Biographical of Lawuo's Family.

The Lawuo families originated from Ukambani crossing the Kenya boarder to Horombo in Tanzania some of them left at Horombo and known as "Mramba clan". Others traveled far searching for good settlement at Marangu - Ashira (Rengonyi). Here they establish permanent (Newly-settlement) and establishing a Lawuo's clain.

Before the European come to Tanganyika (Now days Tanzania ) the Lawuo's clan hunted in the forest for elephants, colobus monkey, honey and timber. The hunted elephants for ivory and sold them to Swahili traders from the coast. Also the family gathered from the forest honey and timber as well as tree roots which they used as medicine and the hides of colobus where used for traditional dance and decoration.

The First Climbing Record:

The first Tanzania to scale Kilimanjaro was "Yohana Kinyala Lawuo" whose memory is revered in his home town of Marangu - Ashira (Rengonyi) he was only 18 years old. Due to his knowledge of the mountain background Chief Kilamia Marealle I appointed Yohana Lawuo to be guide and other 8 porters to lead Hans Meyer who was accompanied by Austrian expert Mountain climber Ludering Purtscheller (the first West European) to reach Uhuru Peak (5895m). In those days climbing the mountain was quite different to today.

The routes were not defined also climbing equipments were very poor (rudimentary at best) and wages were very low. During our grandfather trek, he only earned one Tanzania Shilling a day for a trip of seven days. Following this successful ascent, our grandfather remained in Marangu. He spent much of the remainder of his life leading foreign trekkers up the Mountain and training new guides. When he was 70 years old Yohana Lawuo led a last trip up the mountain and makes it.

In 1989, at the first ascent of Mountain Kilimanjaro Yohana Lawuo was the only person present who had been around at the time of the first ascent. Our beloved grandfather Yohana Kinyala Lawuo died in 1996 at his home place Marangu-Ashira (Rengonyi) at the age of 124.

REWARDS: During his life time Yohana Lawuo was rewarded some gifts from friends as well as organizations.

1: (O.B.E) Order of the British Empire for saved the life of one climber on Mountain unfortunately the medal was been stolen by theft.

2: A books gifts from the German Ambassadors, in 1989 (written "Mzee Yohana Lawuo ... in grateful remembrance of your good guide man ship when leading the famous Scholar Professor Hans Meyer to the top of Mountain Kilimanjaro 100 years Ago").

This day 6 th October, 1989

Moshi.

Uristed Heffler Ambassador.

3: A Trophy which was handed over toYohana Lawuo as the climber of Mountain Kilimanjaro of the "century". Sponsored and presented by Tanzania Breweries Ltd October 1989.

4: A House: Thanks for the Tanzania National Parks as a reward for Yohana Lawuo upon the completion of 100 years, since he guided the first climber to ascend Mountain Kilimanjaro (1889-1989) the House was handed over on March 30, 1992.

Mzee Yohana Lawuo