[2] Baptised by the Rev Willian Knapp (a Baptist minister born in Connecticut)[3] in 1913, Waruhiu was a devout Christian (for instance refusing to eat meat slaughtered in accordance with Kikuyu custom) and became increasingly prominent in his locality.

Waruhiu was highly thought of by the colonial administration; in 1927 he was described by the British District Commissioner as "probably the most reliable official headman I have, as regards carrying out his duties", whilst another Commissioner noted in 1943 that Waruhiu was "serious-minded and sound in his ideas [...] executively outstandingly efficient".

[4] Waruhiu received a number of awards for his service, ultimately including the MBE,[5] and was considered thoroughly loyal to the British authorities.

On 7 October 1952, near the town of Gachie, a location seven miles outside Nairobi, Waruhiu's car was stopped by three gunmen who shot him at point blank range.

[6] At Waruhiu's funeral, mourners included the chief's family, various Kenyan leaders, thousands of Kikuyu tribesmen, and a number of dignitaries from the colonial administration.