Page 55 - SoMJ Vol 74 - No 1, 2021

The Mwasi Expedition 1895 45

was situated in this part of the stronghold, I had high hopes of having captured the
chief himself. On enquiry however I found that the chief was not among them.
Meanwhile the Atonga and the Kota Kota irregulars were in full pursuit
of the enemy, who made off to the west, some of them taking refuge in the
numerous bomas on the plain and making a stand.
During the assault on the boma, we found that 27 of the enemy had been
killed and five wounded, while on our side 1 Atonga was killed and two were
slightly wounded and two struck by lightning.
There was a very violent thunderstorm at the time and in addition to the
two men who were struck by lightning the stocks of several Snider rifles were
much damaged. A great many guns were captured in the boma and one Portuguese
gun (about a 3 pounder) was taken. Several shots had been fired out of it as we
advanced. Forty head of cattle were also captured.
A small village a few hundred yards to the west of the boma was then
fixed upon as the camping ground of the troops and to that place all prisoners and
cattle were moved.
After two hours rest, at about 1 p.m., news was brought to me that the
enemy had assembled in force in a large stronghold belonging to Kibwaira about
six miles to the north-west of Mwasi’s, and that Ali Kiongwe and a small body of
Atonga and Makua under, could make no effect on the people inside. The fall-in
was at once sounded and I and Mr. Swann started off with a force of 30 Sikhs and
30 Atonga and Makua with orders that the 7-pounder should follow. On arrival
we found that Kibwaira’s [sometimes spelt Kiwaura] boma was a very large one
and that a great number of the enemy had taken up their stand inside. The 7-
pounder had not arrived and after advancing in extended order and firing a few
volleys we charged and carried the fort by assault.
Ali Kiongwe greatly distinguished himself in the assault, charging the
boma with a few Atonga where the enemy were thickest. There was one man who
stood on the boma wall, holding a large flag in one hand and throwing spears with
the other, and during the assault stood his ground. He was bayoneted by an Atonga
and the flag taken from him. [see photo of flag p.46].
Though a number escaped under the cover of various walls and trees,
there were found to be eleven of the enemy killed. Only one Atonga on our side
was hurt being stunned from the blow of a knobkerrie. Several prisoners and 40
head of cattle were taken, as well as quantities of brass wire and cloth.
The 7-pounder gun was not used at all, as it arrived too late.
After burning and absolutely destroying Kibwaira’s boma, the troops
returned to the camp near Mwasi’s arriving about 7p.m. Having been constantly
on the move and fighting for the most part of the time since 5a.m. A great many
prisoners were found having been brought in by the Irregulars and Atonga. Three
large tusks had also been brought in to the quarter guard, having been found in
Mwasi’s boma.