The Recovery of The Ngaji
Mission: The Pokomo people of Kenya’s Tana River County once worshiped a god not represented on earth by any form or object. However, like all organised societies, the Kidjo used the Ngadji as symbol and means of ultimate authority, governance and social order. Our forefathers had either been custodians of the Ngadji or members of the Kidjo for over three hundred years before its being annexed by the British Empire over one hundred years ago. Its loss stripped the Pokomo people of their sense of who they were. The Ngadji was finally gifted to the British Museum, by Sir Alfred Hollis in 1908.
Action. The quest for the recovery of the Ngaji led Mkidjo Baiba to the British Museums Archive on 2nd September 2013 where he first saw it and was overwhelmed by emotions and had this to say, “I was the first Pokomo to see the Ngadji in over a hundred years. Symbolizing the ultimate authority and power was amazing. My fathers ‘Bakora’ connected the encounter with our forefathers. In placing the Bakora (walking stick) at the base of the Ngadji on 2nd September 2013 brought reconciliation to the anguish suffered by our people at the moment of capture an act that has been recited from generation to generation.
Those who were and those who are can be at peace”. Mkidjo Baiba further added “My father in denying me opportunity of political career instructed me “let them know who we were. That moment marks the beginning of the story to bring the Ngadji back to its rightful home.”
Our prayer and request: Return the Ngadji to the Pokomo.
Contact. Project Directors: HM Haye (Dr) Makorani -a- Mungase VII (+ 254) 720987766 Baiba Dhidha Mjidho - 07947 122741 Email: ywamjidho@gmail.com