Mijikenda Kaya elders have strongly opposed a planned coastal unity meeting set for December 26, 2025, at the late Ronald Ngalla’s family home in Vishakani, Kaloleni, Kilifi County. They gathered on Christmas Day at Kaya Fungo sacred forest in Kaloleni to make their stand clear.
Led by coordinator Tsuma Nzai Kombe and vocal leader Naomi Cidi Kumbatha, elders from all nine Mijikenda sub-tribes came together. They performed traditional rituals first. Then they announced the meeting lacks their support. They called it illegal and driven by personal interests of a few politicians.
Kombe said any real coastal unity effort must start at Kaya Fungo, with the full involvement of elders and local leaders. He noted the late Ronald Ngalla, a powerful former Cabinet minister, received blessings from Kaya Fungo during his rise. Starting talks at his gravesite or family home skips proper steps.
The elders urged the Ngalla family to cancel the event. Kombe warned they would send youths to stop it if needed. He stressed no meeting can happen without Kaya’s blessings.
Naomi Cidi Kumbatha backed the elders fully. She said a small group cannot claim to speak for coastal unity while leaving out key leaders. Even the local MP from Kaloleni got no invitation, she pointed out. This shows the plan serves individuals, not the community.
Other elders spoke up too. Erick Mzungu from Ribe called the meeting unlawful and self-serving. Charo Mwagaha from Kaya Fungo said it has no spiritual approval until leaders visit the sacred site for rituals together.
Youth representative Nguma Charo added suspicion. He said organisers have hidden motives that benefit themselves, not coastal people. Calls for unity often come close to elections, he noted. It looks like a way to gain power using community hopes.
The gathering happened despite it being Christmas Day. Elders dressed in traditional attire met at the protected forest site. Kaya Fungo holds deep meaning for Giriama and wider Mijikenda groups. These forests serve as cultural and spiritual centres.
Ronald Ngalla remains remembered as a key coastal figure from the independence era. Events at his home draw attention easily. Organisers planned it as a memorial with unity talks for the 2027 elections in mind.
But elders see exclusion as the main problem. Proper process matters in Mijikenda traditions. Blessings and involvement keep things legitimate.
This opposition highlights ongoing debates in Kilifi and coastal politics. Unity talks surface often but face hurdles over who leads and how. Elders guard cultural roles closely.
Residents in Kaloleni and nearby areas watch closely. Some agree with elders on tradition. Others want any chance for regional strength.
For now, the meeting faces serious doubt. Elders stand firm against it proceeding as planned. They ask organisers to rethink and include everyone from the start.
People in Kilifi County searching for local news will find this dispute prominent over the holidays. It mixes culture, politics, and community concerns in a familiar way. The elders dispersed after rituals and statements. Quiet returned to Kaya Fungo.
