Long ago, deep in the green hills of Taita in Kenya, lived a wise old man named Mwangeka.

He was respected by all for his deep knowledge of Dawida traditions, plants and ancient songs.

Children loved to gather around and listen to his stories.

One year, the skies remained clear. The rains did not come. Rivers dried up and crops on farms died.

There was no food or water for the people and the animals. Hunger and panic spread through the land.

All the village elders called for a meeting under a large mwarubaine tree. They said, "We must talk to the spirits of our ancestors on Kilima cha Mughange (sacred hill)."

Only one person, Mwangeka, was brave enough to make the journey.

Early in the morning, Mwangeka put on his old blue cloak. He took his father's sacred walking stick and left.

He climbed the rocky path up the sacred hill. Birds flew around him and the wind whispered like voices from the past.

Mwangeka reached the top of the hill and sat on a stone.

Then he chanted the Taita songs passed down from his ancestors.

He poured millet drink on the stones and asked for rain. He asked the spirits to forgive and bless the people.

As Mwangeka finished praying, dark clouds gathered in the sky. Thunder rumbled.

By night fall, rain fell heavily across the hills and valleys.

The land drank deeply and rivers began to flow again.

Grass, leaves and trees grew on the land. It dazzled with green colour once more.

People and cattle moved around enjoying the new environment.

There was plenty of food for all to enjoy.

People danced the Sengenya rhythm and women ululated with joy. They praised Mwangeka and gave thanks to the ancestors.

From that day, people climb Kilima cha Mughange in times of calamities, just like Mwangeka did, to give thanks.