Giriama anti-colonialism heroine Mekatilili to be honoured by school
Mvita constituency is set to get a new girls school in honour of a Coast freedom fighter Mekatilili Wa Menza, a renowned freedom fighter who resisted colonial rule during the independence struggle.
Mvita National Government Constituency Development Fund NCDF manager, Omar Sharif, said already Sh110 million has been set aside for the institution set to be put up in Ziwani area in Tudor.
It will have eight classes, a laboratory, a multipurpose hall and an administration block.
Speaking at Treasury Square after receiving elders from the Malindi District Cultural Association yesterday, Sharif said the school will be called Mekatilili Wa Menza Girls Secondary School and will be constructed through the funding of the Mvita NGCDF.
“We are set for ground breaking of the construction work on November 25, and we have invited the Mijikenda Kaya elders to witness the event.
The institution construction will be complete by February 2022, and start admitting learners,” said Sharif.
Giriama heroine
Mvita Constituency MP Abdulswamad Nassir had earlier indicated the institution will be put in honour of the Giriama heroine who fought the British colonial administration between 1912 and 1915.
The idea has received backing by Mijikenda elders from the Malindi District Cultural Association (MADCA) secretary Joseph Mwarandu who said real coastal heroes deserved remembrance in a special way.
“We are happy as we celebrate the national Mashujaa Day in Kenya that we remember our heroes, Mekatilili Wa Menza is a Giriama Hero whose story should remain alive in the eyes and ears of the coastal people,we welcome any initiative that honours our heroes,” said Mwarandu.
Mombasa deputy governor Dr William Kingi also welcomed the idea saying he was in support of any development that honours heroes and uplifts education standards of the coastal people.
“We welcome any development that will honour our freedom fighters and heroes.
If this will happen then it will be a reprieve to girl child education,”said Kingi who declared to prioritise cultural education once he gets elected as the Mombasa governor in the 2022 General Elections.
