Kolloa Monument

National Shrines in West Pokot

Kolloa (Kolowa) Cross Monument

Out in northern Baringo, in a remote backland with limited access to services and infrastructure, with no police presence in forlorn villages that are escape routes for bandits who wreak havoc, killing and maiming at will, often displacing large herds at cattle in daylight raids, is where the Kolloa Cross Monument is found.

Named after the self-same village of Kolloa, its unfamiliarity and unpopularity is by dint of the remoteness of the area and, rather more importantly, the notoriety of bandits and insecurity. Maybe, improvements in security will gradually enhance accessibility to some of these remote-flung regions, but for now they are patently overlooked. The Kolloa Monument is visited more by animals than by humans.

Kolloa Monument is a solemn aide-memoire of the 1950 massacre styled as the Kolloa Affray. It commemorates and honors the individuals who served in the local armed uprising, particularly those who sacrificed their lives. The monument, falling fast into decay, features plaques and two stone cairns honouring the 100 locals who were killed here. The story of Kolloa Affray is itself quite interesting.

In the greater scheme of things, it was just an episode in Kenya’s late-colonial history, occuring at a time when anti-colonial sentiments were on the rise. And the suppression, in any form, by whip or will, rampant. Kolloa Affray would be the last great test for both sides before the Mau Mau Uprising. Whether it was an isolated incident or had a nationalistic outlook is still the subject of many debates.

In the wake of the cultural turn, there had been a gradual shift in the theorization of African religions. In northern Baringo, the resident Pokot, as they navigated the cultural challenges posed to them by western Christianity, had sought redress in traditional religion – Dini ya Msamba. It was labelled an anti-colonial religion!

The Kolloa affray was sparked by a government attempt to arrest the leader of Dini ya Msambwa, Lukas Pkech. A former pupil at the Roman Catholic school in West Suk, Pkech had become infamous for inciting the locals against the regime. He and his followers made their last and courageous stance during a standoff at Kolloa against the colonial forces led by Alan Stevens, a British District Officer.

Although Pketch’s motivations were not, or not exclusively, anti-European, he was thought as being so by the colonial forces, and so he and his followers were as a rule suppressed. As a result, they became growingly associated with the idea of anti-European resistance. Likewise, as a result of the growing discontent in the 1950s, across Kenya, there was a sustained rebellion against colonial rule.

It happened on April 24th, at Kolloa, where colonial forces confronted Pkech and 300 spear-carrying followers. Or maybe Pkech confronted them; the exact order of events is unclear. Whether Pkech’s men actually attacked the British force, or threatened to, or whether they cold-bloodedly ordered the men to fire, or maybe someone panicked under the pressure, depends on whose account one believes.

What was clear by the end of the afternoon was the carnage. According to the locals, more than 100 Pokot’s lost their lives in the ill-fated events of Kolloa Afray. The bodies were buried in a mass grave at the site. After the Kolloa Affray, Dini ya Msambwa wound down its operations in Baringo. However, the Western prioritization of written sources over oral, and opposition of local sects, had suffered greatly. Kolloa Cross Monument is located 111 km from Marigat town.

Shrines – big and small – hold significant religious, historical, or political import and serve as symbols of identity, remembrance, and reverence. These sites also play important roles in preserving Kenya’s collective memory, fostering unity, and promoting patriotism: Places of reflection and commemoration for sacrifices and achievements made by past generations, and honored for future prosperity.

Index of National Shrines in Kenya



Baringo County - Kolloa Cross Shrine, Homa Bay County - Tom Mboya Mausoleum, Kakamega County - The Muliro Gardens, Kericho County - Gurdwara Sahib, Kericho Wagon Works, Tulwap Kipsigis Hill, Kiambu County - Travellers Chapel, Scott Watson Memorial Church, Kilifi County - Mekatilili wa Menza Shrine, Ronald Ngala Mausoleum, Kitui County - Museve Shrine, Mombasa County - The Swaminarayan Indian Temple, Johann Krapf Memorial Shrine, Nairobi County - Resurrection Garden, Jomo Kenyatta Mausoleum, Mashujaa Monument, City Park, Uhuru Gardens, Nakuru County - Marian Shrine, Nandi County - Mberere Holy Springs, Kabiyet Shrine, Nyeri County - African Bible on the Ground Shrine, Dedan Kimathi Trench, The Mau Mau Post Office, Irene Nyaatha Shrine, Meru County - Kaaga War Memorial, Muranga County - Wangu Wa Makeri Shrine, Mukurwe Wa Nyagathanga Shrine, Tana River County - Mau Mau Hola Memorial Monument, Uasin Gishu County - Alexander Kipsang Muge Mausoleum, Wajir County - Wagalla Memorial Monument, Vihiga County - Chabuga Mausoleum

Touring West Pokot County in Kenya offers a chance to explore a region known for its iconic, rugged landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich traditions. Located in the extreme northwest part of the country, bordering Uganda, West Pokot County is primary inhabited by the Pokot community, known for their pastoralist lifestyle.

A Guide to West Pokot County

A Summa Digest of West Pokot

About West Pokot Way Back When

32 Destinations in West Pokot County, arranged as one would visit these - south to northeast - with the aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:

Kaisagat Viewpoint, Barnley's Guest House, Kapkoris Hill Viewpoint, Dini ya Roho Church, Mount Murpus, Chewoyet High School, Kapenguria Museum, Kapenguria Town, Chelanga Gardens, Tartar Falls, Kacheliba, Holy Cross Church Kacheliba, Alale Gold Mines, Suam River Beach, Kamatira Forest, Lounon Village, Cherangani Hills, Marich Pass, Marich Pass Center, Kang'alan Escarpment, Kolloa Cross Monument, Weiwei Irrigation Scheme, Tamkal Valley, Mount Koh, Sekerr Range, Mount Mtelo View Lodge, Nasolot National Reserve, Turkwel Dam, Turkwel Gorge, State Lodge, Riting

Know More About West Pokot County: Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

What’s The Air Like In W. Pokot?

West Pokot has significant variations in temperature with the lower lands experiencing temperatures of up to 33^oC, and highlands experiencing modest temperatures of 15^oC.

What’s The Lay Of The Land In C.24?

West Pokot County is marked by a variety of topographic features – dry plains in the north, a hatful of ranges and hills in the mid, and in the south east Cherangani Hills.