# Old Moshi

Old Moshi or Kingdom of Moshi also spelled Moschi or Mochi also sometimes referred to as Old Moshi (Isarile la Mochi in Kimochi), (Ufalme wa Moshi in Swahili) was a former sovereign Chagga state located north of modern-day city of Moshi and the surrounding area in Moshi Rural District of Kilimanjaro Region in Tanzania. Old Moshi was situated on Mount Kilimanjaro to the west of the Msaranga River to the Nanga River to the east. Kimochi, one of seven dialects of the Chagga language groups' Central Kilimanjaro language, is still considered the prestige language of the Chagga. One of the most tragic incidents in Chagga history took place in the kigdom in 1900 known as The Great Hanging at Old Moshi.

## Overview

In contrast to Mbokomu, the kingship of Moshi is characterized by its significant historical impact rather than its longevity or succession of rulers. This chiefdom is particularly noted for the remarkable rise of Mangi Rindi to power in the latter half of the 19th century. Mangi Rindi is often regarded as the architect of the Moshi kingdom, and his reign remains a defining feature of the Kingdom's identity.

### Etymology

The chiefdom of Moshi is named after Kimochi, a location in mtaa Mowo, despite Mangi Rindi's establishment of his homestead in mtaa Tsudunyi. Kimochi was historically significant as the center of the Kimambo clan and one of the region's oldest chiefdoms before its conquest by Rindi's father, Ndetia.
Kimochi's strategic location near an ancient trade route likely made it well known among Chagga travelers and visiting Swahilis, leading to its name being applied to the entire kingdom. The etymology of "Kimochi" remains debated, with some suggesting it comes from Kichagga, while others link it to the Swahili word for "smoke," indicating human settlement. Further investigation is needed to determine its true origins.

## History

Before the rise of Mangi Rindi, the area that became Moshi consisted of independent settlements governed by local chiefs, situated between seven rivers, including Kisaringo and Msangachi. The Kimambo clan established the oldest chiefdom in Mowo, tracing their lineage back five generations to their first ancestor, Kimambo. Another significant clan, the Msiu-Macha, claims to have settled in Kidia, with traditions recalling nine generations from their ancestor, Mrashi.
Moshi is regarded as one of the last chiefdoms on Kilimanjaro to be settled, with inadequate furrow systems contributing to food shortages until the 1920s. The Tarimo clan, which later provided chiefs for Moshi, migrated from Usambara and initially settled in Mandaka before moving up the mountain following displacement by the Maasai during the arrival from Kenya to region the 1820s.

## Moshi Chiefdoms and ruling clans

Before its unification, the region that would become the Moshi kingdom comprised several independent units, each governed by distinct ruling clans clans. The leadership of these units was as follows:
| Mowo | Ruled by the Kimambo clan. The oldest chiefdom in Moshi. First ancestor Kimambo's son Musoko and his grandson Lymari were both furrow surveyors.They settled in Kimochi within the Mowo chiefdom, where the entire kingdom gets its name. |
| Tela | Ruled by the Kivia clan. |
| Mori | Ruled by Masika of the Mshanga clan. |
| Mahoma | Ruled by Poloso of the Kisanga clan. |
| Tsudunyi | Ruled by Ndetia of the Tarimo clan. Current site where the Great Hanging at Old Moshi took place. The tarimo clan, which begins the ruling dynasty of Moshi, claims ancestry from the Shambaa and settled in the Rau forest in a lace called Mandaka. They were driven up to Tsundunyi and Kidia by Maasai invaders in the 1820s. |
| Kidia | Ruled by the Njau clan. Msiu-Macha is also another major clan in the chiefdom, known as scolars wither knowledge of Moshi lore and ritual being handed down over generations. |
| Mdawi | Ruled by the Mambosho (also known as Lekei) clan. |
| Shia | Ruled by another branch of the Kimambo clan. They also had furrows in the upper area. |
| Sango | Ruled by Nguna of the Kanza (also referred to as Nyange) clan. |

## Rulers of Moshi

All of Moshi's rulers were from the Tarimo dynasty.
| Sunsa | (ruled early 1800s) The founder of the Tarimo dynasty was the grandfather of Mangi Rindi. He lived in the Kidia chiefdom. |
| Ndetia | Mangi Ndetia son of Sunsa achieved significant political influence by gaining control over three mitaa: Tsudunyi and Mdawi, while solidifying his rule in Mowo during the period from approximately 1830 to 1845. It is reported that he was poisoned by his brother Salia, leading to his demise. |
| Salia | Mangi Salia succeeded in leadership around 1845 and ruled until the 1850s. His reign ended when he died due to a gunpowder accident. |
| Rindi | Mangi Rindi son of Ndetia succeeded his uncle, Salia, becoming the first ruler of all of Moshi to flee into exile during the 1860s. He returned to power around 1870, largely due to the influence of the Warush and his own statesmanship. Rindi ruled during a period of significant growth for Moshi, reaching the zenith of his leadership before his death in 1891. |
| Kitori | Brother of Rindi, who rules in his place during Rindi's exile in the 1860s. He later retired due to old age. |
| Meli | Mangi Meli was the son of Rindi's second wife after murdering his brother Kirita in 1891, rules until 1900 when he is hanged at the Great hanging at Old Moshi by the Germans. |
| Salema | Rules 1900-1917 adn he is deported to Kisimayo by the British and return to rule briefly before his death. |
| Mkinde | Rules in 1917, inplace of Salema who is in Exile. |
| Sudi | Son of Mangi Meli, is appointed by tha British in 1917 and he is deposed by them in 1922. |
| Abraham | Rules Moshi from 1922 to 1946. He is the son of Salema. He is responsible for annexing Mobokomu into Moshi. |
| Thomas | Rules from 1946 to 1962. He is the last ruler of Moshi prior to Tanzanian independence. |

