[4] His ascendancy to power was marked by political maneuvering that involved deception; he was not the direct heir favored by Shangali, the previous Mangi.
[5] Abdiel's tenure as chief lasted from 1923 until 1946, during which he significantly transformed Machame from a relatively obscure chiefdom into a politically influential and economically prosperous region.
Upon reaching the age of 20, he assumed leadership and ruled continuously for over two decades before passing the chieftainship to his son to take on the newly established role of Mangi Mwitori, Divisional Chief of the Hai division, which encompassed a significant portion of Kilimanjaro.
[6] Characterized by a commanding presence, Abdiel was a tall and handsome figure who exhibited courage, stamina, and political acumen.
His ambition for power was unparalleled among the Chagga people, as he strategically expanded his influence from Machame to encompass broader territories within Kilimanjaro.
His success in navigating the complexities of British colonial politics stemmed from his keen understanding of the administrators' expectations and the necessity of securing their approval.
Abdiel's ability to adapt to the new political landscape, coupled with his patience in seizing opportunities, solidified his reputation as a formidable leader in the region.
[12] This consolidation of power allowed him to implement significant changes in Machame, transforming it from a relatively impoverished Kingdom into a prosperous one, largely due to the introduction of coffee cultivation.
[17][18] During his reign, Mangi Abdiel's influence extended beyond traditional succession rights to include the allocation of new social and economic benefits such as schools, medical dispensaries, and roads, introduced by European, particularly British, administrations.