Nyandarua County is a place of breathtaking beauty and endless potential.
Its potato farmers work tirelessly to ensure the nation never goes hungry, and the majestic Aberdare Ranges make it a sought-after tourist destination. The county also boasts one of the coolest climates in Kenya.
The county has also produced a remarkable array of prominent Kenyans who have made their mark in various fields.
In this article, WoK explores six famous sons and daughters of Nyandarua County:
Muthoni Wa Kirumba
Gladys Muthoni, popularly known as Muthoni Wa Kirumba or Baby Tops, is one of the most celebrated Kikuyu Radio Presenters of all time.
She hosts the Canjamuka show at Kememe FM between 10 -1 am alongside comedian Mugaka. Before Joining Kememe Fm, Muthoni was a presenter at Bahasha Fm, which is owned by former MP John Mututho.
Her father’s political connections have also added to her prominence, as he is known to be a close ally of former Trade CS Moses Kuria. Muthoni hails from the Machinery area of Kipipiri constituency.
J Mburu
James Mburu, popularly known as Mtaalam J Mburu, is a highly talented media personality with an impressive portfolio.
Born in Karangatha, Nyandarua County, Mburu is the founder and owner of Jambu TV, Jambu Radio, Mukeu TV, Karindi TV, and Mukeu Spring Water.
Additionally, he owns a chain of clinics, namely Mukeu Herbal Clinics, with over 50 branches spread across Kenya and Tanzania.
In an inspiring interview with Jeff Kuria, Mburu shared his journey from being a humble shamba boy earning a meager sh 20 per month to becoming one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country.
Amos Kimunya
Amos Muhinga Kimunya is a prominent and outspoken figure in Kenyan politics. He served as the Majority Leader of the National Assembly under the Jubilee Party from 2020 to 2022.
Kimunya’s political journey includes stints as Kenya’s Minister of Trade and, notably, as the Minister of Finance during President Kibaki’s government from 2006 to July 2008 before resigning due to the Grand Regency Hotel Scandal.
Previously, he had served as the Minister for Lands and Settlement. He attended Njabini Boys High School before joining the University of Nairobi and served as Kipipiri Member of parliament for at least two inconsecutive terms before being ousted in 2022 by Wanjiku Muhia.
Paul Waiganjo
Paul Waiganjo is one of the most celebrated gospel musicians in central Kenya. He was born in Ngorika village, Nyandarua county.
A last born in a family of nine, he attended Nyandarua High School for his secondary education but was later expelled over involvement in a strike.
His love for sports earned him a spot at the prestigious Benhouse School in Nakuru, where he sat for his KCSE before proceeding to Egerton University to pursue a diploma in Computer Engineering.
The ‘Wi Ngai Mahinda Mothe’ hitmaker runs a real estate company along Thika Road.
Bishop JJ Gitahi
JJ Gitahi is undeniably one of the most firebrand Kikuyu preachers of all time. He is the owner of Githima TV, Topaz Driving School, and a Real estate company.
His children are equally successful, as one of them is a renowned lawyer while the other is a European footballer.
JJ, whose full name is Jesse Gitahi Maina, was born in Olkalou, Nyandarua County.
The 9th born in a family of 11 siblings, he attended Kaibaga primary school before dropping out due to lack of school fees. His rise from a class 8 dropout to one of the wealthiest gospel ministers in Kenya has been documented by WoK.
Catherine Ndereba
Catherine Nyambura Ndereba is a legendary marathon runner who achieved unparalleled success in the early 2000s.
Her track record includes two gold medals in Athletics World Championships and silver medals at the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
Ndereba’s achievements also encompass four Boston Marathon victories and two Chicago Marathon wins. In 2008, she was hailed as the greatest women’s marathoner of all time by the Chicago Tribune’s sportswriter Philip Hersh.
