Lake Sergoit and the Fascinating Tale Behind the Name Charar

Geography

Lake Sergoit, or Charar Dam, is used interchangeably. The lake is a captivating body of water located in Moiben, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. It has an elevation of 2,144 metres, with the coordinates: 0° 41′ 52″ N and 35° 24′ 41″ E. Nestled near the Katalir stream, which serves as its water source, and southwest of Kapkapai Farm, Charar, or Lake Sergoit, is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The lake is also close to the localities of Viljoin (David Samoei’s estate) and Kazi Mingi (Tugen Estate) farms. Additionally, it shares its vicinity with Kapsubere and Sergoit Downs. A new establishment, Caesar’s Waterfront, has recently attracted visitors from near and far.

 

Photo: courtesy of Caesar’s Waterfront Resort, Moiben.

History

In the pre-colonial era, Lake Sergoit played an important role in the livelihood of the local Keiyo people, who also live in the neighboring Elgeyo Marakwet county. It served as a gathering place where they obtained “ng’enda,” or salt lick essential for their cows.

Drawn by the tales shared by private individuals and government officials, the Boers, who arrived in Kenya from South Africa in 1906, chose to settle around Sergoit. It was not only due to the allure of the Uasin Gishu Plateau but also the presence of Sergoit rock, which was accompanied by Lake Sergoit, that was at its foot.

Lake Sergoit was, however, a source of tension between the Keiyo people and the white settlers due to the grazing rights. The conflict eventually resulted in a Keiyo rebellion in 1931, which the Chief of Sing’ore fiercely fought. The Keiyo people’s resistance was relentless until they were granted access, resulting in the extension of the Elgeyo Marakwet boundary to Charar.

The Fascinating Tale Behind the Name Charar

Unveiling the origins of the name Charar takes us back to the Charar family, also known as Chebisach, who once resided around Sergoit. During the pre-colonial period, the Maasai community ruled Uasin Gishu and would graze their cattle near Sergoit Hill. It was during this time that Chebisach, a young Keiyo man, is said to have forged an unlikely friendship with a young Maasai woman, renowned for her radiant fair skin, towering height, and elegant neck, which earned her the affectionate nickname Songol Kat.

As fate would have it, Songol Kat, became pregnant and gave birth to a son while she was accompanying the herd to a salt lick, which was famously referred to as Charar. The Maasais, eager to name the newborn, approached Songol Kat to inquire about the father’s identity. Unfortunately, she couldn’t recall who the father was. In light of this, the wise elders decided to name the child after the salt lick itself: Charar.

As the Maasais departed from Sergoit, they successfully tracked down Chebisach, who happened to be the father. They entrusted him with the upbringing of the child and bid farewell to their daughter. Charar established his settlement near the salt lick, and it was at this location that the ‘Luget’ or Keiyo cattle raiders sought his counsel before embarking on any ventures. Charar had inherited the gift of prophecy from Chebisach.

The white settlers eventually drove Charar out of his home. He migrated to the Tambach area of Elgeyo Marakwet and became a member of the Keiyo community. It is worth mentioning that Charar went on to father Chepkeitany, who in turn sired Chebiego. Continuing the lineage, Chebiego became the father of Arap Chebiego and several others. Ultimately, their settlement was established in Kalwal, in Tumeiyo-Keiyo South.

This captivating tale not only sheds light on the origin of the name Charar but also showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Keiyo and Maasai people.

Credit to Libby Sharpp https://www.facebook.com/liz.sharpasiyo for providing us with the story of Chebisach and her Charar family that enabled us to put together this story. This story was first told in 2021 by Libby Sharpp.