In February 1498, Vasco da Gama continued north, landing at Mombasa’s bitter rival Malindi (north Kenya) Malindi considered a foe Mombasa was a friend of Malindi and Vasco da Gama was made welcome. The departure from the city was not graceful and required the expeditions heavy cannons subdued the natives. The Portuguese became the first known Europeans to visit the port of Mombasa but were met with hostility as stories of their piracy reached the shores. In the vicinity of Kenya, the expedition resorted to piracy, looting Arab merchant ships - generally unarmed trading vessels without heavy cannons. Forced by a hostile crowd to flee Mozambique, Gama departed the harbour, firing his cannons into the city in retaliation. With the paltry trade goods he had to offer, Gama was unable to provide a suitable gift to the ruler and soon the local populace became suspicious of Gama and his men. Fearing the local population would be hostile to Christians Gama impersonated a Muslim and gained audience with the Sultan of Mozambique. Arab-controlled territory on the East African coast was an integral part of the network of trade in the Indian Ocean.
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