[5] These communities have been shaped by historical events, including the influx of Chagga refugees from Kilema during the late 18th or early 19th century due to raids from Mangi Horombo (Orombo) of Keni.
Unlike the rugged terrain of Moshi or the distinct unitary structure of Machame, Kibosho features a landscape that predominantly faces south and is well irrigated.
Notably, Kibosho is distinguished by its aesthetically maintained banana plantations, which are nurtured using manure from cowsheds, a practice that is relatively unique in the African context.
Notable early figures include Ngiai, who was present during the arrival of the royal clan, and Kiwoso, who is associated with more detailed historical accounts.
Initially, Kiwoso settled near the Isie river, a tributary of the Karanga, and gradually established the clan's permanent residence in Uri, where he encountered no prior inhabitants.
[2] The Msele-Kiwoso clan, in particular, is notable for its long-standing presence in its original location in old mtaa Uri, near the Isie river, since the time of its ancestor, Kiwoso, from whom the chiefdom derives its name.
[8] In the early 1890s, Mangi Marealle of Marangu noted to German explorer Karl Peters[2] that while other clans migrated to Kilimanjaro from areas such as Ukamba and Usambara, the Wakibosho had always inhabited the mountain.
Yansanya initially settled in Siha before moving eastward along the high top track, establishing temporary residences at Kinduchi, Owaa, Marawa, and Nchona, all of which became significant shrines.
[9] Yansanya's leadership was accepted by later settlers from both the west and east, leading to the establishment of the Orio dynasty of Kibosho that has continued through seventeen reigns from the 18th century to the present.
[9] The succession of the Orio dynasty;[10][11] Following the visit of Baron von der Decken to Kilimanjaro in 1861–62, the Kingdom of Kibosho experienced a period of significant growth in power.
[12] The rulers of Kibosho engaged with Swahili caravans and elephant hunters, maintaining connections with coastal cities and sending their own emissaries to Zanzibar.
This context adds depth to an oral tradition in Kibosho, which recounts that the first white man, likely the missionary Johannes Rebmann, passed through the region during the reign of Kashenge.
[12] These chiefs collaborated to mislead European visitors about Kibosho's true power, fearing that recognition of Sina's strength would enhance his prestige.
While blame fell mainly on Marealle, Captain Johannes ultimately bore responsibility for the events and the subsequent appointment of Sianga, which served to deflect Kibosho's anger away from the colonial authorities.
[7] A notable incident occurred when Sianga attempted to transport three large elephant tusks, six bulls, 73 guns, and 21 cases of powder to the Moshi Boma but could not find any Kibosho residents willing to accompany him.
The British administration's neglect is considered one of its most significant oversights on the mountain, as no efforts were made to harness the potential of the Kibosho people, who remained largely untouched by modernization compared to other regions.
[15] In contrast to other Catholic-influenced regions on Kilimanjaro, such as Uru and Kilema, Kibosho's dense population and rich heritage have created a more intense mixture of beliefs.