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Google Arts and Culture has a section on Kenyan chiefs, many of whom collaborated with the colonial government and whose progeny ascended to positions of incredible power and wealth.
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Let's take a look a quick look at this part of Kenyan history https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/paramount-chiefs/KgIihw-NY_C6Kw
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Let's take a look a quick look at this part of Kenyan history https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/paramount-chiefs/KgIihw-NY_C6Kw
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These chiefs drew their power from association with the colonialists. They included:
Koinange wa Mbiyu
Karuri wa Gakure
Njiiri wa Karanja
Angaine M'Itiria
Musa Nyandusi
Kinyanjui wa Gathirimu
Muhoho wa Gathecha
Michuki wa Kagwi
Josiah Njonjo
Amoth Owira of Alego
These chiefs drew their power from association with the colonialists. They included:
Koinange wa Mbiyu
Karuri wa Gakure
Njiiri wa Karanja
Angaine M'Itiria
Musa Nyandusi
Kinyanjui wa Gathirimu
Muhoho wa Gathecha
Michuki wa Kagwi
Josiah Njonjo
Amoth Owira of Alego
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"Under the the colonial state, the first crop of chiefly “big men” reproduced itself overtime and, eventually, providing a ready-made socioeconomic and political class to whom independence and state power could be entrusted in the postcolonial era." http://africanperspectives.co.ke/the-colonial-ideology-of-order-and-political-disorder-in-postcolonial-kenya/
"Under the the colonial state, the first crop of chiefly “big men” reproduced itself overtime and, eventually, providing a ready-made socioeconomic and political class to whom independence and state power could be entrusted in the postcolonial era." http://africanperspectives.co.ke/the-colonial-ideology-of-order-and-political-disorder-in-postcolonial-kenya/
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Senior Chief Mwendwa Kitavi of Kitui produced Kenya’s first African Chief Justice, Kitili, and three Cabinet Ministers in the Kenyatta and Moi governments — Eliud Ngala, his brother Kyale and Kitili’s widow, Nyiva.
Pictured: Eliud Ngala Mwendwa
http://cabinets.kenyayearbook.co.ke/blood-is-thicker-than-water-eliud-ngala-mwendwa/
Senior Chief Mwendwa Kitavi of Kitui produced Kenya’s first African Chief Justice, Kitili, and three Cabinet Ministers in the Kenyatta and Moi governments — Eliud Ngala, his brother Kyale and Kitili’s widow, Nyiva.
Pictured: Eliud Ngala Mwendwa
http://cabinets.kenyayearbook.co.ke/blood-is-thicker-than-water-eliud-ngala-mwendwa/
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The late Minister John Michuki was born in 1932 to the 45th wife of Chief Michuki wa Kagwi who had 47 wives
Michuki's early life was similar to that of many post-colonial African elite albeit humbler. When he died in 2012, he left a Sh10bn estate.
Chief Michuki on the left
The late Minister John Michuki was born in 1932 to the 45th wife of Chief Michuki wa Kagwi who had 47 wives
Michuki's early life was similar to that of many post-colonial African elite albeit humbler. When he died in 2012, he left a Sh10bn estate.
Chief Michuki on the left
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Senior Chief Musa Nyandusi, father to Simeon Nyachae (former PC, Head of civil service, Minister for Finance, Agric), once hid Jomo Kenyatta from the colonialists. He is said to be the first person to own a car in Kisii, was husband to 15 wives and sired over 100 children.
Senior Chief Musa Nyandusi, father to Simeon Nyachae (former PC, Head of civil service, Minister for Finance, Agric), once hid Jomo Kenyatta from the colonialists. He is said to be the first person to own a car in Kisii, was husband to 15 wives and sired over 100 children.
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It was Senior Chief Njiiri wa Karanja (of Kigumo)'s son, Kariuki Karanja wa Njiiri, who vacated the Kigumo legislative seat in 1962 to allow Kenyatta to make it to parliament & participate in the 2nd Lancaster House Conference.
Footage of the chief
It was Senior Chief Njiiri wa Karanja (of Kigumo)'s son, Kariuki Karanja wa Njiiri, who vacated the Kigumo legislative seat in 1962 to allow Kenyatta to make it to parliament & participate in the 2nd Lancaster House Conference.
