Residents of Kwaregi village in Lari constituency want its name changed to Canaan A.
They claim the name of the village in Githirioni sublocation, Lari Kirenga ward, means 'the rejected land', and it is not appropriate.
Resident Tharao wa Ngure said on Sunday the village was named during the demarcation of land in 1960s.
"The name does not exist in any government records. We also feel uncomfortable with that name," he said during a meeting of the villagers.
Residents say they do not know how Kwaregi Primary School earned that name, saying once the village is renamed, they will change the school’s name too.
Elder Njoroge Kabira said the area was a forest before 1960. It was converted to a settlement area by former President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta's government.
But most people declined to be resettled in the area without giving conclusive reasons. Only a few agreed to settle in the area.
Kabira said many residents were brought from Kangoya, Tigoni, Riabai, Ngewa, Mitahato, Githiga and Ngemwa in Kiambu county.
"When people were being resettled, those who declined would incite people that they were being brought to the area. That is how the area earned the name Kwaregi, the rejected land," he said.
Residents say they will write request letters to the area assistant chief, chief, assistant county commissioner and Lari deputy county commissioner Agnes Karoki to hold public participation.
Ngure said they will also alert MP Jonah Mburu, MCA Joseph Karichu and other leaders since they want everyone to participate in the process.
"We shall write to all offices so that they can guide us. We shall also invite leaders and the whole village so that we can participate. Canaan A is a proposal," he said.
Ngure said the area turned out to be agriculturally rich and residents planted tea, avocados and other horticultural crops.
“We do not see the reason why we should continue holding onto a name that does not reflect us. We want a name that reflects us. We are hardworking and our area is productive,” he added.
They lauded President Uhuru Kenyatta for starting construction of the 540km Mau Mau road. The road will pass about 3km from the village.
"If it can be possible, the tarmac can be extended to our village. Our children see tarmac roads when they go to high school or when they visit places far from home," Ngure said.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
