Moshoeshoe (c. 1786 – March 11, 1870) was born at Menkhoaneng in the Northern part of present-day Lesotho.

He is the first son of Mokhachane, a minor chief of the Bamokoteli lineage- a branch of the Koena (crocodile) clan.

In his early childhood, he helps his father gain power over some other smaller clans.

At the age of 34, Moshoeshoe forms his own clan and becomes a chief.

He and his followers settle at the Butha-Buthe Mountain.