Kiambu Minorities Break Silence: Demand Inclusion, Recognition and Equity

Ethnic minority communities in Kiambu County have renewed calls for inclusion, cultural recognition and fair representation in county governance, saying decades of marginalisation must now give way to equity, participation and shared prosperity.

The calls were made on Sunday as the communities converged at St. Patrick’s Grounds in Thika, where they showcased colourful cultural dances and traditions during the official launch of the Kiambu Diaspora Association (KDA), a community-based organisation bringing together ethnic minority groups living in the county.

The gathering drew members of various communities, including Luos, Kalenjins, Kambas, Kisiis, Maasais, Luhias, Embus, Taitas, Muslims, and other non-dominant groups who call Kiambu home. United in their message, the communities urged the county government to address what they described as long-standing exclusion in employment, bursary allocation, resource distribution and decision-making, while also promoting and protecting their diverse cultures.

Speaking at the event, KDA Chairman Francis Kilango said the association had already taken formal steps to engage the county leadership. 

He revealed that the minority communities had presented a petition to Governor Kimani Wamatangi at his Kiambu office, outlining their grievances and proposals for inclusion.

“Kiambu is a cosmopolitan county with more than 200,000 families from different ethnic backgrounds. We cannot continue being spectators in a county we call home,” Kilango said.

He added that the governor had agreed to formally recognise ethnic minority communities and work towards their inclusion in county affairs.

The event was officiated by Kiambu County Deputy Speaker John Njiru, who represented Governor Wamatangi. Njiru reaffirmed the county leadership’s commitment to inclusivity, saying the administration was deliberately shifting its approach.

“We are moving from exclusion to inclusion. We have agreed that county jobs, bursaries and opportunities will be shared fairly among the different ethnic communities living in Kiambu,” Njiru said.

He noted that unity in diversity was essential for the county’s social cohesion and economic development.

The renewed push by minority communities comes at a significant moment nationally, just days after the Cabinet at State House approved the Ethnic Minorities and Marginalised Communities Bill, 2025. The proposed law, now before the Senate and Parliament, seeks to protect and promote the rights of minority groups, address historical injustices and ensure equitable access to services and opportunities.

Leaders at the Thika meeting expressed optimism that the proposed legislation, combined with goodwill from the county government, would mark a turning point for minority communities in Kiambu.

“As Kiambu continues to grow, no community should be left behind. Inclusion is not a favour; it is a right,” Kilango said.

The launch of the Kiambu Diaspora Association, they said, is expected to provide a united platform for advocacy, dialogue and cultural preservation as minority communities seek a more inclusive future in the county.