The British Colonial govt was fond of migrating communities over long distances to either make way for their massive ranches or to provide easy labour. The Makonde are one such group...

They trekked for four days from their homes at the Coast to the City to gain audience with the Kenyan president. ..

VIP treatment

“I seek your apology on behalf of other Kenyans because Kenya has taken too long to consider you as our brothers and sisters,” said the President as he assured the delegation that Thursday would be the last day that anyone would refer to them as non-Kenyans.


The Makonde are a community living in Kwale County, but are originally from Mozambique and have for decades remained without citizenship.

The Makonde people were enlisted by the British colonial authorities from Northern Mozambique in 1947 to work in sisal farms and sugar plantations in the counties of Kwale, Kilifi and Taita Taveta but after Kenya attained independence in 1963, they were not identified as one of Kenya’s 42 tribes.

Thursday marked a departure from their eventful journey that began on Monday, which saw them blocked by police on several occasions in a bid to thwart their advance to State House. The group was accorded VIP protection on their way to meet President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House.

http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/mobile/article/2000219629/makonde-s-long-trek-ends-in-jubilation