Footage of the chief
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Apparently, the decades of grumbling about this "debt" owed by Kenyatta seems to have borne fruit as the government recently allocated Sh340mn for the upgrade of Kangari market in Kigumo constituency. https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001372998/sh300-million-to-repay-colonial-chief-family-s-favour-to-jomo-in-the-1960s
Apparently, the decades of grumbling about this "debt" owed by Kenyatta seems to have borne fruit as the government recently allocated Sh340mn for the upgrade of Kangari market in Kigumo constituency. https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001372998/sh300-million-to-repay-colonial-chief-family-s-favour-to-jomo-in-the-1960s
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Senior Chief Peter Gatabaki of Thakwa expected his children to have a university education with his children (including Githunguri MP Njehu Gatabaki) taking up positions in academia, politics, publishing, research, banking, medicine https://www.sde.co.ke/thenairobian/article/2000167755/the-immortals-the-gatabakis-i-believe-you-elimu-ni-mali
Senior Chief Peter Gatabaki of Thakwa expected his children to have a university education with his children (including Githunguri MP Njehu Gatabaki) taking up positions in academia, politics, publishing, research, banking, medicine https://www.sde.co.ke/thenairobian/article/2000167755/the-immortals-the-gatabakis-i-believe-you-elimu-ni-mali
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Chief Muhoho wa Gatheca (b. 1872) was father to Mama Ngina & George Muhoho, a former priest and the Pope's private secretary, who became Education, then Tourism, then Technology minister in the Moi govt.
Another son, Paul Gathecha got entangled in the NYS corruption scandal
Chief Muhoho wa Gatheca (b. 1872) was father to Mama Ngina & George Muhoho, a former priest and the Pope's private secretary, who became Education, then Tourism, then Technology minister in the Moi govt.
Another son, Paul Gathecha got entangled in the NYS corruption scandal
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Senior Chief Waruhiu wa Kung'u served the colonialists for 30 years and believed that their authority was God-given and to disobey them was tantamount to disobeying God.
He was shot in the mouth by an assassin in October 1952, precipitating a state of emergency 2 wks later
Senior Chief Waruhiu wa Kung'u served the colonialists for 30 years and believed that their authority was God-given and to disobey them was tantamount to disobeying God.
He was shot in the mouth by an assassin in October 1952, precipitating a state of emergency 2 wks later
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Chief Waruhiu had five wives and amongst his children were:
-Sam Waruhiu: Early student at Mangu and later on Chairman of Old Mutual and Barclays
-George Waruhiu of Waruhiu and Co. Advocates https://www.sde.co.ke/thenairobian/article/2000176610/the-immortals-the-waruhius-were-a-turning-point-in-the-history-of-kenya
Chief Waruhiu had five wives and amongst his children were:
-Sam Waruhiu: Early student at Mangu and later on Chairman of Old Mutual and Barclays
-George Waruhiu of Waruhiu and Co. Advocates https://www.sde.co.ke/thenairobian/article/2000176610/the-immortals-the-waruhius-were-a-turning-point-in-the-history-of-kenya
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Senior Chief Magugu wa Waweru was chief of Komothai Location in 1935. Known to be lacklustre, he was father to Arthur Magugu who went on to become a finance minister in the Moi govt
Jeremiah Kiereini former Head of Civil Service hailed from Komothai. https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Intrigues--paradox-of-Magugu-family-s-fight-over-Joreth-land/1056-4675314-qfm0w8/index.html
Senior Chief Magugu wa Waweru was chief of Komothai Location in 1935. Known to be lacklustre, he was father to Arthur Magugu who went on to become a finance minister in the Moi govt
Jeremiah Kiereini former Head of Civil Service hailed from Komothai. https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Intrigues--paradox-of-Magugu-family-s-fight-over-Joreth-land/1056-4675314-qfm0w8/index.html
