, Matiri wa (Paul). Twelve interviews, December 1969 to July 1970, Muthambi Chief's Camp, Muthambi. Miriti, age-set; estimated age, seventies. Status: farmer, former member, supernatural societies. Unusual interest

in Meru past, specifically traditional forms of war and religion. Topics: traditional spirit worship; cursing; supernatural societies; traditional warfare.

30. Ruganda, Rwito wa. Eight interviews, January to March 1970, Thigaa Village, Mwimbi. Kiramana (Kabaya) age-set (only one remaining in Mwimbi-Muthambi); estimated age, nineties. Status: warrior, farmer. Considered most knowledgeable in area. Topics: origins of Mwimbi; migration to Mount Kenya; earlier occupants; traditional war; cursing; supernatural societies in Mwimbi.

31. M'Mbogore, M'Rutere, Mukungu M'Mbogore, and M'Iniu M'Mbogore. Three brothers, all sons of Mbogore M'Mwendo, former war leader (Ncamba wa Mbui ya Mugongo) for Mwimbi and the first chief of upper Mwimbi under colonial administration. Three interviews, January to March 1970, Chogoria, upper Mwimbi. Miriti and Kiruja age-sets. M'Rutere served as spokesman for all three, the others commenting as required. Topics: traditions of their family, which go back to the initial occupation of Mwimbi area; struggle between Mbogore M'Mwendo and ritual specialists before and after the coming of Europeans; military exploits of Mbogore M'Mwendo.

32. M'Muriithi, Muriuki. Seven interviews, January to April 1970, Kyeni Village, Mwimbi. Murungi (Riungu) age-set; estimated age, early eighties. Status: warrior; thereafter, subordinate of Mbogore M'Mwendo; respected by contemporaries as knowledgeable of the past. Topics: origins of Mwimbi; earlier occupants of Mwimbi region; traditional warfare; Mwimbi council of elders; military role of Mbogore M'Mwendo; expulsion of Cuka.

33. M'Munyari, Kiringo. Five interviews, April 1970, Itura Village, Igembe. Gichunge age-set (Igembe equivalent of Kiramana), only one remaining in Igembe; estimated age, nineties. Considered most knowledgeable in area. Status: warrior. Topics: origin of people of Igembe (Mbe); migration to Mount Kenya; earlier occupants; traditional warfare; origins of warrior councils (Kiama Kia Ramare); supernatural societies.

34. M'Mbarui, Gaichungi Baibuatho. Five interviews, April 1970, Kithetu Village, Igembe. Kilamunya age-set (equivalent of Murungi); estimated age, eighties. Status: warrior. Topics: traditional war; origins of Igembe; supernatural societies.

35. Nguciala, Ikuciambuu. Three interviews, April 1970, Luluma Village, Igembe. Kilamunya age-set (equivalent to Murungi); estimated age, eighties. Status: warrior; farmer alleged former member of Mwaa Igembe. Topics: supernatural societies in Igembe; origins of warriors' council (Kiama Kia Lamale) in Igembe.

36. M'Mutiga, M'Ngaruni. One interview, April 1970, near Luluma Village, Igembe. Kilamunya age-set (equivalent to Murungi); estimated age, eighties. Status: farmer; allegedly former member of the Mwaa supernatural society. Topic: the Mwaa society in Igembe.

37. Gichoro, M'Ikirima wa. One interview, January 1970, Kigane Village, South Imenti. Murungi (Riungu) age-set; estimated age, late eighties. Respected by contemporaries as knowledgeable of past. Status: warrior. Topics: traditional war; council of elders for South Imenti (Njuri ya Kiama).

38. M'Mungania M'Mwongera. One interview, January 1970, Menwe Village, South Imenti. Murungi (Riungu) age-set; estimated age, eighties. Status:

allegedly a member of a supernatural society. Topics: secret societies; ritual and magic.

