THE LEGEND OF KIWAKAAZI

Great, old and wise sage Anambre was showing young and ignorant Kiwakaazi many things he did not know prior to coming to Nomposuro. It was now time to explore the life of Kiwakaazi (the second). We all remember how he was born, how he lived as a wanderer. He was a great leader but his decision to save a girl cost him. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise.

So, he was arrested after he saved Safiri. He told princess Dedeli an interesting story about his name and left the Southern Empire, Jumapafie to find a cure for her ailment. He travelled with Arangosango son of Bagunasango and ancestor of Sangosi, and, some wanderers.

Kiwakaazi II’s time as a wanderer took him to almost every part of the world. He knew somebody, or, somebody who knew somebody in the four great empires. He also studied in each empire. He was the most wanted man in Nibooman (Western Empire) and still he went there first in search of a cure. He did not find a cure but at least he rescued some “wanderers” and increased the number of people in his family.  They all matched to the north and later to the east and he was not even close to finding a cure. He distanced himself from his family and left them in the care of a stranger — his best friend and his rival.

Initially, the wanderers thought he was looking for a place where they could settle and call their home. Slowly, rumors about him looking for a cure for the Southern Empire’s Tinle (princess) reached them. They did not understand him. But how could they? Only he felt the burden of love. Only he had sleepless nights and nightmares whenever he thought about beautiful Dedeli and the pain she must be going through. Perhaps none of them had fallen in love as deeply as he had. That was why they decided to oust him and install Arangosango as leader. Perhaps it was destiny but Aran who had been training all his life could not beat Kiwakaazi (second) in a fight. Kiwakaazi (second) won and remained leader of the wanderers. He led these people back and forth for many years. He was tired; Aran was tired and everyone was tired. “Why has this boy decided to punish us all?” questioned the wanderers.

Aran was Kiwakaazi II’s closest friend. They talked every day. Even after he defeated Aran, they remained the best of friends. Kiwakaazi (second) was not a man who held grudges and Aran accepted his defeat. After all, Kiwakaazi promised him a rematch at a later time. Aran noticed the air of gloom and disappointment on the face of the man he considered a great leader. He decided to cheer him up. Aran did not have a keen sense of humor but he had to try anyway. In his attempts, he mentioned that if only Kiwakaazi had some special knowledge, he will definitely come up with the cure. Kiwakaazi understood his statement differently and led the wanderers back to Islamani (Northern Empire).

In Islamani, Kiwakaazi met with an old man in a hut. The same old man who told him the story about the origin of his name. He told the old man his problem and asked for his help. The man sat in silence for a while and also said that they must seek “knowledge”. This man took Kiwakaazi to the top of a mountain. He explained that on top of that mountain, the great sage, Muaazi Abdulla Akbar unraveled the mystery behind death. Coincidentally, Muaazi Abdulla Akbar was Tete; Kinwa’s cousin. After Muaazi Abdulla Akbar’s son Farid died, he dedicated his whole life to the service of Alkar (The Only One). He spent many nights on top of mountains praying until he finally unraveled the mystery behind death.

Kiwakaazi was made to sit there for many days with the old man until they both traversed beyond the physical realm and entered the spiritual realm. They were welcomed by the Muaazi who directed them to see Kinwa. Kiwakaazi was granted audience and he explained to them the purpose behind his coming to the spirit world. Tete and Kiwakaazi (the first) took Kiwakaazi (the second) to see Anambre also known as Dzani (Knowledge). Dzani knows everything. He knew the purpose of their visit even before they arrived and led them to see Akaawe (Power).

Akaawe was not pleased with their visit. He also knew why they had come and his answer was, no! There was no way he was going to reactivate the guanvibushi. The guanvibushi had many powers. Primarily, it energizes the cells and tissues of the body. It allows men to live long, healthy and youthful lives. But that was not all. It was also powerful enough to cure all maladies. Kiwakaazi (the second) needed to borrow this power to save poor Dedeli.  

Before they uttered a word, he turned to his older brother and gave his answer “this is too risky. The last time we were able to avoid complications thanks to Emperor Oko. I’m sorry but my answer is no.” Dzani did not even talk. He simply listened to his brother. Suddenly, Akaawe (Power) sensed great spiritual energy approaching. Two of his brothers were coming to visit.

Hikazi (His Will) and Ibra (His love) joined the meeting in Akaawe’s garden. Akaawe was now the youngest with Kilambe (Beauty) banished. There was no way he could disrespect three of his older brothers. Before any of them uttered a word, he bowed before them and expressed just how fortunate he was. His two eldest brothers, Will and Love, have come to visit — a rare and auspicious occurrence indeed.

He rose up and commanded Kiwakaazi (the second) to go to Nananompofie. He told him that the great lands of that empire and for that matter the special plant was being guarded by the Shosuma (Spirit) of Emperor Oko. He sacrificed himself and accepted to live on earth like a ghost to ensure that no man discovered the whereabouts of the special plant.

Kiwakaazi knelt before them all. He was sobbing bitterly. All his life he had no knowledge of the existence of anything superior. He never gave thought to the existence of a god or gods. He was neither a good person nor someone who did good deeds. So why are they helping him? Are the gods not there to reward the good and punish the evil? So why will they help someone like him — a sinful person?

Ibra (Love) stepped forward and placed his right hand on Kiwakaazi II’s head. He said “I have never considered myself a ruhuti (true god). Only one being is Supreme to be considered “a god” and that is our beloved Father, Almighty Akaani. But people like you who have great compassion for your fellow men. Men like you who demonstrate such great humility are gods — you are the equivalence of Akaani and he is always more than willing to help you. Rise up young Akaani and let the power of Oogu (His Word) protect and guide you.” Kiwakaazi rose up still crying uncontrollably and followed the old man back to the land of the so-called living.

 After the central empire was defeated, the four empires first decided to share the lands amongst themselves. However, the entire central empire was surrounded by a thick fog and some of the soldiers who attempted entering disappeared. Later, some priests, priestesses and powerful men tried lifting the fog to no avail. The central empire was declared Awufudom (land of ghosts) and people were warned never to trespass.

No one goes there. No one even uses it as a route during their travels. That land was centrally placed and should provide the quickest route to and from the east to the west or from the north to the south. Yet, no one used it. It lay barren and forgotten. This cursed and forbidden land was Kiwakaazi II’s destination. He must be going bananas. 

“No way are we following you to that land haunted by ghosts!” screamed a few of the wanderers. Now, we understand you have completely lost your mind. “Why are you so obsessed with saving this princess?” a section also inquired. “Are you so blinded with love that you are willing to throw your life away?” asked another section. “Well, we want to live. So you can go ahead and die alone,” yelled the rest. “Ye men of little faith!” say I.

Kiwakaazi (the second) had no answers for them but Aran did. He expressed how disappointed he was in the wanderers for these wild accusations. He understands that this journey will be filled with risks. But in as much as many of them have placed their faith in him to protect them, so has he also placed his faith in the leadership of Kiwakaazi (the second). If they trust him, then, they should trust Kiwakaazi (second) for he is the wisest man he had ever met.

The wanderers were convinced. They did not trust their own kinsman but trusted his right hand man — the outsider. They followed Kiwakaazi or rightly Aran to Nananompofie and together they will revive the so called Awufudom (land of ghosts). But was it going to be that simple.