A visit to Mombasa, the second-largest city in Kenya, can be memorable due to its unique features, including puzzling place names.
Some of these names are surprising and amusing. Here are a few examples:
- Stage Ya Paka, which translates to 'a stage for cats' in Swahili, is located in the Bamburi area of Kisauni Sub-county. According to local legend, a witchdoctor once lived in a rented house in the area but experienced constant troubles, including ailments and deaths in his family. After relocating, he allegedly set a trap for the source of his troubles. A cat became stuck in a pot outside the house while chasing a rat, drawing the attention of hundreds of onlookers and media. Village elder Abdallah Hamisi, who witnessed the incident, recalled that the cat's head was stuck in a tiny pot opening. The homeowner claimed that the cat represented the person responsible for his family's troubles and eventually 'released' the cat after pleas from residents. Although the exact date of the incident is unknown, locals believe it occurred in 1992.
- Toa Tugawe is a small neighborhood in Kisauni Sub-county. The area was once terrorized by a 40-man gang of youths who robbed and killed residents during the day. The gang would hide their weapons under a mango tree and demand that passersby share their belongings, saying 'Toa Tugawe,' which means 'let's share what you have.' The gang, initially known as the 40 Brothers, later changed its name to Big Mountain, according to community policing officer Martha Wairimu, who has lived in the area since 1982. After efforts by local leaders and law enforcement, the gang was eventually wiped out. Wairimu noted that the area is now much safer, saying, 'Today, a passerby will wake me up at night to remind me to close the door.'
- Kwa Punda, meaning 'a place for donkeys,' is an informal settlement in Changamwe sub-county. The name originated from a strong man who lived in the area and was known for carrying heavy luggage from Kibarani to this place, much like a donkey. The area, which has approximately 2000 residents, was named after this hardworking individual.
The recovered account cited reporting by Mpasho.
