21/04/2025
THE GIRL WHO MARRIED A SNAKE (Nkare na Mwana) In Meru
A long, long time ago, before iron roof touched our lands, and when men still feared the wrath of elders, there lived a beautiful girl in a quiet village nestled between the Kathita River and the Njuki Hills.
Her name was Kaari, meaning “light” and indeed, her beauty lit up the whole village. Her skin was smooth like the inside of a ripe banana, her eyes deep like the Meru forest, and her laughter? It could make even old men remember the sweetness of their youth.
Now, Kaari had many suitors. Warriors from Igembe came with honey and beads. Herdsmen from Tigania brought fat goats. Even young men from far Tharaka danced with spears for her hand. But Kaari, ah! She turned them all away. She said none pleased her heart.
One day, as Kaari fetched firewood near the river, she met a tall, handsome stranger. He wore a bright white shuka, had smooth skin and eyes that glowed like morning dew. He spoke gently, like the wind in maize stalks.
“My name is Nkare, I come from a faraway land beyond the mountains,” he said.
Kaari’s heart danced. She went home smiling, her mind full of this mystery man. For days, she met him in secret under trees, beside the river, even in the banana grove. He promised her a life of gold, silk, and peace.
When Kaari told her mother about Nkare, the old woman’s face turned cold.
“Daughter,” she said, “a man who does not come with elders is a ghost in disguise. I have dreamt of snakes, and my bones are restless. This man is not what he seems.”
But Kaari, like many before her, chose love over wisdom.
One moonless night, she left. Left her home, her people, and followed Nkare into the forest.
Now listen, children, because this is where the night darkens.
As they walked deeper into the forest, the birds stopped singing. The air grew thick. The trees bent like they were whispering secrets. And suddenly Nkare dropped his shuka.
Before Kaari’s eyes, the handsome man twisted, cracked, and stretched. His limbs shrank. His face grew long. Scales replaced skin. Tongue flicked. He was no man. He was a giant serpent , a spirit snake of the underworld.
Kaari screamed, but her voice vanished into the trees.
Back in the village, Kaari’s mother lit a fire and wailed. The elders were summoned. A council of Njuri Ncheke was called. They spoke with the spirits. They burnt sacred herbs and poured milk on the earth. Her brother, Mutuma, brave and fierce, swore by the name of Mwene Nyaga to find his sister or die trying.
Armed with a spear from a medicine man and tied with goat skin for strength, he journeyed into the forest.
For three days and nights, he fought beasts, crossed rivers, and sang old warrior songs. On the fourth night, the moon returned, and in its light, he found the snake’s cave. There, wrapped in coils and tears, was Kaari.
Mutuma shouted, “Let her go, creature of lies!” and threw the spear. The snake hissed like a storm, but the sacred spear pierced its heart. The earth shook. The trees sighed. The snake died.
Mutuma carried Kaari home.
But something had changed in her. She no longer laughed freely. Her eyes were shadowed. And though she married years later, they say she always avoided rivers and forests.
From that day, the elders taught:
“Listen to dreams, obey your parents, and when a suitor comes ask him to come with his people. If he walks alone, he may be walking with a tail.”
In our today's political and social journey, young leaders and the younger generation must learn a timeless truth: not all that glitters is gold. Some opportunities, alliances, and praises shine with the promise of greatness, but beneath that glow lies danger colder than a serpent’s belly. The wisdom of our elders should never be dismissed; their experience is a map drawn in blood, sweat, and hard lessons. Arrogance and chest-thumping may win applause today but lead to downfall tomorrow. We must be cautious of those who appear suddenly in our lives strangers bearing gifts, sweet words, and hidden agendas. Whether in politics, friendships, or leadership, discernment is key. Listen more, trust slowly, and never let pride blind you from the truth. Wisdom will keep you standing long after charm and shortcuts have crumbled. for more stories follow this page Hon.Ronny Mutuma
