Mijikenda plan rituals at new Ngala monument
The Mijikenda community plans to conduct traditional rituals at the site in Nairobi where the late freedom fighter Ronald Gideon Ngala’s monument was unveiled last week.
His family, which thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta for honouring Mzee Ngala, said they have no objection to the plan.
Family spokesman and former minister Noah Katana Ngala welcomed the Mijikenda community’s plan to celebrate their late father in such a special way.
"We have no objection as a family if the Mijikenda community feels that they need to do anything in honour of Ngala… Ngala was from Kilifi County, but he played a huge role nationally in leadership," Mr Ngala said.
He said the family appreciates being part of the preparation for the ceremony.
Ganze MP Teddy Mwambire disclosed that the Mijikenda community wants to officially honour the late Ngala.
“We are having talks among the Mijikenda and coastal communities, and also the Kadu fraternity. We must reach the site and perform special rites,” he said.
The cultural event brings together the Ngala family and others.
Some of the activities will include performing special Mijikenda dances, drinking and scattering mnazi wine.
“The special event at the monument will now declare that the Mijikenda community is fully recognised,” he said.
Mr Mwambire said the unveiling of the monuments was a special moment for the Mijikenda community and Kenyan history.
"It indicates that there is a need to rectify the history of this country. History books highlighted much on other leaders, but the late Ngala did not feature,” he said.
Mzee Ngala is credited for pioneering the 'majimbo philosophy', a precursor of today's devolved system of government.
“For many years, we wandered as a country, but, by the end of everything, we found ourselves going to a devolution government that is not different from the majimbo government,” the MP said.
Mr Ngala said the unveiling of the statue was a historic moment for the people of Kilifi, and they must be proud of the achievements of Mzee Ngala.
He added that people who did not know the late Ronald Ngala will now view his statue.
“We all know the role the late Ngala played in ensuring his country acquired freedom through majimbo, which saw the formation of the (former) eight provinces,” he added.
Kaloleni MP Paul Katana called on the government to tarmac the 3km Bondora-Mwakombe road in honour of the late legend.
He also asked the Kilifi County government to set up a museum at the late Ngala’s homestead.
"It is a shame if the national government honours the late Ngala and Kilifi County, where he came from, does nothing for him," he said.
Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi said locals were elated at the unveiling of a statue in honour of one of Kenya's eminent heroes in the struggle for independence.
“We congratulate the government of HE President Uhuru Kenyatta for this gesture, which helps to immortalise the memory of a hero and a patriot,” he said. BY DAILY NATION
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