Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s most picturesque and significant bodies of water, is not only known for its breathtaking beauty but also for the rich folklore that surrounds its origins. One such tale, rooted deeply in Rwanda’s oral tradition, is the mystical story of Nyiransibura, a mythical woman whose fate is intricately tied to the creation of Lake Kivu. The story, which takes us back to the reign of King Ndahiro III Cyamatare, has been passed down through generations.
According to the legend, Nyiransibura was a woman from the land of Bunyabungo, now part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. During the reign of King Ndahiro III Cyamatare, she was kidnapped and taken hostage by the king, who sought to control her and use her for domestic tasks at his palace. Nyiransibura, the daughter of Muriro a from Bunyabungo (Congo ) was forced to work as a servant, cleaning the king’s home as well as other tasks .
One day, while the king was having a meeting with his subordinates , a strange noise was heard. The king’s council believed that this noise was the result of witchcraft from Nyiransibura’s homeland, suspecting that the people of Bunyabungo were trying to rescue her. This mystery led to a council meeting, where the king’s advisers decided that instead of killing Nyiransibura, she would be returned to her homeland.
Nyiransibura was escorted back to Bunyabungo by a group of envoys. When they reached a region known as Kinyaga (now is Rusizi District in Rwanda), they were received by rainmaker, known as (Umuvubyi). The rainmaker married Nyiransibura, and the two lived peacefully together in the beautiful valley of Kinyaga, far away from the king’s residence.
During her stay in the valley, a miraculous event occurred. As Nyiransibura gave birth, her placenta ruptured, spilling vast amounts of liquid that flooded the surrounding valley. This magical occurrence is said to have created Lake Kivu. The home of Nyiransibura’s witch, which was situated in the center of the liquid, became an island. This island is believed to be the current Ijwi Island, which sits proudly in the heart of Lake Kivu. And thus, the formation of Lake Kivu, according to Rwandan fairy tales, was a result of the mystical powers associated with Nyiransibura’s childbirth.
Nyiransibura’s son, named Nsibura, grew up in this valley, taking care of cattle and taking care of his father’s herds. However, his heart was filled with anger and a desire for revenge against King Ndahiro III, the man who had abducted his mother and caused their lives to be turned upside down. The tale of Nyiransibura and the creation of Lake Kivu is a beautiful fusion of nature, myth, and cultural storytelling, highlighting the deep connection between the Rwandan people and the landscape that surrounds them.
Today, as you sail in the tranquil water of Lake Kivu, you are not only witnessing a stunning natural wonder but also experiencing a piece of Rwanda’s rich mythological heritage. The story of Nyiransibura is a testament to the power of nature and the imagination, and the lake continues to be a symbol of the country’s ancient cultural roots.
