Kamiri wa Itherero

All native Kenyans have heard the legend of Kamiri wa Itherero, a medicine man who was said to possess great magical powers. The success of raids depended on his aid and his advice. His extensive knowledge of medicines and ritual libations earned him the respect and even awe of Kenyans. People called Kamiri "The Official Poisoner" and hired him to poison their enemies. Legend also states, however, that Kamiri, being a fair man, would contact the victim beforehand and warn him, thus giving the victim ample opportunity to put right the wrong he had committed against his enemy.

Laibon history claims that Kamiri wa Itherero was the first to be Embraced by Fakir al Sidi. Through him all Laibon knowledge has passed down to later generations. He eventually migrated south to the area where modern-day Mombasa sits on the coast, and he was last seen meditating at the edge of a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. Although he disappeared over a thousand years ago, his memory and his magic live on in the Laibon.

Traditionally, the Laibon living near Mombasa takes the name of Kamiri wa Itherero, in honor of the Founder's son. The current Laibon called Kamiri was Embraced in 1582. He associates with no one outside his clan, including the Nyayo and the Luo. Although he cares little for Europeans overall, his innate sense of justice will not allow him to judge a man for the crimes of his fathers.