Makondes' long wait for legal recognition

Tomas Nguli who is the chairperson Makonde community showing a temporary card that they made. They lamented that criminals who were arrested without IDs have been claiming to be from the Makonde. PHOTO: TOBIAS CHANJI/STANDARD

Kenya: Two years ago, the Mozambique's consulate in Mombasa tried to convince Makonde to be repatriated to Mozambique.

This split the community amid claims the ruling Frelimo was trying to register Makonde to rig itself back to power in a tight race. Several Makonde acquired Mozambican papers but never left Kwale.