×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Smart Minds Choose Us
★★★★ - on Play Store
Read on the App

Of Al Capone and Kenya’s Happy Valley

The Ghost House of Happy Valley, Nyandarua County. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

On a visit to Happy Valley (Wanjohi) in Nyandarua County about five years ago I overheard from Solomon Gitau, the main character in Juliet Barnes’ Ghosts of Happy Valley, that Al Capone, one of the US best-known mobsters, used to live there. Wanjohi hugs the Aberdares about 30km East of Naivasha.

We normally take such rumours with a pinch of salt. But my years in school have taught me that skepticism and speculation can be great sources of information and knowledge.

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week
Fact‑first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access.
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimized reading experience
  • Weekly Newsletters
  • MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted
Already a subscriber? Log in