These two neighboring bush tribes have had frequent skirmishes. Defending one’s land is a strong reason for tribal hostility, as the Hadzabe are a hunting and gathering people. Prime hunting grounds are crucial for a Hadzabe village’s survival, and a dry season (such as the one they are facing now) forces them to travel farther and hunt longer to feed 20–30 hungry bellies. Any unfamiliar presence on Hadzabe land threatens successful hunting and, in turn, the village’s livelihood.
The Datoga also hunt for food, but they rely on agro-pastoral strategies as a backup. They raise livestock for food and donkeys for transport. During rainy seasons, they attempt to plant gardens, but in this dry season, crops will not grow. Having already used much of the land around them to feed their livestock, the Datoga ventured onto government-designated Hadzabe land. Then, trouble struck.
Hadzabe hunters came across Datoga farmers grazing their flocks. Harsh words were exchanged, threats turned to action, and a battle ensued, leaving the Datoga herdsmen dead. In response, young Datoga men, eager to prove their loyalty to the tribe, retaliated by killing two Hadzabe hunters. One Hadzabe survivor fled, hiding among large rocks. Unfortunately for him, a venomous snake beneath those same rocks felt threatened and struck, sinking its fangs into his leg. Despite the pain, the wounded hunter and warrior managed to return to his village.
Government officials hesitated to intervene in the conflict, so they called upon AC Pastors Johnson Odoyo and Amos Komanya for help. Johnson and Amos went as peacemakers to both tribes, teaching them God’s ways. Thankfully, both tribes agreed to end the fighting and return to God.
Meanwhile, renovations were underway at the Hadzabe church building. The structure had originally been just a thin cement floor under a metal roof, but it did not hold up well in its first year when large beasts broke through the cement. To address this, carpenters were hired to add wooden walls to the structure. They also planned to reinforce the floor with cement, but where in the bush could they find water for mixing cement during the dry season?
Johnson Odoyo returned to the Datoga and challenged them to demonstrate their forgiveness by bringing water to their former enemies. In response, for the next five days, the Datoga traveled 10 kilometers with three donkeys carrying water — both to mix the cement and to keep it cool and wet enough to cure properly.
Witnessing this act of peacemaking and mercy, the Hadzabe declared, “You really are our brothers!”
There is a long process of sanctification when a hostile life meets the Lord, but God is patient and faithful to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
A miraculous report closes this story — Johnson Odoyo prayed over the snake-bitten survivor of the battle, and the latest report is that he is alive and has fully regained use of his leg. Praise the Lord for his goodness!
