A few dozen curious passers-by peered over the hedge, many unaware of the centenary in a country that has largely turned its back on events that must once have touched every family in the region.
"I don't think we have been recognised, as other soldiers have," said Willie Mwadilo, a local hotelier and tour guide.
"If you go to the war graves you'll find German soldiers - born this year, died this year - but as for the locals… we need to do more.
"In this area, something like 75% of adult males in 1916 engaged in some form of military activity. That's largely been forgotten by the public. It's a great shame."