A powerful new stage production celebrating the life of legendary Kikuyu leader Wangu wa Makeri is set to premiere at the Kenya National Theatre from May 2 to May 4.
Directed by Lawrence Murage and produced by Kwa Ndego Productions, the play will run nightly from 7 PM, promising an unforgettable experience for audiences. The production offers a vivid reimagining of Wangu’s life, highlighting her groundbreaking role as the only known female headman in Kikuyu history during the British colonial period.
Wangu wa Makeri’s story stands as a symbol of resilience and courage. Born in Murang’a in the mid-1800s, she broke cultural norms to become a muthamaki — a leadership role traditionally reserved for men. According to the National Museums of Kenya, her leadership during the colonial era made her a rare figure, not only among the Kikuyu but across the wider Kenyan society.
The play transports audiences to a pivotal time in Kenya’s history, showcasing Wangu’s bold journey into leadership, her successes, and the challenges she faced in a male-dominated world. Her rise to power was unconventional: after her husband, Makeri wa Mbogo, declined the offer of chieftainship from British officials, Wangu accepted the position herself, a decision that both shocked and inspired those around her.
During her tenure, Wangu wa Makeri balanced admiration and controversy, particularly as she took on duties such as tax collection on behalf of the British administration. Her legacy continues to echo through Kenyan history, representing both the strength of women and the complexities of leadership under colonial rule.
The upcoming production promises to honour her story with the depth and dignity it deserves, offering modern audiences a chance to reflect on her indelible mark on Kenyan heritage.
