Intertribal Tensions in Some Local Government Courts in Colonial Tanganyika: II

Abstract

In order to illustrate the operation of the system, I consider various court cases in more detail.2 I begin with two cases involving Kaguru and two other tribal groups which are minorities in Kaguru-land, the Gogo and Kamba. The Gogo are a minority whose lands border the Kaguru to the west. There are some Gogo residing in every court area of Kaguru-land. In many court cases, Gogo are treated in a manner similar to that of any Kaguru so unfortunate as to dwell in an area where he has no kinsmen to support him in difficulties. These cases indicate a basic aspect of Kaguru affairs, that the rights of individuals are respected by those in authority mainly because such individuals can draw support from others whose cooperation and help in turn may one day be essential to the officials over them. Few such checks protect the lone, poor tribal outsider who has come to Ukaguru because of famine or other troubles in his own land. In the distant past, such aliens were sometimes taken as slaves.Some Gogo reside in small colonies nearby Kagaru, but in many other areas they reside alone or in very small groups. Whereas the Gogo constitute no threateningly large minority in any of the Kaguru areas of Kilosa District, the Kamba form a large minority in several Kaguru headmanships.Furthermore, some lone Kamba or small Kamba groups are found in all of the Kaguru court areas.