Calls for unity within the Mijikenda community have grown stronger ahead of the annual Mijikenda Chenda Chenda Cultural Festival in Kilifi County. The event, taking place today at Kaya Fungo, will bring together Mijikenda Kaya elders from all nine Kayas.
Kilifi County’s political leadership, led by Governor Gideon Mung’aro, has met with the Kaya elders at least three times to ensure the success of the festival. On Saturday, Mung’aro hosted the final planning meeting, which included Kaya elders and political leaders from Kilifi, representing both UDA and the opposition.
Governor Mung’aro emphasized the need for the long-sought unity of the Mijikenda community, saying, “We have seen other communities across Kenya come together to benefit from the national government. For too long, the Mijikenda community has been divided, but this time we must ensure we speak with one voice.”
He also called on the Kaya elders to lead the community forward, stating, “We are now asking the Kaya elders to show us the way as a community. We cannot continue to be left out of national politics due to a lack of unity.”
The event will also address critical issues, including the region’s perennial land disputes, unemployment, and the increasing killings of elderly people. Additionally, elders will plant indigenous trees in the Kaya forests, which have long been targeted by loggers and land grabbers.
Mwinyi Mwalimu, the chairperson of the Mijikenda Kaya Elders Association Coast, urged governors and political leaders from the community to unite and support these annual celebrations. “This event is not just about Kilifi County. The Mijikenda community extends to Mombasa and Kwale. We call on leaders to unite and support our culture and these celebrations,” he said.
Kilifi Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu echoed the festival’s goal, stating, “The aim behind the Chenda Chenda Festival is to unite the Mijikenda community.”
The call for unity within the Mijikenda community has gained momentum, with leaders urging the community to come together, especially in light of the upcoming Chenda Chenda Cultural Festival in Kilifi County.
Drawing parallels with the cooperation seen in national politics, such as the broad-based government formed by President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, leaders believe the Mijikenda community should also overcome its divisions.
Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, who is also the deputy majority leader in the National Assembly, emphasized that the Chenda Chenda event should be respected and not exploited for personal political gain. He affirmed that Kilifi leaders are committed to working together and following the governor’s direction.
Meanwhile, the Mijikenda Kaya Elders Association coordinator, Tsuma Nzai, extended an invitation to both Kenyans and the international community to attend the celebrations. He encouraged the Mijikenda youth to embrace their cultural heritage, stressing the importance of preserving culture, protecting the elderly, and engaging with leaders on community issues.
Nzai highlighted the festival as a key opportunity for young people to understand their roles within the community and foster a deeper connection to their cultural roots.
