In the early 20th century, Tomo Nyirenda emerged as a religious zealot and self-declared messianic figure whose violent crusade against supposed witches left a bloody mark on Central African history. His rise intertwined spiritual fervour with deadly fanaticism, making him a feared and divisive figure in both British Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) and the Belgian Congo (now the Democratic Republic of Congo).

From Humble Beginnings to a Radical Mission

Born in Nyasaland (present-day Malawi), Nyirenda’s early life remains shrouded in mystery. Like many of his contemporaries, he migrated to Northern Rhodesia in the 1920s in search of work, finding employment in the booming Copperbelt mines. It was there that he encountered the Watch Tower Movement, a millenarian religious sect introduced by preacher E. K. Kamwana. The Watch Tower’s promises of divine intervention and social equality resonated deeply with Nyirenda, who was soon baptised and began preaching the faith.

However, colonial authorities were wary of such movements, fearing that they could inspire anti-colonial uprisings. Nyirenda’s failure to register as an “alien native” led to his imprisonment. After his release in 1925, he re-emerged not just as a preacher but as a self-proclaimed divine figure—Mwana Lesa, or Son of God.

Rise of a Messiah

Nyirenda’s religious teachings mixed Christian millenarian beliefs with traditional African spiritual practices. He promised his followers the arrival of Black American benefactors who would overthrow the white colonial regime and bring prosperity. His message resonated with the Lala people of Central Province, who were struggling under colonial oppression.

But it was his claim of being able to detect witches that truly set him apart. Witchcraft accusations were a deeply rooted cultural issue in the region, often surfacing during times of social and economic hardship. Nyirenda played into these fears, asserting that he could unmask witches through a ritual baptism in a river. If the accused floated, they were deemed witches and executed—often by drowning. If they sank, they were considered innocent but were frequently left to die regardless.

A Reign of Terror

As Nyirenda's influence spread, his violent witch-hunting crusade intensified. His followers rounded up suspected witches, subjecting them to his fatal baptismal test. While the exact number of victims is uncertain, historical accounts suggest that dozens were executed in Northern Rhodesia alone.

The colonial government, alarmed by the escalating deaths and Nyirenda’s growing following, moved swiftly to suppress his movement. Under mounting pressure, Nyirenda fled across the border into the Belgian Congo, taking his messianic crusade with him.

Mass Murders in the Congo

Once in the Congo, Nyirenda resumed his campaign with even more deadly determination. Reports indicate that over a hundred people perished under his rule. The Belgian colonial authorities, equally intolerant of religious uprisings and ritual killings, pursued him relentlessly. His followers, however, protected him with fervent loyalty, believing his divine status would shield them from harm.

Downfall and Legacy

The details of Tomo Nyirenda's eventual fate remain unclear. Some accounts suggest he was captured and executed by colonial forces, while others claim he simply vanished, leaving behind a legacy of fear and bloodshed.

Nyirenda's story is a grim example of the destructive potential of religious extremism intertwined with social unrest. His rise was fuelled by colonial oppression, spiritual longing, and the belief in supernatural justice. Though a messianic leader to some and a murderous fanatic to others, his story may very well be one of Africa’s most chilling historical tales.