Cultural festival marks end of Easter

Ms Kabibi Baha (centre) the winner of the 2014 Princess Hando beauty contest at the Malindi Cultural Festival in Kilifi County. With her are other contestants Kabibi Mwalungo (left) and Kanze Kenga. PHOTO/GEORGE KIKAMI.

What you need to know:

  • Ms Kabibi Baha from Kilifi North Constituency beat seven other contestants to win the beauty contest category.
  • Spectators were treated to thrilling traditional dances.
  • The winner of the Princess Hando title will fly to the Maasai Mara for a one week holiday.

The fifth Malindi Cultural Festival came to a close on Sunday evening with the unveiling of the winner of the Princess Hando title.

The event is organised every year during Easter by Mseto Africa.

Ms Kabibi Baha from Kilifi North Constituency beat seven other contestants to win the beauty contest category.

The first and second runners up were Chirindo Kai and Winnie Karembo from Kilifi North and Malindi sub counties respectively.

Contestants who participated in the tight competition that showcased traditional Giriama attire were drawn from all the seven Kilifi Sub Counties.

Spectators were treated to thrilling traditional dances.

Winners in the various categories were presented with awards by various personalities led by the chairman of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Mr Danson Mungatana.

TO MAASAI MARA

The winner of the Princess Hando title will fly to the Maasai Mara for a one week holiday.

Omar Abdalla, a teacher, said that the event was a good way of showcasing traditional ways of life of various communities from the region.

He commended the organizers and urged them to make the event better in the future.

Elina Chokwe thanked the organisers saying the event had helped her learn more about her community’s traditions and advised fellow youth to be respectful to their elders.

She said that the festivities had challenged her to go back to the drawing board and retrace her roots.

The festival showcased among other things the various traditional dances, games such as traditional wrestling, bao, swimming and football.

It also showcased attires like the Hando and the khanga. There were also painting and boat racing events.