KILIFI County-Jan 10, 2026- The family of celebrated Bango musician and cultural icon Joseph Ngala Katana, popularly known as Mzee Ngala, has broken its silence following reports questioning the status of pledges made during the recent Mijikenda Cultural Gala held in Kilifi Town.
In a statement, the family dismissed what it termed as misleading reports circulating in sections of the media, alleging that pledges made during the fundraising event had not been honoured.
The family said there is no dispute or misunderstanding regarding the pledges, noting that they remain in direct and continuous communication with the event’s organising committee.
The family expressed gratitude to leaders, organisers, artists, fans, and the public who turned out in large numbers to support and honour Mzee Ngala during the gala held on November 27, describing the event as historic, well-organised, and deeply moving.
They singled out Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs, who hosted the event, for leading the fundraising initiative transparently and in good faith. According to the family, a total of KES 170,000 was raised during the event and handed over to Mzee Ngala through Jacobs, with contributions coming from fans, media personalities, influencers, and well-wishers.
Some reports had earlier indicated that Mzee Ngala was supposed to receive a total of 5 million shillings.
“It has come to our attention that misleading reports have emerged alleging that pledges made during the gala have not been honored,” the family said. “We wish to categorically clarify that we are in direct and continuous communication with the event organising committee, and there is no dispute or misunderstanding regarding the pledges made.”
The family noted that pledges, by their nature, follow due process and reasonable timelines, adding that claims suggesting otherwise are premature given the short period that has elapsed since the event.
They also raised concern over a recent radio show aired by a Kilifi-based station, during which hosts allegedly contacted Mzee Ngala directly on his personal phone without consulting the family or his management.
The family described the move as unprofessional and accused the hosts of attempting to mislead the public and create a false narrative around the fundraising process.
Calling for restraint, the family urged media houses and members of the public to exercise professionalism, responsibility, and accuracy when reporting on the matter, warning that misinformation could unnecessarily create tension around what they termed an otherwise successful cultural celebration.
The family reaffirmed its confidence that all matters relating to the gala and fundraising would be concluded amicably and transparently, and reiterated appreciation to the people of Kilifi and the Coast region for standing with Mzee Ngala and honouring Mijikenda cultural heritage. The statement was signed by George Ngala, the family spokesperson, on behalf of Mzee Ngala’s family.
