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Lenana was a Maasai laibon (medicine man) in the late 19th century. He rose to prominence after the death of his father, Mbatian, who was a great spiritual leader. Mbatian's death led to internal conflicts among the Maasai factions. Lenana eventually managed to restore order, but the Maasai's power had been weakened by disease outbreaks that decimated their cattle herds and epidemics that affected the people themselves. These challenges coincided with the arrival of European traders and administrators, who ultimately gained control of the region.12

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