As the festive season begins amid rising domestic tourism in Mombasa, the Mijikenda community will tomorrow stage a unique cultural event designed to welcome and entertain holidaymakers.
The second edition of the Mijikenda Cultural Event, organised by the AmidZi Movement, will spotlight the rich heritage of the coastal community.
The Mijikenda ethnic group, comprising the Giriama, Digo, Chonyi, Kambe, Duruma, Kauma, Ribe, Rabai and Jibana tribes, will tomorrow showcase signature Mijikenda cultural expressions such as Gonda, Sengenya and Manzele (songs and dances), alongside mnazi (traditional brew) and coconut water at the Mama Ngina Waterfront, Mombasa.
The movement chairman Ramadhan Beja said the annual event aims to revitalise tourism in the coastal city through cultural exhibitions. He cautioned politicians against attempting to hijack the event for personal or political gain.
โAmidzi cultural is not a political rally, it is a day for Mijikenda cultural events. No one should bring divisive politics to the event. Tomorrow, we will be on high alert to ensure that our people are safe and business thrives, and visitors enjoy the experience from sumptuous traditional cuisines,โ he stated.
Beja added that the event seeks to strengthen unity within the community and promote appreciation of their cultural identity. He emphasised the need for harmony among all communities.
โThe unity of this community will continue; it will not be shaken by anyone. The unity of this community will be exemplary to other communities. Divisions will be a thing of the past. I urge our leaders to shun their differences; they must know that the community needs them. They should not fight us,โ he appealed.
Mohamed Ndanda, an advisor to the movement, said tomorrowโs event will display the communityโs cultural richness while advocating for economic and political empowerment.
โWe want to bring our community together, to understand itself and to bargain together and vote as a bloc. We want Mijikenda to be heard in the country,โ stated Ndanda, adding that the community is penurious, calling for the utilisation of local resources to empower them.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, Tourism and Culture, Mohamed Osman, underscored the need to ensure the culture is invigorated through events. He promised to integrate cultural tourism as part of the tourism agenda.
The CECM disclosed that negotiations are ongoing with the Ministry of Tourism for a hall at Mama Ngina Waterfront to be designated for cultural events, where communities will showcase their cultural heritage to visitors.
โTo ensure continuity, we will place the event in the county calendar and sponsor it as part of efforts to promote cohesion,โ said Osman, adding that plans are ongoing to draft a cultural bill to safeguard and promote Mombasaโs diverse heritages.
Kadenge Malingi, a Kaya elder, said the movement is apolitical and welcomes participation from all, noting that Mijikenda culture is inclusive and friendly. โAll types of traditional food will be available,โ he said.
Treasurer Evelyn Matandi added that the event will feature traditional food, dances, attire and beverages.
by Sadik Hassan
