Ethnos

Kikuyu

The Kikuyu (otherwise spelled Gikuyu) tribe is Kenya's most populous ethnic group. Their traditional land is the fertile central highlands, which they farm.

The Kikuyu were one of the most active tribes during the fight for Kenyan independence, with many of the Mau-Mau being drawn from their number. The Mau Mau were lead by Dedan Kimathi who was credited for helping organize resistance which lead to defeat of the colonial government. Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's first president, was a Kikuyu, giving the tribe a foothold into politics. To this day, Kenyan politics are dominated by Kikuyans.

The Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong'o is a Kikuyu who now writes exclusively in Gikuyu and Swahili. ***