39. Nkurunge, M'Mukindia wa. One interview, January 1970, Menwe Village, South Imenti. Murungi (Riungu) age-set; estimated age, early eighties. Status: warrior; herder; farmer. Allegedly knowledgeable of "magic" used by ironsmiths. Topics: ironsmiths; relations with agricultural community.

40. M'Irimbere, M'Ikiene (M'Iniu). Two interviews, February 1970, Thimangari Market (Thuura), North Imenti. Murungi (Riungu) age-set; estimated age, eighties. Status: warrior (allegedly war leader); farmer. Topics: traditional warfare; origins of peoples of North Imenti; previous occupants of Imenti area; impact of Europeans on warriors of Thuura.

41. Kabutai, M'Mwongera wa. Two interviews, February 1970, Kibirichia Market and Ntugi Village, Northeast Imenti. Miriti age-set; estimated age, seventies. Status: warrior, farmer. Allegedly connected with A-Athi (hunters). Topics: "magic" of A-Athi ("bite" and "blow"); traditional warfare against Maasai.

42. Gacece, Mathiu wa. Two interviews, February 1970, Kiamogo Village (Kibirichia), Northeast Imenti. Miriti age-set; estimated age, early eighties. Status: forest hunter; farmer. Former member of the Kiama Kia A-Athi. Topics: functions of Kiama Kia A-Athi; protective magic ("bite" and "blow"); cursing; relations of A-Athi to agricultural Meru.

43. Kairanya, Thangara wa. Two interviews, near Kibirichia Market, Northeast Imenti. Miriti age-set; estimated age, seventies. Status: cattle herder. Reputed by contemporaries to be knowledgeable of past. Topics: traditional warfare, weaponry; Meru and Maasai postraid rituals.

44. Mathiu, Majogu wa. One interview, February 1970, Kitheruni Village, Northeast Imenti. Miriti age-set; estimated age, seventies. Status: cattle herder. Alleged to be knowledgeable of the A-Athi. Topics: occupation of Northeast Imenti by present inhabitants; warfare with Maasai, Umpua (Ogiek); hunter, herder groups (A-Athi?) within Northeast Imenti.

45. Mbagine, Kibere wa. Two interviews, February 1970, Kiamogo Village, Northeast Imenti. Miriti age-set; estimated age, seventies. Status: cattle herder. Topic: cattle raiding by Maasai (defensive tactics).

46. M'Mkatemia, M'Nkanata (Kibunja, the "destroyer"). Three interviews, February 1970, near Menwe Village, South Imenti. Miriti age-set; estimated age, seventies. Status: honey hunter. Topics: council of the A-Athi (Kiama Kia A-Athi); magic, rituals of the A-Athi.

47. M'Mungaria, Daudi. Two interviews, February 1970, upper Chute area (near forest edge), South Imenti. Miriti age-set; estimated age, seventies. Status: honey hunter. Topics: work of honey hunters; council of the A-Athi; rituals of the A-Athi; cursing (Urogi).

48. Kathugu, M'Thaara wa. Two interviews, February 1970, Ruguta Village, Muthambi. Murungi (Riungu) age-set; estimated age, eighties. Status: warrior; farmer. Topics: traditional warfare; origins of Muthambi.

49. Kiithithira, M'Ndegwa. Two interviews, February 1970, Iriene Village, Kibirichia, Northeast Imenti. Miriti age-set, estimated age, early eighties. Eldest living member of Ncuunca clan, a Maasai group that was assimilated into

Northeast Meru during the 1870s to 1880s. Status: warrior; farmer. Topics: clan history; Maasai-Meru nonmilitary relationships.

50. Kirenga, M'Kiambati wa. One interview, February 1970, Katheri Village, North Imenti. Murungi age-set; estimated age, eighties. Status: warrior; farmer. Topics: history of Katheri area; the Maasai of Katheri-Tigania wars.

51. Kainyuru, M'Murithi. One interview, February 1970, near Katheri Village, North Imenti. Murungi age-set; estimated age, eighties. Status: warrior; farmer; herder. Topics: Maasai of Katheri; Katheri-Tigania wars.

