SIMBI

On a cloudy afternoon, an old woman named Awino entered the village of Kolonde. As she approached, she noticed the villagers celebrating a bountiful harvest. The men were indulging in traditional drinks and feasting on meat from animals that had been slaughtered, while the women ensured that the men had enough food to eat and drinks as the celebrations went on.

Awino stepped into the feasting arena and humbly requested food and shelter. However, her plea fell on deaf ears. The villagers, caught up in their merriment, ignored her. Instead, they instructed strong men to throw her out of the party venue and escort her out of the village. Despite the abundance of food surrounding her, Awino left empty-handed and dejected as the feast reached its climax.

Determined to find kindness elsewhere, Awino travelled to the next village, where she was welcomed by a young woman named Akello and her children. Akello offered Awino food, which she gratefully accepted as she warmed herself by the fireplace. After enjoying the meal, Awino inquired about Akello’s marital status. Akello explained that her husband, Nyamgondho Wuod Ombare, was at a feast in the neighbouring village.

Awino suggested that Akello go fetch her husband from the feast. Obediently, Akello set off to find him. However, when Nyamgondho learned that it was Awino, the old woman they had rejected, who was calling for him, he reacted angrily. He rebuked Akello and refused to accompany her back home.

Upon returning home, Akello recounted her ordeal to Awino, explaining how her husband had dismissed her. In response, Awino advised Akello to take her children and leave the village as quickly as possible. Heeding this advice, they stepped out just as a heavy downpour began, accompanied by frightening lightning.

The rain continued relentlessly for 24 hours, flooding both villages. Kolonde, where Awino had been rejected, became submerged along with all its people and animals. This calamity was believed to be a curse from Awino upon the villagers who had denied her shelter and sustenance.

To this day, it is claimed that Simbi Nyaima Lake originated from the curse.