THE CURSE OF SIMBI NYAIMA

The Rachuonyo village shrouded in mystery and tragedy, was located in the center of Homa Bay County, where rumors of old legends danced among the tall grasses. It was known as Simbi, a place where the wrath of the elements and curses were mentioned in ancient stories.

The story starts with the village of Simbi bustling with activity as the sun sets. The smell of roasting meat filled the air, and the sound of laughter filled the streets. The celebration was in full swing, and Chief Okumu's magnificent hat stood in the middle of it all.

To the rhythm of the drums, the villagers chanted and danced, their voices rising. Sitting on his throne with a goblet of wine in his hand was Chief Okumu, a burly guy with a loud voice.

A person emerged at the village's outskirts as the night deepened. The elderly woman had a hunched back. She walked slowly but deliberately toward the chief's heart, age and fatigue etched into the creases of her face. "Please, good people," she cried in a voice that was almost audible above a whisper, "give me some food and a place to sleep tonight."

The villagers, however, turned to gaze at the elderly woman. Expressions of everything from curiosity to contempt are included. Chief Okumu pinched his brow in annoyance and scowled. "Dead old lady!" he yelled. "There is no place for beggars among us!" The people's eyes squinted in suspicion as they whispered in agreement.

However, one woman—a generous soul named Awino—came forward. "Grandmother, don't be afraid," she urged in a soft voice. "You're welcome to stay at my house." As Awino guided her from the chief's hut to the modest home she shared with her children, the old woman's eyes grew grateful.

.

The old woman at Awino's home sat by the fire, warming her quivering hands. Awino kept herself busy by preparing a basic dinner of "omena" and "kuon". As they ate, the old woman's voice sounded low and dreary. "My dear, I thank you for your generosity, but follow my advice and flee this village before it's too late." Awino frowned and kept down her spoon. "What do you mean, grandma? "Why must we go?" Awino asked. The old woman took a deep breath as she gazed off into space. The chief and his people will soon pay the price for causing a curse and bringing about the wrath of the elements upon this village.

Awino's eyes went wide in fear. But what are we able to do? Where can we go? The elderly woman extended her arm and grasped Awino's hand. "Take your kids and get out of here."Go for the hills, where you will be safe from the impending storm," she said. Awino nodded sorrowfully, understanding that she had to pay attention to what the elderly woman had to say.

She woke her kids and collected their meager possessions as Dawn broke. Her voice was shaking as she murmured, "Come, my darlings." "We have to get out of here quickly!" A black cloud formed on the horizon as Awino and her kids ran toward the hills. The sky was split by lightning as thunder roared in the distance.

Back at Simbi village, the people were still having a good time. However, as the storm approached, the locals began to feel worried. Chief Okumu watched the approaching Tempest from the stairs of his hut, his countenance grim. "Get yourselves ready, my people!" he said. "We are in the midst of a storm!" However, it was too late. The heavens opened up with a thunderous roar, showering the area with rain. As the wrath of the elements fell upon Simbi, the wind blew and the ground trembled.

The ground beneath their feet appeared to vibrate with rage as huts were ripped apart and trees were uprooted. The peasants let out a terrified cry amid the commotion and mayhem. The Roar of the storm drew forth their voices. However, the storm subsided quickly after it started, leaving behind a sight of destruction. There was nothing but destruction and devastation where the village of Simbi had once been.

After emerging from the ruins of their houses, the locals looked in astonishment and disbelief at the destruction. The magnificent Hut of Chief Okumu was in ruins. The storm's wrath tore its roof in two.

However, something miraculous occurred in the middle of the devastation. A huge body of water, glistening in the sunlight like a gem in the desert, nestled at the heart of what was once the Village Square. The expressions of the people, who had gathered around the edge of the newly created lake, showed a mix of dread and wonder. While some talked about the water's medicinal properties, others muttered about curses and old predictions.

However, Awino and her kids felt only appreciation and relief. Standing on the lake's edge, they were aware that the stranger's compassion had saved them from the Wrath of the weather.

In the years that followed, the lake formed in place of Simbi village took on a life of its own, adding new chapters to the haunting legacy of Simbi Nyaima. The villagers who survived scattered to nearby lands, telling the story of the fateful night when the storm swallowed their home. For many, the lake symbolized both a curse and a gift—a duality the Luo people respected and feared.

Strange phenomena began to arise around the lake. People claimed the water possessed unusual qualities. It was said to soothe illnesses, calm fevers, and even heal wounds. Some believed the lake was blessed by the spirit of the old woman who had forewarned Awino. Yet, it was also rumored that those who approached the lake with ill intent or disrespect met with inexplicable misfortune.

Awino, though grateful to have escaped the curse, never forgot the moment she’d locked eyes with the elderly woman, sensing a depth of knowledge and power far beyond her understanding. Now, as she watched her children grow in their new village, she told them the story of Simbi Nyaima so they would remember both the power of kindness and the price of hubris. Every evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Awino would walk to the edge of the lake. There, she would light a small fire, its glow a silent prayer of gratitude and respect to the forces that had saved her.

As years turned into decades, Simbi Nyaima became a place of pilgrimage. People from all over Homa Bay County and beyond came to visit, paying homage to the lake and seeking its mysterious healing waters. Elders would recount the story, warning younger generations never to scorn the less fortunate or to ignore the pleas of those in need.

Moral Lessons:

1. Show Kindness to Others:: Awino’s kindness saved her family from the terrible curse that fell on the village. Kindness to others can bring unexpected blessings.

2. Respect the Weak and Needy: The villagers ignored the old woman and paid a high price. Always treat everyone with respect, especially those in need.

3. Listen to Warnings, Even When Uncertain: Awino listened to the old woman’s strange warning, which helped her escape. Be open to advice, even when it seems unusual.