52. M'Rinyiru, M'Kirera. One interview, February 1970, Mpuri Village (Katheri location), North Imenti. Murungi (Riungu) age-set; estimated age, eighties. Status: warrior; herder. Allegedly descended from the Maasai. Topics: Maasai assimilation into Katheri (rituals of mutual adoption); Tigania-Katheri wars.

53. M'Mungaine, Nguluu. Two interviews, March to June 1970, Kanjalu Village (Kianjai), Tigania. Kiramunya age-set (equivalent to Murungi in Central Meru); estimated age, eighties. Status: herder; farmer. Topics: history of Kianjai area; assimilation of Maasai; Tigania-Katheri (Kianjai) wars.

54. Likira, M'Mucheke. Two interviews, March to June 1970, Nkui Village (Akithii), Tigania, North Meru. Kiramunya age-set; estimated age, eighties. Status: warrior; herder. Topics: history of Akithii area; assimilation of Maasai; Tigania (Akithii)-Katheri wars; raiding tactics against Northeast Imenti.

55. M'Amuru, M'Arusha. Two interviews, April to June 1970, Amatu Village (Mikinduri), Tigania, North Meru. Kiramunya age-set; estimated age, eighties. Status: warrior; herder; farmer. Topics: history of Mikinduri area; assimilation of Maasai; Tigania (Mikinduri) raids against Katheri, Northeast Imenti, Igembe.

56. Kabuthu, M'Nourai wa. One interview, May 1970, near Tigania Mission station (Muthara area), Tigania, North Meru. Kiramunya age-set; estimated age, late eighties. Status: warrior; herder; farmer. Topics: history of Muthara area; assimilation of Maasai; raid against North and Northeast Imenti; elders' council of Tigania-Igembe (the Njuri Nceke).

57. M'Mbuthu, M'Muambe. One interview, May 1970, Muthara, Tigania. Kilamunya age-set; estimated age, eighties. Status: warrior, policeman for colonial administration; farmer. Topics: impact of colonialism on military and judicial councils of Muthara; history of elders' council of Tigania-Igembe.

58. Baimwera, Kairu. Two interviews, March 1970, Mugaani Village, Mwimbi. Miriti age-set; estimated age, early seventies. Status: farmer. Alleged former member of supernatural society. Topic: supernatural societies of Mwimbi.

59. M'Mbatau, M'Ruiga. Three interviews, March 1970, Igoji Township, Igoji. Murungi age-set; estimated age, eighties. Status: warrior; farmer. Former member of supernatural society. Topics: supernatural societies of Igoji; traditional raiding; military resistance to colonial rule by Miutini; persecution of supernatural specialists, societies, under colonialism.

60. Baikare, M'Mungori wa. Two interviews, April 1970, Magundu Village, Muthambi (near Cuka boundary). Murungi (Riungu) age-set; estimated

age, eighties. Status: warrior; farmer. Topics: origins and migration route of Muthambi; military expulsion of Cuka, 1880s.

61. Njara, Karaya wa (Benjamin). Two interviews, April 1970, Kauri Village, Muthambi. Kabuuru age-set (equivalent of Kiruja); estimated age, 60 years. Status: farmer. Former member of supernatural society. Topic: the Mwaa society (Kiama Kia Nkoma) in Muthambi.

62. Informant withheld name. One interview, May 1970, Geto Village, Igoji. Regeria age-set (married Murungi); estimated age, early seventies. Status: alleged member of supernatural society. Topics: supernatural societies in Igoji; role of women within the Kagita; Chigiira, a supernatural society (A-Athi) of unmarried females.

63. Murungi, Kainyu. One interview, May 1970, Mureru Village, Igoji. Regeria age-set (married Murungi); estimated age, late sixties. Status: alleged member of the Kagita, A-Athi. Topic: women's roles in supernatural societies.

