Here's how Nairobi's Wabera Street got its name

If you have been to Nairobi chances are that you have found yourself walking through Wabera street, the stretch of road connecting the roundabout near City Hall to the monumental silver-domed Jamia mosque.

What many don't know however is that the street is named after Daudi Dabaso Wabera, Africa's first-ever district commissioner.

Speaking on Citizen TV's JKLive show on Wednesday, Dr. Adan Wachu, the chairman of the National Heroes Council narrated in detail why exactly the street was named after Wabera noting that many assumed that the street was named after a man of Luhya descent.

"Recently I asked people a very simple question. I was walking in Nairobi and i asked people how Wabera street came to be," he told show host Jeff Koinange.

"People responded by saying this is Wabera street and I asked them does anybody know who Wabera is. some said Wabera is a man from Vihiga. I couldn't believe it because Wabera was not an ordinary person."

According to Wachu, Wabera was born and raised in Marsabit where his grave is also located. He was reportedly killed by bandits who waylaid him as he made his way from Dogashe in Isiolo just a year before Kenya gained independence.

He was specifically targeted by the bandits since he played a vital role in ensuring that parts of Northern Kenya were not grabbed by Somali militia.

"Wabera was in the company of local leaders. This was the prime moment when Somalia wanted to grab parts of Northern Kenya and Wabera and Haji Galm Dido were the leaders who fought vehemently to make sure that part of Kenya does not become Somalia."