Women and youth leaders from the Coast region have condemned recent attacks targeting the Umwenga Wehu Association
They have also reaffirmed their support for veteran politician Chirau Makwere, who was installed as the Mijikenda community spokesperson on December 27, 2025.
The association brings together all nine Mijikenda sub-tribes —Giriama, Chonyi, Kauma, Kambe, Digo, Ribe, Rabai, Duruma and Jibana — with the aim of advancing the community’s political, social and economic interests.
Speaking during a forum in Mtwapa municipality, Kilifi county, Dr Luciana Swazua, who represents Mombasa women in the association, described the initiative as the first concrete step towards Mijikenda unity after years of dialogue.
“This process has involved consultations across all our counties, from Kwale to Lamu. We urge women not to be left behind because they are the most affected when development fails,” Swazua said.
She noted that women at the Coast have historically been sidelined from meaningful participation in development, often due to a few individuals acting as gatekeepers for personal gain.
“We want development benefits to reach every woman and every child. As an association, we have a vision to nurture the dreams of our people,” she added.
Swazua challenged women to seek leadership positions, saying divisions within the community had been fuelled by individuals with selfish interests. She also called on critics of the unity drive to engage constructively rather than sow discord.
Youth leader Jacinta Mbeyu said the Mijikenda had reached a turning point, similar to other communities across the country that have united to address shared challenges.
“Why not the Mijikenda? That is why all nine sub-tribes came together to choose one spokesperson. Sixty-two years after independence, many of our people are still living as squatters,” Mbeyu said.
She lamented that despite the region’s wealth in minerals and ocean resources, the community had little to show for it, accusing some leaders of prioritising personal interests over collective welfare.
Human rights defender Victor Kaudo expressed concern that internal divisions had persisted decades after independence.
“Umwenga Wehu means our unity as the Mijikenda. As a community, we agreed to give Chirau Ali Makwere this role because of his track record as an MP, minister and ambassador,” Kaudo said.
He criticised attempts by some individuals to position themselves as alternative spokespersons, warning that such moves risk creating confusion. “We cannot have two spokespersons for the same community. This initiative is not about endorsing any political party or individual but about liberating our people,” he said.
Emily Maendeleo said the association would enable the Mijikenda to speak with one voice and promote equitable distribution of resources among all nine tribes.
Halima Mohammed from Rabai subcounty urged Mijikenda youth to rally behind the initiative, while Maridhia Omar from Kaloleni likened Umwenga Wehu to regional associations such as Gema, which have successfully advocated for their communities.
“These associations push for their people’s interests and get results. Why not us? Currently, the Mijikenda are underrepresented in government compared to other communities,” Omar said.
She called on leaders opposing the association to seek clarity on its objectives instead of spreading misinformation.
by CHARLES MGHENYI