64. Gikabu, Mwakireu. One interview, May 1970, Karia Village, Igoji. Regeria age-set (married Murungi); estimated age, late sixties. Status: alleged member of the Kiama Kia Kagita, 1920s. Topics: women's roles in supernatural societies; cursing and curse removal by supernatural societies.

65. Murungi, Gacaba. One interview, May 1970, near Mureru Village, Igoji. She refused to reveal age-set; estimated age, late sixties. Status: allegedly a member of the Kagita (refused to "break oath" on this topic). Topics: women's role within supernatural societies; Chigiira, supernatural society (A-Athi) for unmarried females.

66. M'Muguongo, Mburunga. One interview, May 1970, Mureru Village, Igoji. Murungi age-set; estimated age, early eighties. Status: alleged member of the Kagita. Topics: roles of men, women, within supernatural societies; cursing and curse removal by supernatural societies.

67. Murungi, Jwanina. One interview, May 1970, Mwira jwa Ngondu Village, Igoji. She refused to reveal age-set (married to Murungi). Status: allegedly member of supernatural society. Topic: Chigiira, supernatural society (A-Athi) for unmarried females.

68. M'Ngentu, Neiru. One interview, March 1970, Mugaami Village, Mwimbi. Riungu age-set; estimated age, eighties. Status: warrior; farmer. Topics: origins of Mwimbi; secret societies in upper Mwimbi.

69. M'Mugambe, M'Raria. One interview, June 1970, Mathagwe Village, Igoji. Murungi age-set; estimated age, eighties. Status: warrior; farmer. Topic: origins of Igoji.

70. M'Muga, M'Muga. One interview, June 1970, Kathigiri Village, Igoji. Miriti age-set; estimated age, late seventies. Status: farmer. Topics: origins of Igoji; curse removal in Igoji.

71. Kiruguru, M'Matiri. One interview, June 1970, Rugomo Village, Miutini. Murungi (Riungu) age-set; estimated age, early eighties. Status: warrior; farmer. Topics: origins of Miutini; military resistance to colonialism.

72. Nkarami, Kibuja. One interview, June 1970, Kiamwere Village, Miutini. Murungi (Riungu) age-set; estimated age, early eighties. Status: warrior; farmer. Topics: origins of Miutini; initial resistance to colonialism.

73. Njogu, Matiiri wa. One interview, June 1970, Kioni Village, Miutini. Murungi age-set; estimated age, late eighties. Status: warrior; farmer. Topics: origins of Miutini; resistance of Miutini to people of Kangangi (E. B. Horne, first British administrator).

74. M'Murithi, M'Muga. One interview, June 1970, Ithitu Village, Igoji. Murungi age-set; estimated age, eighties. Status: warrior; cattle herder. Accepted by contemporaries as most knowledgeable of the past. Topics: origins of Miutini, Igoji; military resistance of Miutini to colonialism; supernatural societies (A-Athi) in Miutini, Igoji.

75. M'Mcomba, Muthongomia, and Kirumu Muthongomia. One interview, June 1970, Geto village, Igoji. Mr. M'Mcomba is in Murungi age-set; estimated age, nineties; his spouse, Kirumu, in late seventies. Man's memory is failing; when prodded by wife, he recalls. Status of man: warrior; farmer; allegedly member of supernatural society. Status of woman: allegedly member of supernatural society. Topics: men's and women's roles within the Kagita, A-Athi; cursing and curse removal by secret societies; Chigiira, supernatural society for unmarried females.

76. M'Mwebia, M'Muthara. One interview, June 1970, Kuiri Village, Igoji. Murungi age-set; estimated age, early eighties. Status: warrior; farmer. Parents were A-Athi, thus, he was a member of an A-Athi boys Kiama. Topics: organization, activities, dynamics of supernatural (boys) societies.

