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| Vihiga Senator George Khaniri (seated) being taken through the Maragoli Culture by the community's elders at Kidundu grounds in a past function. The annual Maragoli Cultural Festival is set to be graced by President Uhuru Kenyatta. [PHOTO: ERIC LUNGAI/STANDARD] |
Preparations for this years Maragoli cultural festival are in top gear as residents prepare to pay homage to Mulogoli, the founding father of the Maragoli.
Organisers have indicated that the annual event, which starts on Boxing Day in Vihiga town, may be attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
"It is a trade mark for appreciating the region's culture, and bringing people together. We have invited the President to grace the occasion. His presence will be an honour to the people of Vihiga," said David Chahilu, the Vihiga Cultural Society chairperson.
Mr Chahilu said Maragoli elders will lead residents in paying homage to Mulogoli's ancestral home at Mungoma caves. This will be followed by the Abanyole Cultural Day (December 27) and then the Tiriki Cultural Day (December 29).
The climax of the cultural celebrations, however, remains with the Maragoli Cultural Festivals, which have been celebrated for three decades now.
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"This is an important time for our people because it is an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrates its continuity," said Chahilu.
Each year, a relevant theme is selected for the event. This year's theme is 'Generational Change with Continuity' which seeks to define how society has changed over time as the people's cultures remain intact.
Past celebrations
The Boxing-Day event was for many years attended by former President Daniel arap Moi before he retired in 2002.
Vihiga county government in collaboration with partners has promised to set aside Sh300 million to construct an amphitheatre in honour Moses Mudavadi, the father of former Vice President Musalia Mudavadi, who contributed immensely to the success of the event.
Governor Moses Akaranga had indicated in the past that the cultural centre will also be used to preserve cultural artefacts from the four Vihiga sub-tribes (Tiriki, Maragoli, Banyore and Terik).
