Publication: G. G. Kariuki in the Development and Politics of Laikipia County in Kenya
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2013-08
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Journal Of International Academic Research For Multidisciplinary
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Abstract
Godfrey Gitahi Kariuki, popularly known as G.G., is one of the longest serving
political leaders in Kenya’s post-independence history. Yet, like many of his political
contemporaries, his contribution to the historiography of Kenya has been overshadowed by
the history of leaders whose careers were defined in Kenya’s colonial experience. The paper
presents a short life history of G.G. Kariuki and his role in the politics and development of
Laikipia County. The County has a diverse population comprising the Kikuyu, Kalenjin,
Turkana, Samburu, a small population of the Maasai and white farmers. As such it is a
County inhabited by pastoral nomadic and agricultural communities. It is basically a multi-
ethnic and multi-racial County. The County over the years has experienced inter-ethnic and
human-animal conflicts. G.G. Kariuki was instrumental in resolving some of these conflicts.
Literature review involved the review of various biographies and autobiographies of Kenya
and the rest of Africa. G.G. Kariuki may not have been a hero but his leadership and
strategies especially on settlement schemes changed the course of history of Laikipia County.
Data was collected by use of field interviews as well as thorough the examination of
secondary sources collected from public libraries and the Kenya National Archives (KNA).
The data was analysed qualitatively. The paper hopes to contribute to the historiography on
the makers of post-independent Kenya.
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Keywords
G. G. Kariuki, Laikipia County, Political history, Development