The National Assembly’s Public Petitions Committee, led by Vihiga MP Kavai Kagesi, on Tuesday received a petition seeking official recognition of the Chuka community as a distinct tribe in Kenya.
The petition was tabled by Chuka/Igambang’ombe MP Patrick Ntwiga on behalf of the Chuka people living in Tharaka Nithi County. It argued that the Chuka community has unique historical, cultural, social, and economic characteristics that distinguish it from other groups.
MP Ntwiga told the Committee that the Constitution recognizes the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity as part of Kenya’s national identity. Citing Article 44 of the Constitution, he said every Kenyan has the right to enjoy their culture and use their language.
“The biggest inheritance you can leave for your children is an identity,” Ntwiga stated, urging the committee to help protect the Chuka people’s heritage through legal recognition.
According to the petition, the Chuka community has over 117,000 members, mainly based in Tharaka Nithi County.
Despite having their own governance structures and cultural practices, Ntwiga said the Chuka are often required to register as Meru when accessing services, which he described as unfair.
Osward Mwenda, a Chuka elder who accompanied the MP, shared how community members are forced to adopt other languages such as Kikuyu and Meru in schools, churches, and other public spaces in order to fully participate in society.
The petition also outlined the Chuka’s traditional leadership systems, including the Kiama gia Nkome and Kiama kia Mugongo councils of elders, which have played a key role in local governance and conflict resolution for generations.
The petitioners also drew comparisons to neighbouring Tanzania, which officially recognizes around 180 tribes, saying Kenya should also embrace its full cultural diversity.
Members of the committee expressed support for the petition, with some calling it timely and important for addressing the needs of smaller communities. Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi noted that the request could open the door for other marginalized groups to seek official recognition.
“This petition highlights the struggles many small communities face in preserving their identity. It deserves serious consideration,” she said.
The Committee will now invite relevant stakeholders to give further input before preparing a report to be tabled and debated in Parliament.
Kenya has over 40 tribes.
