Town set for Maragoli festival, says Mudavadi

By Peter Atsiaya and Moses Njagih

The annual Maragoli cultural festival will be held on Friday at Mbale Municipal Council grounds in Vihiga District.

Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi said preparations for the festival were complete.

"The festival has been a low-key affair for the last five years due to lack of support by leaders but I want to assure the community that it is now back on track," said Mudavadi, who is the festival patron.

The occasion is used to sensitise the community on their cultural virtues.

Elders take people through cultural exhibitions and history.

The festival attracts more than 40,000 people and retired President Moi has been a regular guest of honour.

Traditional foods such as zisaga, zisindu, mutere, mito, risuza, tsinduma, and voro are served in the festival.

settle scores

Unfortunately, the forum has in the past also been used to settle scores between political leaders from the community.

Mudavadi said he was working with Vihiga MP Yussuf Chanzu to ensure the festival is a success.

He said popular entertainers such as Roughtone, Papa Shirandula and Vitimbi comedians will entertain guests.

Elsewhere, the Mt Kenya Tourism Circuit Association says there is an increase of visitors to the region.

Association Chief Executive Officer Simon Wachira, on Wednesday said despite the harsh economic times, domestic tourists have flocked the region for the festive season. He said there is an impressive increase in hotel bookings by families out to enjoy Christmas and New Year.