Tiriki Cultural Festival Celebrates Heritage and Unity in Vihiga

Culture has a powerful role in strengthening community identity and unity, Vihiga Deputy Governor Wilberforce Kitiezo said during the Tiriki Cultural Festival held at Hamisi Grounds in Gisambai Ward.

Speaking at the colourful event, Kitiezo noted that culture plays a vital role in shaping community values, fostering social cohesion and nurturing a strong sense of belonging among people.

The festival brought Tiriki culture to life through vibrant traditional dances, rhythmic drumming, folk songs and symbolic performances that showcased the community’s rich heritage. Participants were also treated to exhibitions of traditional foods, giving them a taste of the Tiriki community’s indigenous cuisine.

Elders used the gathering as an opportunity to pass down cultural knowledge and values to younger generations, reinforcing traditions that have been preserved over time. The youth, in turn, actively participated in the celebrations, embracing their cultural identity through song, dance and storytelling.

Organisers said the festival aimed to preserve and promote Tiriki culture while strengthening intergenerational ties within the community.

Local leaders and residents praised the event for providing a platform to celebrate heritage and encourage unity, noting that such cultural gatherings are key to ensuring traditions remain alive in the face of modern influences.