The Life & Legacy of Karuri wa Gakure: A Kikuyu Chief in a Changing World
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...