Sons and daughters of Embu

John Cardinal Njue… who was born in 1944 in Embu, is the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Nairobi.

Regarded as the face of the Catholic Church in the country, Cardinal Njue has risen through the ranks.

He was ordained priest in 1973 by Pope Paul VI at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome and went on to head the Embu Diocese.

He is known for his firm stand on matters of faith and governance as well as for his electrifying sermons.

Patrick Njiru… is a rally driver who became the darling of spectators, not only because of his accomplishments behind the wheel, but also because of his likeable and easygoing character.

In his heyday, Mr Njiru, finished fourth in the 1994 safari rally, when it was part of the World Rally Championship calendar.

Born at Kevote, he is set to return to rallying, in the East African Classic Safari Rally next month, driving a Porsche 911.

Mwaniki Kabeca… A renowned historian, Prof Kabeca has written several books on the origin of the Embu and Mbeere communities and is regarded as a reference point for their cultural and historical origins.

The two communities are said to share a common ancestry, with Prof Kabeca helping to connect the common bonds as well as discarding the myths that sometimes drove a wedge between the neighbours. He teaches history at Egerton University.

Ms Beatrice Kanini Nyaga ... is a famous Mbeere councillor remembered for opposing political heavyweight Jeremiah Nyaga for the Gachoka parliamentary seat.

Now retired from active politics, Ms Nyaga, 80, is also known for efforts to fight clannism in Mbeere, which she saw as backward, and worked tirelessly to unite the community.

Though she never made it to Parliament, her peace efforts are seen to have laid the ground for unity of the wider Mbeere, with the community slowly working to emerge from the shackles of clannism which has retarded development for ages.

Ms Diana wa Kivuti.... is a renowned leader at the forefront of fighting for women’s rights and starting empowerment programmes.

She is credited with rallying women to form groups, commonly known as “chamas” for their economic empowerment.

Ms Kivuti has started several tertiary colleges where the youth and women get trained on basic skills such as catering and entrepreneurial skills.

John Ndogo Rurima... is a local business magnate and philanthropist, known for his closeness to the poor and contributions at church harambees and other development projects.

Residents say people still stream to his home to seek help, and he is known not to turn anyone away.

A wealthy businessman with a big heart, is how one resident describes him.