This is the story of one of the most enigmatic leaders the Meru have produced. He was born in the lineage of Koomenjue (Igoki), the liberator of the Meru from the Nguu-ntune bondage of Mbwaa. (In the 17th Century, Yemeni Arabs of Manda Island of the Lamu Archipelago held the Meru captive). His grandfather was Tharingi, the seer who prophesied the coming of the whiteman. He was also the head of the Gantuku family of the larger Igoki clan. Tharingi's advice was that his people should not resist the whiteman otherwise he would wipe them out with his stick that belched fire. Would his namesake (Ntagu), Mutiria, heed this advice when the time came? Only time will tell.