A group of elders from the Taita community, Legha Kima Taita Taveta Elders Association, has firmly opposed a proposal by former Wundanyi Member of Parliament Thomas Mwadeghu to form a unified council of elders aimed at representing the entire Taita community.
The Legha Kima elders fear that the proposal, introduced as a means to foster unity and enhance efficient decision-making, could easily be taken over by politicians, leading to decisions driven by political motives and the likelihood of self-interest.
The initiative, which is supported by several influential political figures, including the governor, seeks to create a single representative body of elders to act as the voice of the Taita community, ensuring that the interests of the Taita people are better represented.
However, the association’s spokesperson, Kilian Mwarigha, has questioned the true intentions behind the proposal, noting that many of these political leaders previously held positions of power but failed to deliver substantial benefits to the Taita people during their tenure.
“Those who are driving the formation of this initiative failed to resolve the issues of this community while they were in power. How can we trust them today?” said Mwarigha.
He also argued that the lower class was not fully involved in the formation of the initiative, with only a few politicians participating.
“The common mwananchi was not involved in the formation of this initiative, except for a few politicians who are in power and those who have retired, along with their close friends,” Mwarigha added.
Oliver Mwakirani, a member of the association, condemned the actions of certain political leaders who have recently dissolved several long-standing associations established by elders.
According to him, some of the once existed elder groups in Taita Taveta includes Njavungo Council of Elders, Wumeri Ghwa Wadawida, Ngome Ya Nguma and now, the Legha Kima Taita Taveta Elders Association.
However, some of the groups are inactive due to interference by some of the politicians, currently driving the same agenda.
Additionally, the leaders stated that they would like to see all elder groups in the county independently elect their spokesperson without the influence of political forces.
Mwakirani criticized these leaders for prioritizing personal gain over the welfare of the community, arguing that their actions undermine the traditional structures and efforts of the elders to preserve Taita culture and address local issues.
“This time around, we want all the existing elders’ associations here in Taita to come together and elect someone who will represent the Taita people, rather than just one individual who wants to focus on their personal gains,” Mwakirani stated.
The elders have also challenged Governor Andrew Mwadime to distance himself from political rejects in the county who are pretending to drive unity agenda but instead they are eying the top seat in the county come 2027.
Sadik Ridhiwani, also a member of the association, criticized the governor for excluding public engagement in the formation of the initiative citing Article 1 of the constitution, which states that all sovereign power belongs to the people and grants them the authority to recall leaders if this principle is not upheld.
“Honorable Governor, if you only consider the opinions of two or three people, it will be a mistake. Every citizen has the right to give their opinion,” he added.
The Legha Kima association has further condemned ongoing corruption in the county, reiterating that it undermines development and ruins public trust. They call for increased accountability and transparency to ensure that devolution benefits everyone.
They raised concerns over increased corruption and embezzlement of public funds by some of the county government officials who until now are walking scot-free.
The elders are now calling upon EACC to hasten investigations and ensure that the residents get justice in order to benefit from devolution like their counterparts in other counties.
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