Bwana Kheri
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Bwana Kheri | |
|---|---|
| Born | c.1810 |
| Died | c.1850 |
| Occupations | Explorer and guide |
Bwana Kheri (born in the 1810s) was a Swahili long-distance caravan trader who lived in present day Mombasa. He is known for guiding the German missionary Johannes Rebmann of the Anglican Church Missionary Society (CMS) in late 1848 into the interior of the present day northern Tanzania.[1]
Kheri was a close friend of the Mombasa governor of the Busaidi Mazuri clan, who recommended him to Rebmann. Kheri was about to embark on one of his recurring trips to Mount Kilimanjaro with his own trade caravan when Rebmann decided to travel with him. Kheri was already well-traveled at this point. His expertise covered much of East Africa, from the coast inland to beyond the western border of Lake Tanganyika. Further investigation confirmed the accuracy of his findings, such as his assertion that the great lakes are different bodies of water rather than a single body of water.[2]
The only other character comparable is the Swahili, Sadi, although he lacked Kheri's distinction and dependability. Kheri was the only 19th century guide of European travelers to Kilimanjaro to play such a significant role in Chagga history. Kheri was a well-established figure by the time Rebmann hired him in 1848; we don't know how many previous trips he had taken to Kilimanjaro, but we do know that he had been there throughout the reign of Mangi Rengua of Machame, who had died in 1848 and been succeeded by his son Mamkinga.[3]
In 1848–1849, Rebmann traveled to Kilimanjaro three times, the first time visiting Kilema and the second and third times visiting Kilema and Machame. Rebmaan crossed the wilderness from Mombasa, stayed in the middle of the route at Taita, and then went directly to the mountain, skirting Taveta because Bwana Kheri was at odds with the Taveta king.
