 The introduction of cowrie shells ("ensimbi") purportedly displaced the traditional Haya barter system, becoming a form of currency as well as an object used in rituals.Compared to Buhaya kingdoms, Karagwe Kingdom had stronger links to Arab trade networks, with notable trade depots in Kafuro and Kitengure.The presence of Arab traders at Kafuo was, however, short-lived after locals murdered Ahmed bin Ibrahim for his alleged meddling in internal power dynamics following the death of King Rumanyika I of Karagwe.