The Waruhius were a turning point in the history of Kenya

The Waruhius; Waruhiu wa Kung’u, Sam Waruhi, Lois Waruhiu [Photo: Courtesy]

The Waruhius, give or take, were the turning point during the freedom struggle. The assassination of Senior Chief Waruhiu wa Kungu of Kiambu by Mau Mau elements on October 7, 1952, was followed by widespread panic in the colony. Sir Evelyn Baring, not even a month old as Governor, declared a State of Emergency on October 20, and with it the war of independence.

Waruhiu wa Kung’u: Negley Parson wrote of Senior Chief Waruhiu: “He was about the only man I met in Africa in whom I felt the teaching of Christianity had completely fulfilled its mission.” A dapper dresser with a chauffeured car in the ‘50s, Senior Chief Waruhiu was held in high esteem by the colonial government. He had five wives and a distinguished brood of Waruhius as listed below.