Fumo Madi ibn Abi Bakr

Lamu Archipelago
Map of Kenya showing the islands
Lamu Island	Lamu Town †• Shela Matondoni Kipangani
Manda Island	Manda Town ‡ Takwa ‡ Manda Airport
Pate Island	Faza † Pate Town --Rulers of Pate ---- Bwana Mkuu ---- Bwana Tamu ---- Fumo Madi Siyu Kizingitini Shanga ‡
Kiwayu Island
† Administrative Centre ‡ Archaeological site • World Heritage Site

Lamu Fort, in Lamu Town, photo taken in July, 2001.

Fumo Madi ibn Abi Bakr was Sultan of Pate, Kenya (1779 - 1809). Around 1800 the Pate Sultan took over Lamu, however, they were deeply resented by the people of Lamu. Fumomadi was persuaded ("by a faithful old advisor") to build a fort on the seafront in Lamu Town, to protect members of his government. He died (a natural death) before the first storey of the fort was completed. (Martin, 1973, p 7)

There was much disagreement over choosing his successor, as he had fifty children and all sons and male ín-laws were eligible for the throne. After "encouragement" from the powerful Mazrui family from Mombasa/Oman, an in-law named Ahmad ibn Shaykh was chosen as the next Sultan. (Martin, 1973, p 7)

References

• Martin, Chryssee MacCasler Perry and Esmond Bradley Martin: Quest for the Past. An historical guide to the Lamu Archipelago. 1973.