Fighting At, For and By Mombasa
By D.Karanja,
New Bedford, MA
NewWhatever the origin, the name “Mvita” aptly applies to Mombasa. Here is a listing of some of the major conflicts that have taken place there between 1498 and 1920.
1528 Mombasa burnt to the ground by Nuno da Cunha
1585 Mir Ali Bey assists Mombasa against the Portuguese
1586 Another revolt against the Portuguese who razed it to the ground
1589 Mir Ali Bey, zimba's & the Portuguese
1592 The Portuguese carried out a second destructive attack on Mombasa with the assistance of Malindi, compelling its sultan to recognize the over lordship of the Portuguese crown and pay an annual tribute.
1593 Fort Jesus lost to natives (11th April – 15th Aug 1631).
1631 Rebellion by Yusuf(Geronimo Chingulia).
1632 Mombasa recaptured by the Portuguese
1661 Sultan of Oman sacks Mombasa, but fears to attack Fort Jesus
1698/9 the great siege of Fort Jesus. It is then lost by the Portugues
1728 Mombasa retaken by the Portuguese
1729 The Portuguese expelled from Mombasa for good
1741 In Mombasa, the Mazrui dynasty was appointed to govern the island (Omani governor of fort, al-Mazrui, declares independence.)
1742 one of al-Mazrui's brothers murdered the new governor and retrieved the Fort
1746 Al-Mazrui murdered by Omanis, his brother kills the assassins, becomes governor
1760's an attack from Pate on Mombasa under Ali bin Uthman
1780's Twice - Those opposed to Ahmed bin Mohammed el-Mazrui as liwali
1784 Saif bin Ahmed attempts to blockage Mombasa
1819 Seyyid Said tries to take Mombasa?
1822 Blockade of Mombasa by Seyyid Said at Suliewan-bin-Ali’s request. Capt Owens’ arrival ended this blockade
1828 Sultan of Oman & Zanzibar (Sayyid Said) regains Fort Jesus.
1829 Mazrui forces invest and starve out Sultan’s garrison at Fort Jesus.
1833 Al-Mazrui forces in fort withstand bombardment by Sultan.
1837 Mazrui were expelled from Mombasa, their leaders arrested and deported
1875 Fort bombarded by British ships to quell mutiny by al-Akida. |
