Following his defeat at Masipiana, Segokotlo fled northward with his remaining followers to the protection of the Bangwato of Kgosi Kgari. In addition to a number of prominent royal headmen Segokotlo was joined by the wives and children of Motswasele II, notably including his son and heir Sechele who was about 12 years old at the time (born in about 1810 the exact birth date being unknown).
Kgosi Kgari is credited with having acted as a true guardian of the exiled royal siblings. In the case of Sechele and his older brother Kgosidintsi the Phuti’s patronage included ensuring that they were trained alongside his own son Sekgoma in traditional Setswana arts of leadership.