Waiyaki Wa Hinga, was an Agikuyu chieftain who was the ruler of South Gikuyu. Waiyaki signed a treaty with Frederick Lugard of the British East Africa Company. However, after becoming frustrated with the increasing number of European settlers, Waiyaki burnt down Lugard's fort in 1890. Waiyaki was arrested two years later after drawing his sword against a colonial officer, W.P. Purkiss. Purkiss "disarmed him and delivered a blow to Waiyaki's head". Waiyaki was tried for assault, convicted and sentenced to deportation. He died on the march down to Mombasa on the Kenyan coast, apparently from injuries sustained during his altercation with Purkiss.
Waiyaki Way in central Nairobi is reportedly named after him.