Family of the late Kikuyu paramount chief Karuri wa Gakure have begun the process of subdividing land bestowed on them by their grandfather, part of which will be donated to the Catholic Church in honour of his legacy.

Speaking during a symbolic event led by the fourth-generation grandson of the late chief Francis Macharia, the family explained that the gesture was meant to honour the enduring friendship between Karuri wa Gakure and the early Catholic missionaries.

“This land carries history; it is where the missionaries were first welcomed, where they built and lived, and it is also where the late Chief Karuri was buried,” said Macharia in an event that was held in Kangema on Thursday.

“Completing the subdivision and handing it over to the church is our way of fulfilling his legacy and preserving the relationship he started,” he added.

Karuri wa Gakure, a powerful Kikuyu leader in the late 19th century played a pivotal role in welcoming missionaries to central Kenya.

Historical accounts suggest he provided land and protection to the early Catholic missionaries, even requesting that they provide his many children with education, something that was not widely available at the time.

“Our great-grandfather saw education as a blessing,” recounted Joakim Gatimu Karuri, another family member. “He believed that hosting the missionaries would help secure a better future for his children. To him, it was a favour both ways, he gave them land, and they gave us knowledge,” Gatimu recounted.

On his part, Joseph Kiruimi Gakure, emphasised that it was a family’s collective decision to fulfil their forefather’s wish.

“We all agreed that this land should go to the church,” said Kiruimi adding that “We felt it was time to honour the intentions of our ancestor, who lived with a vision far beyond his time.”

The land in question not only hosts the late Chief Karuri’s grave, but also his traditional homestead, structures that the family says must be preserved as a national heritage.

The Gakure family used the occasion to appeal to the government to recognise and honour traditional leaders who helped shape the nation’s early interactions with modern institutions.

“We urge the government to protect and mark the graves of such heroes,” said Macharia. “Their role in shaping Kenya’s identity must not be forgotten. These spaces should be turned into sites of remembrance and education for future generations.”

Speaking on behalf of the Catholic Church, surveyor Francis Kibe expressed appreciation to the family.

“This is a remarkable and rare act of generosity,” Kibe said. “We thank the Gakure family for staying true to the legacy of their ancestors. The church will use this land to serve the people, spiritually, socially and educationally.”

The process of subdivision and title deed registration has officially commenced with support from local authorities. Church officials revealed that the land will be used to build a new parish church, a community centre and eventually a learning facility in line with Karuri’s original vision.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Bernard Munyao and Catherine Kamunyo