A Maasai Warrior Returns to MKA

In 2002, at the invitation of an MKA family, a Maasai Chief named Oleodorop, whom they had met while on safari in Tanzania, visited MKA and brought his 13-year old son, Saning'o Kimani, to spend a month with them and attend MKA to improve his English and get a sense of Western culture.

Eleven years later, Saning‘o, now pursuing a degree in education at Montclair State University, returned to MKA to speak to first and fourth graders about his village and customs and the life of a Maasai Warrior in Africa.

Students and teachers alike were fascinated to learn how siblings, as young as age five, are responsible to help take care of their younger siblings and other children in the village. Saning’o also explained that the way of transporting a sick individual to a hospital – the nearest of which is between 15 -20 miles away - is by carrying the patient, a trip that takes a team of warriors no more than two hours to complete. Other highlights from the visit included tips on how to avoid lion, elephant and water buffalo attacks, how to use a Maasai Warrior spear and viewing artifacts, such as handmade canteens, women’s decorative necklaces and a giraffe tail.

The first of his clan to attend a university, let alone to study in the United States, Saning’o will eventually assume the title of Chief himself. In the face of the inevitable development coming to Africa and to the Maasai people, he is hoping to learn how to take the best from Western society and integrate it without usurping the traditional Maasai culture and to enhance the educational system for future generations of his village when he returns.

Click here to see photos of Saning'o at the Primary School

Click here to see photos of Saning'o at the Middle School