×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Kenya's Bold Newspaper
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

Love, Waiyaki and ensuing massacre over dowry dispute

Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

Muthamaki Waiyaki wa Hinga. This photo was most probably taken in October 1890 by Lugards team. [File, Standard]

What happens when toxic love is garnished with a dose of high-handedness? It unites allies against their enemies, transcending race and tribe to birth new heroes and villains to be forever remembered in the history of Kenya for one century and three decades.

Sometimes in 1892, when Wanjiru, the wife of Kamaru Magata bolted from her husband's home somewhere in Githiiha and waltzed into the embrace of a new husband from Ukambani, little did she know that her action would forever alter the political landscape of her people.

Premium Article

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us.
Continue Reading  →
What you get
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimised reading
  • Weekly newsletters & digests
Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payments Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902
By Stephen Rutto 18 mins ago
Athletics
Another blow as Mercy Oketch fails doping test
By Ochieng Oyugi 32 mins ago
Golf
Kuria savours Standard County Golf Classic victory
Sports
Young Lionesses maul Fiji as Richard makes triathlon history
Football
Ousted FKF members break silence after dismissal