Gĩkũyũ Heritage: Exploring the Rich History and Traditions of the Agĩkũyũ People

  An early Picture of Chief karuri Source: Routledge 1910   From Gathigiyo to Warriorhood: The Early Life and Rise of Karuri Chief Karũri wa Gakure was born in Gathigiyo, in the district of Iyigo. His father was from the Angare clan while his mother was actually called Wangare. His brothers (from his own mother) were Kiguma and Ngaru and his three sisters were Wambui, Muthoni and Gacoki. Karuri displayed leadership qualities early among his peers who named him ‘mutongoria’ (leader) which stack like a common name. He belonged to the age set Manguchya makuru (old stealers of clothes) which was initiated around 1869. Karuri displayed his bravery during the village wars between warriors of one ridge with another. Building a Foundation: Marriage, Ivory Trade, and Entry into Traditional Medicine When he was ready to marry, Karuri raised the necessary dowry and married Nduta, daughter of Kihia wa Kibe of Kanyenya-ini. Karuri built a home for his wife Nduta at Kigumo. Durin...

Chief Kinyanjui in the 1890's The period in which Kinyanjui wa Gathirimu entered the history books is the 1890’s with his demise in 1929. This was in the territory of the now famous Chief Waiyaki wa Hinga. At the time, what became the British protectorate belonged to a company – The Imperial British East African Company (IBEA). From the early days of Swahili and Arab traders, Waiyaki’s Kihingo (fortified Village), was a sort of supermarket. Caravans stopped over to trade with the kikuyu near the later location of a fort . Fort Smith was established when it became imperative to protect caravans on the Uganda Road and later the Uganda Railway besides acquiring provisions for the long journeys to and from the coast. The fort was established by Eric Smith in 1891, after the earlier one at Dagoretti (Kiawariua) was abandoned by Wilson following continuous harassment. As soon as he left for Machakos, the fort was razed down by the Kikuyu. Trading before the IBEA company Before the ...

   Wangu wa Makeri Introduction In the annals of colonial Kenya, leadership was largely a male domain. Yet, Wangu wa Makeri stands out as a remarkable figure – the first Kikuyu woman to hold the esteemed position of chief in living memory. This account offers a unique window into her life, moving beyond legend through an intimate interview with her grandson, James Makeri Muchiri, a retired teacher who holds the key to a more personal understanding of this pioneering leader. Who was Wangu wa Makeri? Wangu wa Makeri was the first Kikuyu female leader in living memory. This hub will bring fresh insight into the life of Wangu wa Makeri, the first woman chief in colonial Kenya. Some people have the mistaken belief that Wangu ruled the Kikuyu during the legendary era when the Kikuyu were ruled by women. According to the legend, the women, who were also great fighters, were tricked and overthrown by men who have continued to take charge of tribal affairs to this day. This is far from...