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Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has officially received a petition advocating for the naturalization and recognition of the Pare Community in Taita Taveta County as Kenyan citizens.
The Pare Community, which has lived in the country for generations, is seeking formal acknowledgment as a Kenyan tribe, similar to the recognition given to the Shona, Pemba, and Makonde communities.
The petition, led by John Bwire, the Member of Parliament for Taveta Constituency, highlights the long-standing presence of the Pare people in Kenya and their significant role in the region’s cultural and social life.
The petition states, “Kenyans of Pare community have been an integral part of the communities living in Taveta Constituency since time immemorial and constitute the larger population in Jipe, Mata, Marodo, Ngutini, Kitoghoto, Eldoro, Kitobo, and Madarasani villages of Taveta Constituency.”
Bwire emphasizes that Kenya’s Constitution upholds ethnic and cultural diversity as a key principle of national unity. The petition references Articles 11 and 44, which require the government to protect and promote the country’s rich cultural heritage, as the legal foundation for the request.
Additionally, the petition urges the government to issue a Gazette notice recognizing the Pare Community as Kenyan citizens and directing all relevant authorities to acknowledge them as a tribal community.
Bwire assured the petitioners that the government would review their request and consult with relevant bodies, including the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, to ensure a fair and comprehensive resolution.
Despite writing to the President about the matter, Bwire stated that he has yet to receive an official response regarding the recognition of the Pare Community.
If the petition succeeds, the Pare Community will be granted full legal recognition, allowing them to access rights and opportunities as equal citizens of Kenya.
