President Uhuru Kenyatta chats with members of the Makonde community at State House during a past function. Photo/ PSCU.
The Makonde community on Thursday celebrated their affirmation as Kenyan citizens.
The community members could not hide their joy after the government issued them with documents to confirm their citizenship.
Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa called upon the community to take advantage of their citizenship to participate in economic activities for the sake of developing the nation.
“Take loans and start working, you can do business anywhere because you are now Kenyans those studying can do it anywhere. Apply for passports as well,” said Marwa, as quoted by The Star.
The community thanked the president for giving them the privilege to walk freely like other Kenyans, adding that they will no longer have to hire people to assist their children and grandchildren as they used to do in the past.
“My grandchildren were getting problems without IDs but now I am happy they will move around freely after getting their documents. The President did us a favour by listening to us when we went to State House,” said Daudi Tikinika, one of the members.
The Community's chairman Thomas Nguli lauded the State for the honour, adding that they are now free to take part in the upcoming general polls.
“Makonde will elect whoever they want from MCA to president without me directing them because they know who helped them,” he said, as quoted by the daily.
The community came into the country in 1947 to work in sisal and sugar plantation farms in different Coastal counties including Kwale, Kilifi and Taita Taveta.
Their struggle for full citizenship bore fruits last years after President Kenyatta gave a directive for them to be issued with IDs.