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Senior Chief Amoth Owira of Alego was father to Cornel Rasanga, governor of Siaya County and Dr. Patrick Amoth, Ag. Director Gen for Health, and Vice President WHO Executive Board
Chief Amoth has been described as a leading collaborator
https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=AmFVjigwkxwC&pg=PA26&lpg=PA26&dq=Senior+Chief+Amoth+Owira&source=bl&ots=6UOTg09GjI&sig=ACfU3U2djiu7edOqkNrNypZgk_xtNnjRUQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwji0rezhNnpAhWQ2hQKHVANAxIQ6AEwCXoECBMQAQ#v=onepage&q=Senior%20Chief%20Amoth%20Owira&f=false
Senior Chief Amoth Owira of Alego was father to Cornel Rasanga, governor of Siaya County and Dr. Patrick Amoth, Ag. Director Gen for Health, and Vice President WHO Executive Board
Chief Amoth has been described as a leading collaborator
https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=AmFVjigwkxwC&pg=PA26&lpg=PA26&dq=Senior+Chief+Amoth+Owira&source=bl&ots=6UOTg09GjI&sig=ACfU3U2djiu7edOqkNrNypZgk_xtNnjRUQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwji0rezhNnpAhWQ2hQKHVANAxIQ6AEwCXoECBMQAQ#v=onepage&q=Senior%20Chief%20Amoth%20Owira&f=false
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Senior Chief Koinange wa Mbiyu’s became chief in 1938 and retired in 1949
Kenyatta's third wife, Grace Wanjiku, was Koinange's daughter and it is said that Kenyatta would hold secret meetings at his home in Kiambaa
Pictured with other Kikuyu chiefs on the right....
Senior Chief Koinange wa Mbiyu’s became chief in 1938 and retired in 1949
Kenyatta's third wife, Grace Wanjiku, was Koinange's daughter and it is said that Kenyatta would hold secret meetings at his home in Kiambaa
Pictured with other Kikuyu chiefs on the right....
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His son, Charles Karuga Koinange took over in 1951 as Chief of Kiambaa in 1951, rose to DC and later PC in Central and Eastern provinces.
When he died in 2004, he left behind a Sh5bn estate that was the source of many a court battle
https://mobile.nation.co.ke/news/Ex-PC-kin-battle-for-Sh5bn-estate/1950946-2585192-format-xhtml-56d6hvz/index.html
His son, Charles Karuga Koinange took over in 1951 as Chief of Kiambaa in 1951, rose to DC and later PC in Central and Eastern provinces.
When he died in 2004, he left behind a Sh5bn estate that was the source of many a court battle
https://mobile.nation.co.ke/news/Ex-PC-kin-battle-for-Sh5bn-estate/1950946-2585192-format-xhtml-56d6hvz/index.html
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His other son, Peter Mbiyu Koinange (nicknamed Kissinger) was a powerful Minister of State in the Office of the President. He was also Kenyatta’s bosom buddy, in-law, confidant and political go-between.
He died in 1981 leaving behind a Sh14bn estate.
https://mobile.nation.co.ke/news/1950946-1264068-aiyxqez/index.html
His other son, Peter Mbiyu Koinange (nicknamed Kissinger) was a powerful Minister of State in the Office of the President. He was also Kenyatta’s bosom buddy, in-law, confidant and political go-between.
He died in 1981 leaving behind a Sh14bn estate.
https://mobile.nation.co.ke/news/1950946-1264068-aiyxqez/index.html
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Other Koinanges include:
Joseph Karuga Koinange: One time Dean of students at UoN and Principal of Kenyatta College
Wilfred Karuga Koinange: one-time Director of Medical Services and PS in the Ministry of Finance in the Goldenberg years https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/corporate/Wilfred-Koinange-the-goldenberg-fall-guy-dies/539550-1488452-14v94ck/index.html
Other Koinanges include:
Joseph Karuga Koinange: One time Dean of students at UoN and Principal of Kenyatta College
Wilfred Karuga Koinange: one-time Director of Medical Services and PS in the Ministry of Finance in the Goldenberg years https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/corporate/Wilfred-Koinange-the-goldenberg-fall-guy-dies/539550-1488452-14v94ck/index.html
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Paramount Chief Josiah Njonjo of Kabete was a collaborator, wealthy landowner, friend of Harry Leakey & father of former AG Charles Njonjo
It is said that at times, Charles Njonjo would ride to primary school on a horse accompanied by a servant.
