Folklore has it that Mùchatha was originally called Gìtuamba.During the emergency, the residents were relocated to a bushy place overgrown with michatha bushes and trees. They named the place Mùchatha. When Kenya gained independence, the people went back to their place of origin and maintained the Mùchatha name.
Wanganangu popularised the name Mùchatha, and Gìtuamba slept into oblivion. At least 5 of his songs talk about Mùchatha and he always adds, ''Kwì mawìra maingì, wa mweri na wa kandarathi''.
Paul Mutonga populary known as Wanganangu was born around 1930 in Mùchatha, Kiambu County. At 8 years he contracted measles which left him blind. He was admitted at Thika School for the Blind where he met his long time music companion Silas Muiruri aka Meciria wa Wairimu who came from Muthithi, Muranga. Though visually impaired, the duo had a clear vision of their friendship. Meciria was a good guitarist 🎸 and Wanganangu played accordion 🪗 which he was taught by his paternal uncle Mbitu wa Tharuba. They teamed up and started doing music. They got invitations to perform in Nakuru, Eldoret, Kitale, Loitokitok,and even in the region like Arusha Tanzania and Tororo Uganda.
Their predecessors were Sammy Ngaku, Gachungi wa Kamau from Ngarariga and Shinda Gìkombe wa Watirì. They started recording music around 1959. Gikuu nì Kiuru, Wanganangus dirge lamenting the death of his mother, Njeri, is heavily influenced by Sammy Ngakus Gwitù nì Rìabai.
Popular songs by Wanganangu include
●Ngurumo ya Saba Saba
●Ndiari Ruui
●Riitho Rimenaga Njamba
●Wanyendire Ngìkìrìrìria
●Muiritu wa Ngirigacha
●Cai wa Kadogo
●Kwa Maiko
Wanganangu's popularity spread rapidly after independence and he was given other identities like Kìruiko Wanganangu and Thùmbia wa Rendi
He impressed the political class including the late Njenga Karume who bought him his current accordion. Karume also built him a house. Wanganangu was a regular act in Hon Ngengi Muigai's campaigns around Gatundu.
He is friend to Uhuru Kenyatta. The retired President bought him a piece of land in Kaimbaga Nyandarua where his daughter now lives. The title deed was presented on Mashujaa Day of 2021 in Kirinyaga. Uhuru Kenyatta also feted Wanganangu with HSC honor and built him his current house.
Ithe wa Njeeri as he is fondly referred at home has performed before Presidents Mzee Jomo Kenya, Daniel Arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta.
Mzee Wanganangu's songs were popularised by one man guitarist Salim Junior. However Wanganangu has a bone to pick with Eric Wainaina for doing a rendition of his song without his consent. The song Ritwa Riaku's lyrics and melody are originally Wanganagu's musical works. He advises any musician who would like to cover his songs to get in touch with him for express permission and agreement.
Today Wanganangu lives with his family in Muchatha. His first wife was fondly referred as Thitima wa Ndoora. He now lives with his second wife nyina wa Njeeri. He lives with epilepsy and is forever on medication to prevent seizures.
His son,Wanganagu Jnr is in mugithi music.
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