Kaya elders defend forest from land grabbers
By Ronald Mwadzombo, July 25, 2025Rabai Kaya elders have united to defend Kaya Mudzi Mwiru in Kilifi County from being grabbed by tycoons.
The elders raised the alarm after several attempts to convince them to sell the sacred shrine.
The angry elders said the move is a plot to kick them out of their shrines and take over the land.
Led by Chairman Daniel Garero, the elders want the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) and Kenya Forest Services (KFS) to intervene and reveal the people behind the matter.
“Kaya is a sacred forest among the Mijikenda people where elders do their traditional prayers. These are places that deserve to be respected and protected. In Rabai, there are about four Kayas whose lands have become the central focus for grabbers,” he said.
Other Kayas include Kaya Bomu, Kaya Mudzi Muvyia and Kaya Fimboni.
He said Kayas holds cultural and spiritual significance, adding that selling them might bring curses and calamities to the community.
Garero stated that powerful people have been eying the Kayas forest for development and have been using some educated youth in the community to convince them.
“We are warning our educated youth who are being used by the tycoons that we will not take part in any of your plans. This land holds our cultural heritage y,” said Garero.
Hare Mdigo Chivuto, a Kaya elder, said Kaya Mudzi Mwiru is not just a museum but a sacred place .
“We are asking all those who are behind the deal to stop immediately. This is disrespecting Kaya elders and if you don’t stop, we will perform rituals for ancestors to deal with you,” said Chivuto.
Omar Munga Chembe, another Kaya elder, disclosed that the move is an attempt to reverse the gains made in protecting Kaya forests.
“Any attempt of destruction will undermine our cultural identity.”