Former Foreign Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere has been appointed as the spokesperson of the Digo Community, a significant development in Kwale County.
This decision follows a year-long search for a prominent figure to lead the community.
Mwakwere’s selection to the position was met with approval from the Digo Community, and he will be supported by former Msambweni MP Marere wa Mwachai, who serves as his deputy. Professor Hassan Mwakimako has been elected as the secretary of this new leadership structure, known as Ngambi, which aims to unite a community that has faced years of division.
Speaking to the press, Mwakimako emphasized the importance of having a traditional authority within the Digo Community, similar to those in other communities like the Kikuyu and Luo. This authority will help protect and preserve their traditions and culture while fostering unity.
Mwakimako stated, “We must unite as a community for us to be respected by others and make an impact on the country’s political and socio-economic scene.”
Chirau Ali Mwakwere assumes this new leadership role after leaving the Kalonzo Musyoka-led Wiper Party, where he served as chairman until December 2022. He expressed his disapproval of the handshake between President William Ruto’s government and the opposition, of which the Wiper Party was a part.
Mwakwere brings a wealth of experience in public service, having served as the Foreign Minister from 2004 to 2005 and as the Transport Minister until 2008 during the Mwai Kibaki regime. His public service career began in 1967, and he held various positions, including serving as an ambassador in several countries. He also served as the Matuga MP for three terms, although his bid for the Kwale Gubernatorial seat in 2022 was not successful.
