Lamu’s 'Chief Simple' who gives national celebrations a tempo of their kind

It is always the style of many chiefs and other administrative officials in Kenya to be seen wearing uniforms, including crowns on their heads while holding their official swagger sticks.

You will find those officers issuing orders or on the other hand encouraging citizens to obey the laws of the country, whether they like it or not.

These public servants always look so official and orderly.

For Chief Khalifa Shariff Alwy, however, things are completely different.

Alwy, 53, who is the Mokowe Location Senior Chief in Lamu West, is recognised by residents as the simplest and most casual administrator, hence nicknaming him ‘Chief Simple.’

The name comes from his behaviour of interacting with citizens of all classes and calibre.

Unlike other chiefs, Alwy is not even seen holding a stick in his hand or wearing a uniform and the crown.

Many times you cross paths with Chief Alwy, you will find him dressed casually like an ordinary citizen.

Visitors who don't know Alwy might just see him as an ordinary citizen without any leadership role or duty to play in his community.

Those who do not know him end up shocked when they hear people addressing him as chief.

Professional and hardworking

'Chifu Simple' is also known within and outside Lamu County for the way he is so professional and hardworking in administration matters.

He is also a renowned master of ceremonies (MC) across Lamu County.

You will find Alwy decorating and gracing both public and social events in Lamu and giving them the needed tempo.

His skill in beautifying the language, especially Kiswahili and his soft voice, have contributed greatly to his being appointed to preside over ceremonies, especially public events such as Jamhuri Day, Mashujaa Day, Labour Day, and Madaraka Day celebrations, among others.

But why did this particular administrator, despite having such a status in government, decide to live a humble life?

In an interview with The Eastleigh Voice, Alwy said that his action to keep himself in a normal state as a citizen has greatly helped him to interact well with the community he serves.

Alwy says it is through his humble and friendly character that he has become a man of the people, thus making his daily work of administration much easier.

“Since my childhood, I have not been a proud person. I interact with everyone, whether high or low in class. I strongly believe that in order for my work to be carried out properly, the basic thing is to love and respect everyone, from the oldest to the youngest,” says Alwy.

Popularly known as ‘Chief Simple’, Alwy says it is through his humble and friendly character that he has become a man of the people. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Humility

He says it is through his humility that he has been able to get even the most sensitive information to help maintain security in Lamu.

“When there is a dance, you will find me dancing with the people on the podium. My role as a chief has pushed me to do such things and this has eased my work. My character has enabled me to pass state announcements to citizens easily and effectively,” says Alwy.

He says one of the reasons he keeps on sharpening his communication skills and MC’s talent is because many state celebrations are organised in his Mokowe Location.

County headquarters

Mokowe Town was in the recent past promoted to become the Lamu County headquarters.

All county and national government offices, including the governor’s and county commissioner's offices, are in Mokowe.

“My location has a great status. It is the Lamu County government headquarters. All major government offices, both county and national, are situated within the Mokowe Location. Mokowe is also the host city of Lamu Port. This means many events and functions take place here. And that's why the wealth of knowledge I have about Mokowe made me always be given the opportunity to lead the ceremonies here as the MC," says Alwy.

He praises Mokowe residents for being obedient to the laws of the country, a situation that has always helped him work smoothly.

“I don't see the need to wear a crown, uniform or hold the chief’s cane or club as my people always respect my role in society automatically. I really enjoy the fact that I am a man of the people,” says Alwy.

His appeal to citizens in Lamu is for them to live harmoniously with others, practice tolerance and love one another.

He also advises residents to cooperate with the security agencies working in Lamu and be ready to share information that will help maintain peace and stability in the region.

“We need to ensure Lamu is well secured. Let’s cooperate with our police officers and share information that will aid in neutralising the enemy within,” says Alwy.

Alwy was born in Mokowe, Lamu West in 1971. He attended Mokowe Primary School and completed it in 1988.

He later joined Lamu Bujra Boys High School and then moved to Mombasa where he joined Tudor Day High School. He completed his secondary school education in 1992.

He was later employed as an African Airline Flight attendant at the Moi International Airport in Mombasa between 1993 and 2006.

In early 2006, he opted to return to his home in Lamu.

At the end of 2006, Alwy was employed as the Mokowe assistant chief until 2015 when he was promoted to chief.

He is currently the senior chief of Mokowe Location.