A Cultural Custodian''s Passing

Shaban Ndegwa, the respected chairperson and custodian of the sacred Kaya Mtswakara, has died following a short illness at the Port Reitz Sub-County Hospital in Mombasa, his family confirmed on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. A Duruma elder of the Mwanyota clan from Fulugani village, Ndegwa was a prominent figure in the preservation of Mijikenda traditions and a vocal advocate for unity among the nine sub-tribes.

His passing has been described as a significant loss by community leaders, leaving a vacuum in the cultural leadership of the Duruma and the broader Mijikenda people. As a guardian of one of the sacred Kaya forests—ancient, fortified villages that are central to the Mijikenda''s spiritual and cultural identity and recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Ndegwa''s role was paramount. These forests are considered the abodes of ancestors and are maintained by councils of elders who perform rituals, hold prayers for rain and harvests, and act as spiritual guides.

The 2009 Installation of Raila Odinga

Ndegwa gained national prominence in 2009 when he led a ceremony to install then-Prime Minister Raila Odinga as a Duruma elder. This act was deeply symbolic, occurring in the politically charged aftermath of the 2007-2008 post-election violence and the formation of the Grand Coalition Government. At the time, the Coast region was grappling with deep-seated feelings of political and economic marginalization, land grievances, and a growing desire for greater autonomy, which fueled strong support for Odinga''s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

The installation was more than ceremonial; it was a powerful political statement. By accepting the honor, Odinga forged a symbolic kinship with the Mijikenda community, reinforcing his standing as their political champion. For Ndegwa and the elders, it was a strategic move to align with a national leader they believed would advocate for their interests, particularly land reforms and devolution. The political climate of 2009 was tense, with the coalition government facing internal strife and the nation navigating a fragile peace, making such cultural endorsements a critical tool for political mobilization and consolidation.

A Voice for Unity and Tradition

Throughout his stewardship, Ndegwa was a staunch defender of Mijikenda traditions against political exploitation. In October 2012, he publicly warned against "ghost" elders who would confer blessings on politicians for personal gain without the consent of recognized councils, vowing to protect the sanctity of the Kayas. He consistently advocated for the preservation of cultural heritage, urging youth to engage with elders to learn the community''s customs and wisdom.

As recently as May 2025, Ndegwa made a passionate appeal for unity among all Mijikenda Kaya leaders, highlighting how internal divisions were undermining cultural preservation efforts. He called for inclusivity and collaboration to safeguard their shared heritage for future generations.

Implications for Coastal Leadership

Ndegwa''s death comes at a time of political transition in Kenya. His absence raises questions about the future of cultural leadership at Kaya Mtswakara and within the Mijikenda Council of Elders. The process of selecting a successor is guided by intricate traditions and is crucial for maintaining the continuity of the spiritual and governance functions of the Kaya. The loss of Ndegwa''s unifying voice may present challenges in a region where cultural identity and political influence are deeply intertwined.

His legacy is defined by his dual role as a guardian of sacred traditions and a savvy political operator who understood the importance of aligning cultural authority with national politics to advance the interests of his community. As the Coast continues to navigate its political path, the principles of unity and cultural integrity that Shaban Ndegwa championed remain critically relevant. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED into the specifics of the succession process and official tributes from national political figures.