The Maasai gave children, women to Kikuyus in exchange for food

The Maasai ruled the plains from Lake Turkana to the north and Lake Manyara to the north of Tanzania.

Their sphere of influence could be traced from Meru to the east, Kwale at the coast and Mumias to the west. They were driven by their passion for cattle and warfare. Warfare was meant to acquire and protect cattle as well as consolidate pasture. The Maasai terrorised their sedentary neighbours who practised agriculture like the Kikuyu, Kamba and Embu at will.