Kinjeketile Ngwale

ModernRevolutionaryTanzania1860 — 1905

Prophet who inspired the Maji Maji rebellion.

Compare Kinjeketile Ngwale with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1860

Died

1905

Country

Tanzania

Era

Modern

Occupation

Revolutionary

Score Overview

Military (10%)45

Political (20%)35

Influence (20%)49

Legacy (20%)41

Leadership (15%)57

Strategy (15%)40

Total Score44.6

Kinjeketile Ngwale — Complete Timeline

1904 AD

Prophetic declaration of the Maji Maji rebellionCultural◆ Major

Kinjeketile Ngwale, a spirit medium, began preaching that a sacred water (maji) would protect Africans from German bullets. He claimed to be possessed by the spirit Hongo and called for a united uprising against German colonial rule in German East Africa.

Religious MovementTanzaniaRebellion

Impact: regional

1905 AD

Distribution of the maji water to rebel leadersCultural◆ Major

Kinjeketile Ngwale distributed the maji water to leaders of various ethnic groups, including the Matumbi, Ngindo, and Pogoro. He instructed them to use it in rituals to gain invulnerability, sparking the widespread uprising known as the Maji Maji rebellion.

Religious MovementTanzaniaRebellion

Impact: regional

Capture and execution by German authoritiesOther◆ Major

German colonial forces captured Kinjeketile Ngwale after the rebellion began. He was tried for inciting rebellion and executed by hanging. His death did not end the rebellion, which continued until 1907 and resulted in massive casualties.

ExecutionTanzaniaColonial Repression

Impact: regionaltragic