Waiyaki wa Hinga of the Kikuyu
Who Was Waiyaki wa Hinga? Little is known of this Kikuyu Chief who saw the transition from self government of the Kikuyu to colonial domination first by the Imperial British East African Company followed by the crown of the British Empire. Wa Hinga means that his father was called Hinga. Muriuki in his book on the History of the kikuyu tells us that Waiyaki’s father was called Kumale ole lemotaka – a hinga, since he could masquerade as either Kikuyu or Maasai. Hinga is a Kikuyu name for men that may have two different meanings, depending on the circumstances. a. Hinga – a person of mixed Maasai and Kikuyu blood who is fluent in both languages, or any person is able to speak both Kikuyu and one other African language. b. Hinga - A hypocrite; someone who does not show true feelings or intentions. " " The hidden entrances to Kikuyu fortified villages in forest fringes were called ‘Ihingo,’ – gates. Chief Waiyaki’s home area was at the border with the Maasai and had several forti...