The Mijikenda community has launched a broad-based alliance bringing together all nine tribes in a move aimed at strengthening unity and advancing the community’s socio-economic interests.
The alliance draws representation from leaders of each of the nine tribes and includes scholars, religious leaders, youth, women and persons with disabilities.
Speaking during the official launch of the alliance and the swearing-in of its spokesperson in the Vishakani area in Kaloleni Constituency, Kilifi County, community leaders urged the government to pursue lasting solutions to challenges facing the Mijikenda, particularly historical land injustices at the Coast and the menace of drug abuse.
Led by the alliance’s spokesperson, Ambassador Chirau Ali Mwakwere, the leaders said there was an urgent need to strengthen the coastal economy in order to curb insecurity associated with gang activities.
“The government must focus on empowering the coastal economy as a long-term solution to insecurity and gang-related activities that continue to affect our community,” said Ambassador Mwakere.
The former legislator noted that the alliance would push for the revival of cashew nut and coconut farming as a way of improving livelihoods in the region.
“Reviving cashew and coconut farming will help uplift the economic status of our people and address many of the social challenges we are facing,” he added.
Waduruma community leader Mudzo Nzili called on political leaders from the region to set aside their differences and work together for the development of the community.
“Our leaders must unite and collectively pressure the government to implement development projects in the coastal region instead of engaging in divisive politics,” said Nzili.
Chonyi community leader Dr. Mtana Lewa cited the stalled Kenya Utalii College project as a missed opportunity for the region and therefore urged the government to hasten its completion.
“The Kenya Utalii College project has stalled for far too long, yet it has the potential to transform education and strengthen the economy of the Coast, especially for our youth,” said Dr. Lewa.
The leaders, however, emphasised that the alliance would remain non-partisan even as political interests seem inevitable.
“This alliance is not aligned to any political outfit. Our focus is to engage the government constructively and push for solutions to the challenges facing the Mijikenda community,” said Ambassador Mwakere.
The event also served to honour the late coastal political icon Ronald Gideon Ngala, who played a pivotal role in Kenya’s struggle for independence and subsequent constitutional reforms.
By Stephen Mrira
