Kipteber, the Hill that Fell from the Sky

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photo credit/Source: Kipteber Hill in Marakwet West, Elgeyo Marakwet County. 


By Thomas Chemelil

Cherang'any hills tower above the skies to the East of this place like the legendary tower of Babel. To the North, I can discern the obstinate Zebu bull-hump that is the legendary Kipteber hill.

For those who don't know Kipteber, It is a small hilly piece of huge rock that  is thought to have fallen from the skies. It indeed looks odd in its environment and must have indeed fallen from the skies.

Legend has it that a group of men and women were making merry and dancing. As they were doing so, a crow came and warned them that there was a huge rock falling from the sky.

The people, thinking that the crow was lying chased it away. They could not fathom how a rock could fall from the sky. They continued with their partying.

Soon after, the entire sky was engulfed by an unusual darkness. When the people looked up, they indeed saw a huge rock falling from the sky!

They then desperately tried to run away, but it was too late for them. The rock fell on the entire party. Only a few survived the tragedy of that day.

Upto date, it is said that if you go to the foot of Kipteber, you will hear people speaking from the rocky mountain, but you will not see them. It is a strange world this is.

Indeed these are the tales from these hills. Am back and the gods speak to me again.

Did I tell you of the story of the gods who circumcised boys in the hills? I laughed as I listened to this weird version of the tale. I must  have told you of the boys whose private parts were mutilated by 'ilat' in Embobut.

These women sitting next to me tell me that 'ilat' was annoyed by the fact that mere mortals were initiating there boys without allowing them to also circumcise theirs in the underworld! What strange tales I come across in these hills.

I will stay put to tell you these tales my people. Am there for you and will always shout from this mountain.

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