Why Nyahururu resident wants Thompson Falls renamed

A Nyahururu resident has written to the Laikipia County Assembly seeking to have the name of the famous Thompson Falls changed.

Lawyer Wambugu Wanjohi wants the 74-metre waterfall on the Ewaso Ng'iro River renamed after one of the heroes who fought for independence.

"Does it mean that there were no Kenyans who had spotted the waterfall before Joseph Thompson? Let us have it named after African heroes like Dedan Kimathi," said Mr Wanjohi.

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In his petition, the lawyer argues that the current name does not reflect African culture or promote Kenya's heritage.

Wanjohi further says the name reminds Kenyans of the atrocities committed against them by the colonialists.

"Despite many Africans living and conducting their commerce in the area during the time Thompson allegedly discovered the waterfall, it continues to be a reminder of the harsh colonial legacy that divides our African societies."

He said other natural features like the Aberdare Ranges and Lake Victoria should also be renamed. "The various county assemblies should consider making laws to change these names so as to preserve our culture."

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The petition has received mixed reactions from locals. Joseph Mungai, who runs a curio shop near the waterfall, said they would lose business. "Many tourists know the falls as Thompson hence changing it to an African name would confuse them."

But Peter Muthoni, a Kikuyu elder, welcomed the move saying it would help preserve African culture.