As legend has it, a Chagga maiden, Makinuka, was pregnant with an illegitimate child, and
as with many cultures the world-over, at that time, bearing illegitimate children was dealt with unfairly
and quite harshly. The statue of Makinuka, standing atop the falls, serves as a monument to poor
Makinuka who was set on committing suicide rather than face punishment.

 

Makinuka, a Chagga maiden,
was about to commit suicide because she was bearing an illegitimate child. But she hesitated and backed away after having lost her resolve.

 

 

 
But alas, a leopard creeped right behind her, ready to pounce.
   
     
 
Startled, she lost her footing… and fell…..

The Legend of Makinuka

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