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Kisii governor Simba Arati has revived Gusii cultural festival to inculcate the Omugusii values and promote sporting activities.

The governor said the late long serving Minister, Simeon Nyachae used to hold the festival annually and wants to do the same.

Nyachae used to host his Nyaribari Chache constituents at the historic Nyanturago Stadium every year where residents exhibited cultural artefacts, competed in various entertainment events and were rewarded.

“I want to organise the festival in each constituency every year as part of bonding with my constituents,” Arati said at Nyanturago Stadium, Nyaribari Chache constituency during the ushering of the year.

Showcase talent

Accompanied by area ward representative, Steve Arika, majority leader, Henry Moracha and several members of Kisii County Assembly, he said the event will give locals a chance to show case their talents.

Culture, the governor noted, was key in uniting the community.

Arika said during Nyachae’s era, locals used to take part in eating competitions, tug of war, pot balancing, football and other events, with winners being rewarded with cash prizes and material things to motivate them.

“ I laud the governor for the initiative. It will help county residents protect and preserve our culture,” Arika noted.

The MCA said the festival will accord the youth an opportunity to learn about the community’s cultural practices and embrace values.

He said youth were copying bad cultures from other countries, noting that the festivals will aid reverse the trend and reduce cultural related conflicts in the community.