Once there was a warrior in the chiefdom of Bulima Mwanza
in Tanzania called Matambo, a name which means "one who is quick on his feet" or
"a fast runner" in Sukuma. He was a favorite of the local chief Lunyalula not
only because he was fast but also due to his heroic feats as a warrior. There
was another person living at the chief’s compound named Jishegena, which means
"a badly deformed person who can move only with great difficulty by dragging
himself or herself along the ground." The chief was also very fond of Jishegena
because he was an expert at playing the game of bao. The two used to spend hours
together playing this game.

    Matambo looked down on Jishegena and used to taunt him
saying, "Jishegena, you are good for nothing. Why do you sit around here all day
long just playing bao?" One day after being told by Matambo that he was a
worthless creature, Jishegena became exasperated and challenged Matambo saying,
"Matambo, even though I am crippled and can barely move I can beat you in a
race." Matambo looked at Jishegena with contempt. Jishegena said, "Okay, let’s
have a race. If you beat me I will give you two cows." Matambo smiled and said,
"All right, if you beat me I will give you four cows."

    On your mark. Get set. Go! Before anyone knew what had
happened Matambo was away and gone. With great difficulty Jishegena dragged
himself along the ground and lay prostrate at the feet of Chief Lunyalula. Then
he turned his head to Matambo running in the distance and yelled at the top of
his lungs: "Matambo! Matambo! Where are you going? Are you running away from our
chief? If all of us run away from him who will be his subjects? His chiefdom
will come to an end." Marveling at the wisdom of Jishegena the people began to
clap their hands enthusiastically and praise him for throwing himself at the
feet of the chief.