77. M'Njage, Mukangu, and Miemba wa Njeru. One interview, June 1970, Muthambi Chief's Camp, Muthambi. Miriti age-set; estimated age, seventies. Mukangu is older, thus served as spokesman for both. Miemba commented and corrected. Status: farmers. Topics: A-Athi in Muthambi; traditional courtship; "cow-in-lawship" (uthoni wa ngombe ); "girl-in-lawship" (uthoni wa nkenye ).

78. Rwito, Karuke. One interview, June 1970, Kianjage Village, lower Mwimbi. Murungi (Riungu) age-set; estimated age, early nineties. Status: warrior; farmer. Topics: traditional raiding; resistance of Kanyoro's village (lower Mwimbi) to British control.

79. M'Anampiu, Stephan. Five interviews, December 1969 to April 1970, Meru Teaching Training College, North Imenti. Age-set not given. Status: Master of History and vice-principal, Meru Teacher Training College, North Imenti. Topics: research into origins, history of major clans of North Imenti.

80. M'Mburu, M'Mugambe. One interview, December 1969, Katheri Village, North Imenti. Murungi age-set; estimated age, eighties. Status: warrior; farmer. Topic: Meru traditional religion.

81. M'Mangania, Mwoga. One interview, June 1970, near Kiamwere Village, Miutini. Murungi age-set; estimated age, eighties. Status: warrior; farmer. Topics: origins of Miutini; Miutini raiding patterns; military alliance.

82. M'Irogi, M'Rimberia (Henry). Two interviews, April to June 1970, near Katheri Village, North Imenti. Murungi age-set; estimated age, late seventies. Status: warrior; farmer. Topics: traditional warfare; relations of Katheri (gaaru ) with Maasai.

83. M'Ringeera, Muchena. Four interviews, April to June 1970, Ruiga Village, North Imenti. Murungi age-set; estimated age, late eighties. Status: war-

rior; farmer. Topics: history of clan (claims ability to trace ancestry back to Mbwaa); origins of Meru; relations with Maasai; obligations of ritual alliance (gichiaro ).

84. M'Iteria, Gikabu, and Kiagia Njeru. One interview, April 1970, Ithambare Village, Miutini. Both Miriti age-set; estimated age, seventies. Gikabu, the eldest, acted as spokesman. Status: farmers. Topic: training for warriorhood.

85. Thariaba, Baigumba. One interview, June 1970, Kambi ya Kairanya, North Igembe. Kilamunya age-set (Murungi in Imenti); estimated age, eighties. Status: warrior; herder. Topics: earlier occupants of Igembe; invaders of Igembe; tactics of defense.

86. Irembi, M'Mukira wa (Joseph). One interview, March 1970, near Ithambari Primary School, Nkubu, South Imenti. Miriti age-set; estimated age, late seventies. Status: warrior; farmer; former teacher. Intelligent, interested in recording Meru past. Topics: traditional structure of Njuri ya Kiama, South Imenti; Njuri history before colonial era; traditional war; warrior courtship and marriage.

87. Nkuruaru, Kirimi. One interview, March 1970, Karaa Market (near Chogoria), Mwimbi. Kiruji age-set; estimated age, fifties. Father and uncles were Ogiek who made gichiaro (ritual alliance) with miiriga (ridgetop communities) in upper Mwimbi; subsequently served as "scout." Clan: Rukuruku (Mokogodo?) in Ki-Ogiek; Rukinga in Ki-Mwimbi. Topics: relations of Ogiek with miiriga of Mwimbi, in peace (intermarriage, etc.) and war.

88. M'Ringeera, Karema. One interview, February 1970, Ncoore Village, Northeast Imenti. Murungi age-set; estimated age, early eighties. Status: warrior; herder. Alleged to have been visited by ancestral spirits (Nkoma); contact with A-Athi. Topics: traditional spirit worship; Nkoma; relations with A-Athi; Kiama Kia A-Athi.

