Traditional System of Government:
The Abashieni clan were ruled by the “Omwami Omukhongo”, i.e. the great ruler. He was elected by the elders on the basis of his ability to settle quarrels and his kindness. The elders had the power to dismiss a bad Omwami. The functions of the Omwami were to protect the people, to judge cases, and to keep the peace. He settled quarrels and stopped fighting and he was assisted in judging cases by the elders.
           
The Omwami was assisted by elected elders.They governed the various sub-clans and clans. The Omwami received the legal proceeds; he also got a cow from any person (or the members of the person’s family) that committed murder or hanged himself. In addition, the Omwami was given some beer whenever it was prepared.

The Investiture
The new Omwami was annointed with sim sim mash after which he sat on a skin while holding a spear in his hand. He was also dressed in a skin cloak and a cowry-shell head-dress adorned with beads was placed on his head. He wore a copper or brass bracelet on the wrist. Omwami was buried in the house when he died. The Abàshieni and the Abawanga observed the same burial customs excepting exhumation which the Abashieni did not observe.

Did you know that Ikhulo (waterbuck) is the totem of the Abamarama?