Background of the project

The most powerful and extensive Chagga Chiefdom was that of Kibosho (Kiwoso) which reached its peak under Mangi Sina in about 1870.1

John Rebman, a German member of the British Church Missionary Society was the first European to go far into the interior in East Africa with an umbrella as was his only defense - preaching Christianity in Kiswahili to Taifa, Tavetta and Chagga tribes. In 1848 he was the first European to see the snow cape summit of the Kilimanjaro, African highest mountain.2

Mr. Itiko Machuwali Chuwa (1820 - 1880) lived in the most powerful and extensive Chagga Chiefdom of Mangi Sina. Itiko's great grandson, John Bernard Chuwa (57) who has taught History in primary and secondary, and teacher's colleges is intending to honor the man known as Itiko. The way most fit to honor him is to build a College of Arts at Kifura-Mweka, where he (Itiko) and Johann Rebman started their journey to the thick ruin forest and ultimately to see the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro (Kilemakyaro) in 1848.

My father Bernard Masaiya Itiko, born in 1909 tells me that his father, Masaiya remembers very well during his youth how Itiko was a well-known figure in Sina's Chiefdom. His popularity was based on his well-build body (an Africa Goliath), mountain climber and the most popular of beehive chopper and a honey factory owner. Honey was used to make local beer for the Chiefs.

When the German Missionary reported to Chief Sina, he was given an friendly reception, as he did not follow diplomatic procedures. In order to get rid off Rebman from his Chiefdom, Sina summoned Itiko to his headquarters and ordered him to escort the Missionary in climbing the Mountain as he had persistently requested.

Itiko College of Arts will be build at the place where Rebman and Itiko started their journey to the highest peak in Africa. It is against this background that I wish the world known that our great grandfathers did not communicate through Internet. Rather, they met physically, one with just an umbrella as the only weapon. Other assets were just paper and pencil to write what he did not know about Africa culture. Itiko College of Arts will provide a very good facility for the world to continue tracing the history of African culture. All are invited to materially and morally support this noble project.

1. A Visual History of East Africa by Ernest Lofts p.45
2. Zamani. A survey of East Africa History by B.A. Orgot p.239.