## The conquest of Moshi and its aftermath

On August 12, 1892, following the conquest of Moshi, news of the Moshi folk's defeat prompted the Kilema community to submit unconditionally to German colonial authority. Shortly after the battle, while German troops remained in Moshi, Marealle sent envoys to Kilema. The presence of Captain Johannes and his askaris in Moshi was contentious, with Meli, a local leader, reportedly retaliating by throwing stones at them. Despite initial resistance, Meli adapted to the new conditions.
By the late 1890s, the German authorities recognized Mangi Marealle of Marangu, Mangi Meli of Moshi, and Mangi Sina of Kibosho as three of the most loyal kings on Kilimanjaro. Marealle, viewed as the most cooperative, along with the others, received the prestigious dress uniform of high-ranking German officials, which they wore on the Kaiser's birthday.

### The great Chagga conspiracy and hanging

However, Marealle perceived Moshi and Kibosho as significant threats to his ambitions. He conspired to undermine these kingdoms by persuading Captain Johannes that they were plotting against German rule. This conspiracy culminated in early 1900, when Johannes planned to execute the accused kings during a punitive expedition against the Warush.
Aware of the impending danger, some kings attempted to flee to Nairobi, aided by Meli's war leader, Merinyo. However, they ultimately decided against fleeing, possibly due to misinformation and the distribution of Warush cattle among the kings, which suggested the plot was fabricated.

### Impact of Meli's murder on Moshi

The death of Mangi Meli had a profound effect on the community of Moshi, as recounted by the elders who lived through that period. In the aftermath, there was widespread mourning, with many residents killing their cattle, believing there was no reason to keep them without their chief. Agricultural activity ceased for an entire year, and people refrained from planting crops for two years. Fearful for their children's safety under colonial rule, many families either left Moshi or moved to its outskirts. This resulted in a period of inactivity and despair, with the population only resuming work when compelled by government and missionary efforts.
Elders reflect on Meli's responses to crises in 1892 and 1900, noting that while his military resistance to German forces in 1892 was courageous, it is viewed as a foolish act influenced by Marealle's schemes. In contrast, Meli's fate in 1900 is seen as inevitable, with no options for escape. His execution resonated deeply within the community, symbolizing not only the tragic end of their young ruler but also a significant affront to the people of Moshi. This sentiment was shared by neighboring chiefdoms, although they did not witness the execution firsthand.
The demoralization of Moshi continued until the arrival of Dr. Bruno Gutmann in 1902, who began a long tenure with the Lutheran mission. He worked to restore the community's pride by celebrating the legacy of their former chief, Mangi Rindi, even referencing Rindi in Meli's last song. Gutmann's biography of Rindi is viewed as a tribute to the people of Moshi rather than solely to the chief. He is remembered fondly by the residents for advocating on their behalf and intervening during instances of mistreatment by German officials, earning the title of "saviour of Moshi."

### Moshi in the 20th century

The 20th century began tumultuously for Moshi, with the chiefdom falling into unremarkable leadership for the next 22 years. Following the execution of Mangi Meli, Captain Johannes appointed Mangi Marealle, known for his role in the conspiracy against Meli, to present Meli's brother, Salema, as the new chief. Salema ruled from 1900 to 1917, but his chieftainship ended when he was falsely accused of plotting against the British administration and subsequently deported to Kismayu.
In the following five years, the chieftainship changed hands four times. Initially, the British appointed Mkinde, son of Rindi's brother Kitori. When the conspiracy against Salema was deemed unfounded, he was reinstated briefly before his death. The leadership then passed to Meli's son, Sudi.
Moshi's political landscape was marked by a lingering resentment towards Marangu due to Mangi Marealle's prior betrayals, which influenced the sentiments of Mangi Abraham, the next ruler. Meanwhile, the chiefdom of Kibosho, under Mangi Ngulisho, was considered ineffective as an ally, while Machame, led by Mangi Abdiel, was rising in prominence due to British favor and coffee cultivation.
In response to its diplomatic isolation, Moshi focused on education and business as avenues for progress. Mangi Abraham emphasized the importance of education, having benefited from it in his political career. By 1960, Moshi had the highest number of applications for fee remission to middle schools and Makerere University College among Chagga chiefdoms, reflecting the community's commitment to education despite economic challenges.
By this time, Moshi remained relatively small and underdeveloped, with limited good land and a shabby appearance. However, the people were optimistic about the future, often turning their backs on a tumultuous past. Unlike other chiefdoms that drew pride from their histories, the people of Moshi felt overshadowed by their eastern and western neighbors, finding solace only in the legacy of Mangi Rindi's glorious reign.