rugaruga

How to say it

Meaning

a 19th-century irregular soldier or armed retainer in East Africa who served a chief or warlord.

Good to know

A historical term from the 19th-century East African caravan-trade and warlord era; not used for modern soldiers.

Examples

• Wakati wa vita, rugaruga walimlinda chifu.During the war, the rugaruga protected the chief.
• Je, unajua historia ya rugaruga?Do you know the history of the rugaruga?
• Rugaruga hawakuwa jeshi la kawaida.The rugaruga were not a regular army.
• Wanahistoria watasoma zaidi kuhusu rugaruga.Historians will study more about the rugaruga.