Jomvu MP Badi Twalib wants a Wajomvu Cultural Centre built in his constituency to preserve and promote the minority community’s heritage.
Speaking after the launch of the Mombasa SHA mass registration by Governor Abdulswamad Nassir on Monday, Twalib said a people without their cultural heritage is a dead people.
“The Wajomvu are a minority tribe in Kenya and time has come for us to be recogniSed by the government of Kenya,” he said.
The MP noted that despite their significant contribution to cultural tourism in Mombasa and the Coast region, the Wajomvu have not been given the recognition they deserve.
A sub-tribe of the Swahili community found in the Coastal region, the Wajomvu community is predominantly found along the coastline in Jomvu Kuu in the Jomvu constituency and parts of Kisauni constituency.
Their women are famous for moulding pots using clay sand and incense sticks.
The craft is passed from one generation to the other. However, Twalib said, their culture and norms are often ignored.
He said the minority community does not have representatives in many places in government circles.
Twalib said many people have been doubting the existence of the Jomvu community in Mombasa but their cultural festival held on Saturday in Jomvu constituency proved that they exist.
On December 15, the community held its inaugural cultural festival in Jomvu, showcasing their traditions and heritage to the world.
MPs from the seven countries in the East African Community attended the festival.
“That was a plus for us the Jomvu community. People used to say that we do not exist anymore. It was clear message that we are here and we exist and thrive in Kenya,” he told the Star.
The MP called on the community to unite and speak up in one voice.
“If we speak in unity, our voice will be louder and the national government will have no choice but to listen to us.
“Already, the Mombasa county government has recognised as Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has put our cultural festival in the county’s yearly events henceforth. We thank him for that,” Twalib, the patron of the community, said.
The MP is now lobbying for a Wajomvu Cultural Centre to showcase traditions and cultural heritage of the community.
“In the tourism circuits, tourists must also go to the Wajomvu Cultural Centre just as they go to Fort Jesus, Gedi Ruins, Akamba Handicraft, and other tourist attraction sites,” Twalib said.
He said the cultural centre will
open up business for the Jomvu community members who are known for
their pottery and weaving.
