A few Masai may still be seen on the Athi
Plains, but as a rule they keep away from the
railway, the majority of the tribe being now
settled on the Laikipia Plateau. Formerly they
were by far the most powerful native race in East
Africa, and when on the war-path were the terror
of the whole country from the furthest limits of
Uganda to Mombasa itself. Their numbers have
latterly become greatly reduced through famine
and small-pox, but the remnant of the tribe,
more especially the men, are still a fine, lithe,
clean-limbed people. While I was stationed in
the Plains I managed to have an interview with
the chief, Lenana, at one of his "royal residences,"
a kraal near Nairobi. He was affability itself,
presenting me with a spear and shield as a
memento of the occasion; but he had the reputation
of being a most wily old potentate, and I found
this quite correct, as whenever he was asked an
awkward question, he would nudge his Prime
Minister and command him to answer for him.
I managed to induce him and his wives and
children to sit for their photograph, and they
made a very fine group indeed; but unfortunately
the negative turned out very badly. I also got
Lenana's nephew and a warrior to engage in
combat with the spear and shield, and both
made fine play with their long keen blades,
which more than once penetrated the opponent's
shield.
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