89. Ng'entu, Mburunga. One interview, January 1970, Chogoria Village, Mwimbi. Murungi age-set; estimated age, early eighties. Status: warrior; farmer; ex-chief of upper Mwimbi, 1930s. Reliable on aspects of precolonial history, unreliable where his own role is concerned. Topics: origins of Mwimbi; early (gichiaro ) relationship to Tigania, Embu; entry of Mwimbi people onto Mount Kenya.

90. M'Riria, Albert. One interview, June 1970, Kiuni Village, Muitini. Kiruja age set; estimated age, seventies. Witness (as a child) to resistance of Miutini warriors (among them, his father) to E. B. Horne's conquest of their region. Topics: Miutini rebellion, mission intrusion into Igoji.

91. M'Ituke, Paulo. One interview, March 1970, United Methodist Mission, Imenti. Early convert, Methodist Mission Society. Topics: origin of Christianity in Imenti, initial responses to missionaries.

92. Anicheto, Vitalus. One interview, March 1970, Igoji Roman Catholic Mission, Igoji. Early convert, Consolata Roman Catholic Mission. Topics: Initial Meru responses to Catholicism; initial warrior, elder response to first Christian converts.

93. M'Gaichau, Paulo. One interview, March 1970, Mujwa Roman Catholic Mission, Igoji. First Christian convert, (1915?), Mujwa Mission, Consolata Mission Society. Topic: origin of Catholicism in Igoji.

94. Thiriadi, Alice. One interview, March 1970, United Methodist Mission, Imenti. Wife of Isak M'Muga, early convert, Methodist Mission Society. Topic: origins of first generation of female Christians.

95. Makumi, Priscilla. One interview, April 1970, Gikuyu Presbyterian Mission, Gikuyu Township, Kenya. Widow of Daudi Makumi, member of the first party of Gikuyu (Protestant) converts to enter Mwimbi as lay evangelists. Topic: Meru Christianity during the "Makumi era."

96. Wangu, Ismaili. One interview, April 1970, Gikuyu Presbyterian Mission, Gikuyu Township, Kenya. Early Church of Scotland Mission convert, Gikuyu tribe. Second Church of Scotland Evangelist (after Daudi Makumi) to work in the Mwimbi-Cuka region, based at "Gaitungi's mission" (Mwiria ya Mburia Village), October 1920–October 1921. Topic: Meru Christianity during the "Wangu era."

97. M'Raria, Daudi. One interview, January 1970, Chogoria Presbyterian Mission, Chogoria Township, Mwimbi. Early convert, Church of Scotland Mission. Topic: origins of Christianity in Mwimbi.

98. M'Muntu, Josiah. One interview, January 1970, Chogoria Presbyterian Mission, Chogoria Township, Mwimbi. Early convert, Church of Scotland Mission. Topic: origins of Christianity in Mwimbi.

99. M'Murianki, Jotham. One interview, February 1970, Chogoria Township, Mwimbi. Early convert, Church of Scotland Mission. Topic: origins of Christianity in Mwimbi.

100. M'Kirichio, Germano. One interview, February 1970, Mikinduri Roman Catholic Mission, Tigania. Early convert, Athuana (now Mikinduri) Mission. Topic: origins of Christianity in Tigania.

101. M'Mutiga, Samsoni. One interview, February 1970, United Methodist Mission, Imenti. Early convert, Methodist Mission Society, and first Methodist convert to "penetrate" Maua region of Igembe as lay evangelist. Topics: origins of Christianity in Igembe; warrior resistance to Christianity in Maua region.

102. Mbiro, Rahab. One interview, February 1970, Chogoria Township, Mwimbi. Early convert and wife of an early convert, Church of Scotland Mission, Mwimbi, 1920s. Topic: origins of Christianity among Meru women.

103. M'Icirai (last name withheld). One interview, March 1970, Chogoria Township, Mwimbi. Chief cook for Mbogore M'Mwendo during that man's early years as district chief, upper Mwimbi. Topic: resistance by elders to Mbogore's efforts at reform.