There was pomp and color at the ancient historical Dr Krapf memorial grounds in Kilifi County as the Rabai Sub Tribe of the larger Mijikenda Community members celebrated their traditional new year cultural day.

Locals, both young and old people, including senior government and non-government organizations led by Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Chibule, County Executive members, and Chief Officers wearing full traditional regalia took part in the fete.

The celebrations to mark ‘New year’ for the Rabai means that for them it’s January 1 and reminds the community of their rich historical background and culture.

At first, the community walked to Kaya Mudzi Muvyia (Shrine) where rituals were conducted by the elders before marching while singing traditional songs and dancing to the venue of the fete at Dr Krapf memorial grounds where the climax of the event took place.

There were all sorts of exhibitions including the traditional artifacts, attire, food, dances, art work and gallery which were displayed to pass the knowledge to the younger generation to trace their roots and culture.

Among the top County Government officials from Rabai Sub County Present who accompanied the Deputy Governor Included CEC Lands Jane Kamto, Chief of Staff Caroline Kalume Cheupe, Tourism and Trade Chief Officer Herbert Mwachiro among others.

In her speech, Chibule said as the Rabai Community they must embrace their culture as it was their pride and pillar.

She also urged the residents to conserve their indigenous trees to protect their heritage and the environment at large as currently there was a demand for herbal medicine that can only be found from those trees.

“The research that we have this time shows doctors are looking for traditional herbs to treat lifestyle diseases, not those from chemists that’s why we have to conserve our indigenous trees,” she said.

The Deputy Governor also called for unity among the Rabai community so as to be strong always.

She said Rabai is where the first Missionary Dr Ludwing Kraph landed in Kilifi and brought education and religion but still the locals maintained their culture and tradition.

The CEC for Lands and Physical planning Jane Kamto said their new year celebration was a reminder of where they have come from as a community and the importance of embracing culture.

“This ceremony was founded by our great grandfathers and is meant to remind us of our culture, traditions and rectify where we went wrong,” she said.

The Chief Officer for Culture, Heritage and Wildlife Tourism Herbert Mwachiro on his part said it was an annual festival to celebrate culture.

He said Rabai has a rich ancient history where the first Church in East Africa was built in Rabai together with the first school and settlement.

“Every year we hold this festival since 2013 when we decided we must celebrate the greatness and beauty of Rabai Culture and heritage. This year has been another successful event graced by Deputy Governor Flora Chibule, a daughter of Rabai and Dr Chibule Tsuma,” he said.

Caroline Kalume, the Chief of Staff in the County Government of Kilifi called on all Rabai community members to unite and speak in one voice and embrace their culture.

She also called on the locals to conserve the environment and stop cutting trees so as to continue promoting the rich cultural heritage.

Pauline Mapenzi, a resident who deals in cultural decorations and attire said the festival was key in promoting their culture and traditions for the upcoming generations.

She said they brought a lot of traditional products including guards, coconut, beads, traditional attire among many other decorations.

“We are celebrating our culture. I have designed these products to enlighten others and promote the rich Rabai Culture to the young children as Gen-z do not know about their culture,” she said.

Rabai Kaya Elder Hare Chivuto said the Rabai New year date was set by the elders many years ago and as a community they have to embrace that culture and celebrate the day.

“Rabai new year is normally in October, that’s why we are here today to celebrate with our children,to thank god for reaching this day and pray for the best,” he said.

Daniel Garero, the Chairman of Mijikenda Kaya elders said normally the celebration is for the Rabai to remind them of their culture as the Rabai Community. 

He raised concern about the massive destruction of forest and grabbing of Kayas which was a threat to the rich heritage of the community.