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Thousands converged at the Maragoli cultural festival that was held yesterday at Mbale Municipal Grounds.
The colourful event saw elders dressed in traditional regalia sing traditional songs, and tunes that brought back sweet memories to the older generation as they taught the young ones about Maragoli tradition.
Cultural artefacts, traditional foods, and medicine among other items were also showcased.
This was 43rd time the event was being held. The festival is held every December 26.
On this day, locals throng Mbale Municipal Grounds to attend the festival to learn more about the Maragoli subtribe's culture.
This has been one of the ways for the community to keep tabs with the old ways of their grandfathers by learning from the elders who organise the annual event.
Vihiga Cultural Society vice-chairperson John Lidede said the function aims to protect the eroded Maragoli culture.
"The society will propser when we teach children morality and incorporate these teachings in such an event," said Lidede.
The annual event brings together the Maragoli who are the largest subtribe in Vihiga County.
Thousands of people have carried out this practice for the last four decades and to them, the benefits are high in terms of keeping morality in society.
Political leaders who attended the function include Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo.
Mudavadi has asked the Mulembe nation to support President William Ruto's government as he seeks to cement his grip on his western political base.
He further asked his supporters to rally behind Kenya Kwanza, "so we can move forward in as one bloc and in unity".
"I am asking you to support me and Kenya Kwanza. I would like us to grow together. Our growth will be guided by our interests. Western people want jobs, business and investments in agriculture, health and infrastructure," said Mudavadi.
"We need to learn how we can maximise our benefits in the William Ruto government," Mudavadi said, noting that his political bet together with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula to join the Kenya Kwanza government is set to benefit the community.
"Kenya Kwanza has a high chance of retaining power during the 2027 elections and it would therefore be advisable for us to remain in the Ruto government."
"I would like you to move forward with me. If you want us to have a strong position in Ruto's government, then we all need to stay in the government," said Mudavadi.
Other politicians who spoke at the event, including former Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi, urged Mudavadi to stay put in Kenya Kwanza as he eyes the presidency after Ruto's term ends in 2032.
Sabatia MP Clement Sloya said the Luhya community will now turn their support to Mudavadi terming him the community's kingpin.
This year's event was fairly attended compared to the last one.
"The way forward is to urge the young people not to desert their Logooli culture," said Lidede.
Some youth who attended yesterday's event said many of them shun these cultural festivals because they feel like the practices are outdated.
