The Story of Kihuga Square in Eldoret

By William Kiptoo

Kihuga Square in Eldoret West is a historic landmark, standing as one of the oldest buildings in Eldoret town. Dated 1959, this place was a bustling business hub that was synonymous with Eldoret itself, especially in the 1980's and 1990's.

The story of Kihuga Square traces back to the Gathitu family, who hailed from Nyagathanga hill in Muranga during the tumultuous Mau Mau war against British colonial rule. Nyagathanga Hill holds significance in Gikuyu folklore as the supposed residence of the Gikuyu god, Gikuyu, and his wife Mumbi. It was from this hill that their nine daughters dispersed to populate the Gikuyu world.

Fleeing persecution from the British, the Gathitu family, led by their mother, sought refuge in the Rift Valley. They settled in various towns and areas such as Nyahururu, Nakuru, Timboroa, Uasin Gishu, Turbo, Maituma, and Sango. In Eldoret, they initially lived together in a village-like community in Majengo, alongside other migrant families. The Catholic Church in Majengo parish provided them with spiritual services, while the nearby horse stables were eventually converted into homes in Kapsuswa. Additionally, the family resided in Kidiwa homes, which were town council rentals nearby.

As Kenya approached independence, the Gathitu family purchased and developed a plot in Eldoret West, which they named Kihuga Square. Initially, the entire family lived in the ten rooms behind the double-door shop. Over time, family members acquired property elsewhere and gradually moved out, eventually leading to the dispersal of the once tightly-knit family.

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