As you would expect, the Mwinika have stories and proverbs that teach opposite principles. Just like we would say “good things come to those who wait” in one situation and “the early bird gets the worm” in another, they, too, have competing proverbs.
When they want to emphasize initiative the Mwinika say “muratji khamwurihiwa maadhi awuntawanya.” It means “The first person to arrive (at a drinking spot) doesn’t drink muddied water.” If they want to emphasize patience they say “wakuvela woosa onohiya mooro olalaka.” It means “To be quick to roast on the fire is to miss the coals.” The ideal time for roasting is when the fire has burned down to coals. They use this proverb when they want to say that it is better to let other people go first and wait for the ideal time.