Mijikenda Kaya elders have vehemently opposed the proposal by Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro to establish an industrial park in Kaya Fungo Ward within Kaloleni Sub County. The elders have expressed strong concerns over the proposed development, which they argue threatens the cultural and spiritual integrity of the Kaya Fungo Forest, a sacred site for the Mijikenda community.
During a press briefing in Sabaki, Malindi Sub County, the elders made it clear that the 3,000-acre plot earmarked for the industrial park lies within the Kaya Fungo Forest, an area that has been a sanctuary for the Mijikenda’s traditional rites and cultural practices for generations. Chitanda Matojo, a prominent elder from Kaya Rabai, stated that the forest is a protected heritage site and warned that any attempt to interfere with it would be met with resistance.
“We will not allow anybody to invade and use the Kaya forest for any other purpose. The forest is part of our heritage, and it must remain intact,” Matojo emphasized. The elders’ stance is grounded in the belief that the Kaya forests are sacred and cannot be used for commercial purposes without damaging their cultural significance.
The Malindi District Cultural Association (MADCA), through its Secretary General Joseph Karisa Mwarandu, confirmed that the elders had already written to the governor requesting him to halt the plans for the industrial park. The community leaders have also indicated their willingness to pursue legal action should the Kilifi County Government fail to reconsider its proposal. They highlighted the historical precedent set in Vipingo, where land leased to colonial investors was later sold off, leading to long-lasting negative consequences for the local community.
Stan Kiraga, the founding chairman of MADCA, urged Governor Mung’aro to consult with the community before making decisions that affect their land. “Land is not a commodity to be sold. The governor must seek the consent of the people before proceeding with any plans,” Kiraga asserted.
The elders also emphasized the importance of public participation, as outlined in the Kenyan Constitution, particularly in relation to Article 10, which mandates the government to involve citizens in decision-making processes. Nyale Kazungu, another community member, called for a reconsideration of the governor’s plan, urging him to respect the constitutional principles of public participation and consultation.
As tensions rise, the Mijikenda elders remain firm in their resolve to protect the Kaya Fungo Forest, a symbol of their rich cultural heritage, from what they perceive as an encroachment on their ancestral rights. The outcome of this dispute may set a significant precedent for the balance between development and cultural preservation in Kenya’s coastal region.