https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Njonjo--Man-who-wielded-power-in-two-governments/1056-5428070-sndv57z/index.html
Paramount Chief Josiah Njonjo of Kabete was a collaborator, wealthy landowner, friend of Harry Leakey & father of former AG Charles Njonjo
It is said that at times, Charles Njonjo would ride to primary school on a horse accompanied by a servant.
https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Njonjo--Man-who-wielded-power-in-two-governments/1056-5428070-sndv57z/index.html
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Paramount Chief Angaine M'Itiria was the father to Jackson Harvester Angaine who was arrested with Kenyatta in 1952 (but released for lack of evidence) and went on to dominate Meru politics for well over 5 decades.
https://mambo.hypotheses.org/963
Paramount Chief Angaine M'Itiria was the father to Jackson Harvester Angaine who was arrested with Kenyatta in 1952 (but released for lack of evidence) and went on to dominate Meru politics for well over 5 decades.
https://mambo.hypotheses.org/963
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Other collaborating & non-collaborating chiefs worth noting include:
Senior Chief Njega wa Gioko of Ndia and Mwea who was known as a land defender and only after his death in 1948 was the land he consolidated divided up by the British. https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001331235/senior-chief-njega-wa-gioko-land-defender-with-80-wives
Other collaborating & non-collaborating chiefs worth noting include:
Senior Chief Njega wa Gioko of Ndia and Mwea who was known as a land defender and only after his death in 1948 was the land he consolidated divided up by the British. https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001331235/senior-chief-njega-wa-gioko-land-defender-with-80-wives
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Chief Luka wa Kahangara was a collaborator who acquiesced to the moving of Kikuyus from Tigoni to Lari, precipitating a deep resentment that led to the Lari Massacre of 1953 and a massive retaliation by the British that killed thousands around Lari. https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/lifestyle/society/How-colonists-set-the-stage-for-Lari-Massacre/3405664-5340740-qhvgwo/index.html
Chief Luka wa Kahangara was a collaborator who acquiesced to the moving of Kikuyus from Tigoni to Lari, precipitating a deep resentment that led to the Lari Massacre of 1953 and a massive retaliation by the British that killed thousands around Lari. https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/lifestyle/society/How-colonists-set-the-stage-for-Lari-Massacre/3405664-5340740-qhvgwo/index.html
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Melkizedek Nindo Nyangaga of Seme was born in 1911 in Seme, western Kenya.
He was appointed as a colonial chief of Seme by the British and served from 1931 to 1968, then again to 1972, before retiring due to old age.
The chief had seven wives and forty-two children
Melkizedek Nindo Nyangaga of Seme was born in 1911 in Seme, western Kenya.
He was appointed as a colonial chief of Seme by the British and served from 1931 to 1968, then again to 1972, before retiring due to old age.
The chief had seven wives and forty-two children
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Paramount Chief Karuri wa Gakure of Muranga is renowned for having fought off a Smallpox epidemic in the 1890s
Karuri invited the Consolata Missionaries to his territory, pushed for the establishment of Fort Hall and was said to practice witchcraft.
https://www.nation.co.ke/news/How-chief-fought-and-won-war-against-smallpox-in-late-1890s/1056-5521686-6123g0/index.html
Paramount Chief Karuri wa Gakure of Muranga is renowned for having fought off a Smallpox epidemic in the 1890s
Karuri invited the Consolata Missionaries to his territory, pushed for the establishment of Fort Hall and was said to practice witchcraft.
https://www.nation.co.ke/news/How-chief-fought-and-won-war-against-smallpox-in-late-1890s/1056-5521686-6123g0/index.html
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Unconfirmed but there's a possibility that former Director of CID (1974-1984) Ignatius Iriga Nderi was the son of Chief Nderi Wango'ombe who was hacked to death in Nyeri by freedom fighters in 1952, for collaborating with the British colonialists.
Unconfirmed but there's a possibility that former Director of CID (1974-1984) Ignatius Iriga Nderi was the son of Chief Nderi Wango'ombe who was hacked to death in Nyeri by freedom fighters in 1952, for collaborating with the British colonialists.
