Ndesserua
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Foo, Machame, Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region
| Ndesserua | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King of Machame | |||||
| Reign | 1854–late 1870's | ||||
| Predecessor | Mangi Mamkinga | ||||
| Successor | Ngamini, eldest surviving son | ||||
| Born | c.1830s Foo, Machame, Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region | ||||
| Died | 1870s Wari, Machame, Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region. | ||||
| Burial | Wari, Machame | ||||
| Spouses |
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| Issue (among others) |
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| Dynasty | Kombe | ||||
| Father | Mamkinga | ||||
| Religion | Traditional African religions | ||||
Ndesserua or Mangi Ndesserua Mamkinga Kombe (c.1830s–1861), also called Mangi Ndesserua of Machame (Mangi Ndeserua in Kichagga; Mfalme Ndeserua in Swahili), was a well-known monarch of the Chaga in the second half of the 19th century. He was the son of Mangi Mamkinga of Machame and a king of the Chagga. Mangi means king in Kichagga.[1][2]
By 1861, after the death of Mangi Mamkinga, Ndesserua had already taken power in the mitaa east of the Kikafu. Described by von der Decken as a formidable young man, Ndesserua ruled in a precarious position, facing internal family rivalries and external threats. His reign, lasting until at least late 1870's, was characterized by fear and violence as he resorted to extreme measures, including the execution of his own family members, to consolidate power. Notably, Ndesserua's infamous practice of "killing in peacetime" marked a shift in local governance as he utilized informants to root out perceived threats, leading to widespread distrust and fear among his subjects.[3][4][5]
Nadesserua married four wives and had notably a number of sons: the unnamed mother of Makota, Makunde of Marangu—who happened to be the sister of Mangi Marealle—Kyekwe, the mother of Ngamini, and Nuya from the Lema clan, who is the mother of Shangali and Sawe.[6]
Ndesserua's reign caused significant upheaval, prompting many to flee the Kikafu basin to escape his brutality. This migration represented a continuation of historical movements among the Chagga people, as clans sought refuge in safer areas like Meru. Even as he suffered from debilitating illness, Ndesserua maintained control through fear and the belief in his magical powers.[7][8][9]