MMUST AFRICA FELLOWS Visit The Famous Crying Stone At Ilesi, Kakamega And Sample Traditional Dishes At Lawino 2000 Restaurant
The MMUST AFRIAK fellows on 30th March, 2026, visited the famous Crying Stone at Ilesi and thereafter, sampled traditional dishes at Lawino 2000 restaurant in Kakamega County. The Fellows were accompanied by the Project Coordinator, Dr. Lucy Mandillah and a section of the IIKCSCC Committee membership Prof. Stanley Omuterema, Dr. Ochieng Ahaya and Mr. Wakungwi Sakwa.
Fellows sample traditional dishes at Lawino 2000 restaurant.
During the visit to the crying stone, the fellows were educated on the legendary history and myths behind the crying stone ‘Ikhongo Murwi’- (The King) and other associated stones. It emerged that there are two caves at the site used for sacrifice and cleansing. Due to Climate change, the stone no longer ‘cries’. The County Government of Kakamega in partnership with the owner of the land are now rehabilitating the natural forest and making the site a tourist attraction centre.
MMUST AFRIAK Hub Coordinator, Dr. Lucy Mandillah joins the community in welcoming the fellows to the village around the crying stone.
After the site tour, Fellows were treated to a farewell lunch by the lnstitute of Indigenous Knowledge Cultural Studies and Climate Change (IIKCSCC) at the Lawino 2000 restaurant. This is a famous hotel that serves purely traditional cuisine including ‘Eshiango’, ‘Ovusuma’, ‘Vwo’, ‘Vuule’, ‘Omusheenye’, Fish, Indigenous chicken, ‘Emiroo’, and ‘Murere’. The Dishes were cooked and served in traditional pots and dishes.
Fellows share a relaxing moment at the crying stone.
By Lydia Anyonje and Caren Nekesa
Photos by Gabriel Juma.
