Kaya elders and political leaders oppose rebranding of Chenda Chenda festival
Politics
By
Marion Kithi
| Sep 13, 2026
Kaya elders and a section of political leaders in Kilifi have opposed the postponement and proposed rebranding of the Chenda Chenda festival, saying the move risks undermining the Mijikenda cultural identity.
The elders have criticised politicians over what they describe as attempts to interfere with this year’s Chenda Chenda celebrations, warning against turning the cultural event into a political affair.
The elders, led by Kaya elders' coordinator Tsuma Nzai, said postponement of the annual celebrations was caused by divisions, which they attributed to attempts by some politicians to take control of the event.
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The celebrations are traditionally held on September 9 to honour Mijikenda heroes and preserve the community’s cultural traditions and heritage.
This comes a day after the county government rebranded and launched the Chenda Chenda na Jamii za Pwani festival 2026 that is expected to run for a week and include all the people residing at the Coast region, unlike before.
The elders said Chenda Chenda should remain a cultural occasion and not become a platform for political competition or mobilisation.
They urged leaders to respect the role of Kaya elders in safeguarding Mijikenda traditions and allow the community to determine how its cultural ceremonies are conducted.
State Department for Youth and Creative Economy Principal Secretary Mr Fikirini Jacobs said dropping the festival’s identity as a Mijikenda cultural celebration was discriminatory and culturally offensive, arguing that those behind the move did not speak or act on behalf of the community.
“I strongly oppose this move by a few individuals who neither speak nor act on behalf of the community,” Jacobs said.
The PS, however, supported plans to expand Chenda Chenda into a weeklong celebration, saying the additional time would provide an opportunity to showcase Mijikenda culture through traditions, music, food, art, fashion and creative talent.
He said the expansion should not come at the expense of the festival’s identity.
Jacobs said September 9 remained central to Chenda Chenda and should be preserved as the climax and defining moment of the celebrations.
He proposed that additional activities and programmes be held in the days leading to September 9, with the main day retaining its cultural significance.
“The Mijikenda heritage must remain at the heart of the festival,” he said.
Jacobs said Kenyan communities had a right to come together and celebrate their heritage through distinctive cultural platforms.
He cited the Maasai cultural festival, Tobong’u Lore and Luo's Piny Luo festival as examples of cultural events that have grown into major platforms for communities to celebrate and promote their heritage.
He said Chenda Chenda, although established later than some of these festivals, should be nurtured rather than undermined.
“On the contrary, we must nurture, strengthen and institutionalise this important platform for celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Amijikenda people,” Jacobs said.
According to Jacobs, Chenda Chenda has already attracted interest among both young and older generations and could develop into a major cultural and economic platform with adequate support.
He said the festival had the potential to help preserve Mijikenda traditions, create opportunities in the creative economy, promote tourism and raise the profile of Mijikenda heritage nationally and internationally.
The dispute comes as communities across the Coast continue to push for greater recognition and preservation of Mijikenda cultural heritage, including the traditional role of the Kaya elders.