Francis Mwalili

Nzambani Rock is an out-crop Rock found in Lower Eastern part of Kenya about eight kilometers from Kitui town along the narrow dusty Kitui-Mutito road near Chuluni market.

This fascinating out-crop stands tall over looking Nzambani Secondary School which was started sometime in the mid-sixties,near a desolate village whose unique features and history draws domestic and international tourists.

It is believed that one would change gender by going round the rock seven times continuously. "This is a tale that has been told by our forefathers but no one has tried and succeeded, though some have tried but given up" My seventy five year 0ld Kilei Kanyasya would tell me when I was a small boy.

Once upon a time, seven girls from Aoini clan in Kitui were collecting firewood where the rock stands today. One of them stumbled on a traditional tobacco pouch wrapped in a dry banana fibre, which she hid it her skin clothes near her breasts to take to her mother.

Unfortunately, the girl fell sick as the others left for home. When villagers learnt that the girl was missing, they mobilized all the able-bodied villagers to go out and look for her. By the time they found her, the breast nearest the tobacco pouch had swollen alarmingly.

“Suddenly, the girl changed into a small stone, which then swelled to become the big rock, with the breast protruding from the chest. This is why the stone has that portion that looks like woman’s breast.

It is also believed that the Rock one time left over night and disappeared for 3 days only to reappear. Tales have it that, Nzambani Rock had gone to pay a visit to Mt Kenya.

Other story associated with Nzambani Rock is the kithitu (witchcraft) associated with some Kamba communities. Nzambani is therefore a sacrificial monument where the community used to offer rituals to appease demons

Its worthy while to visit