I have been thinking that the Name Gicheru originated from Swahili Kachero, which came into effect during the Mau Mau war. It then evolved into Gaceru and finally assumed different variants such as iceru, Wanjeru, Muceru.

Can someone enlighten me on this?

There is absolutely no relation between Gicheru and Kachero. Gicheru means 'the big white thing' while kachero means 'detective'

Actually the name Gicheru is related to Mweru (white person), Gacheru, Muiru (black person), Kiiru, or Mucheru. It is traceable to the 19th century, even before contact with Swahili culture was significant enough to impart names into the language.

Actually, Kikuyu names are inherited, and as the dialects of those days may have been completely different from today's the actual meaning of Kikuyu names may never be known. Thus most of the meaning is inferred.

Proper Kikuyu writting: Gĩcerũ.

But of course you can call it anything: Gisheru, Gichelu, Gichero, depending on your whim.

@ Wamax, I like ur unique way of seeing things. but u made me laugh with "Gichelu"....I don't think anyone would be of this whim. Gichelu?? haha.