The Kĩkũyũ (otherwise spelled Gĩkũyũ) tribe is Kenya's most populous ethnic group. Their traditional land is the fertile central highlands, which they farm.
The Kĩkũyũ 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 Kĩkũyũ. Kenya's third president is also a Kikuyu named Mwai Kibaki who won the 2002 elections in a landslide against ex-president Daniel Arap Moi.
The famous Kenyan author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o is a Kĩkũyũ who now writes exclusively in Gĩkũyũ and Swahili.
- See also: Gikuyu language
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Last updated: 10-16-2005 01:22:14
