National Shrines in Kilifi County
The Mausoleum of Ronald Gideon Ngala
This simple house-like mausoleum with a peach-melba exterior and brick roof, at Vishakani village in Kaloleni Giriama, brought immense joy and satisfaction upon its unveiling, in honoring a fallen hero, and celebrating an influential national icon. Opened on December 30, 2012, to mark 40 years since the death of a forefather, it was a poignant trip down Kenya’s history. For this is the final resting place of Ronald Gideon Ngala, one of Kenya’s most admired politician, and, perhaps, the most venerable statesman the Coast region of Kenya has yet been blessed with.
Ngala is honored in Kenya for his contributions to the independence movement and his efforts to promote unity and development. Various institutions, including schools and roads, are named after him in recall of his legacy. Likewise, Ngala Mausoleum, and Ronald Ngala Monument along the same-name street in Nairobi, celebrates the life and times of an icon exalted as the leader of Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU) from its creation in 1960 to its dissolution in 1964. He began his political career as a skipper for political rallies in the Coast Province, vocalizing native issues, soon after the state of emergency was declared in 1952.
During the 1957 elections, Ronald Ngala had become one of the first African politicians to be elected to the Legislative Council (LEGCO) to represent the Coast Province. In 1958, he was appointed the Minister of Labour, Social Security and Adult Education. Henceforth, Ngala became a key figure in the early political party scene in Kenya, first as the treasurer for African Elected Members Association (AEMO) from 1957, a post he retained until 1960, then, with the formation of KANU in March of 1960, as leader the of KADU – formed as an offshoot of KANU which he and other leaders from minority communities including Daniel Moi, Kenya’s second president, decried was swayed by leaders from Agikuyu and Luo tribes.
During the 1962 Lancaster House Conference, KADU, under the leadership of Ngala, pressed for Majimbo (regional) government, while KANU advocated for a unitary system. A constitution based on majimbo was drawn. With the formation of a coalition government merging KANU and KADU, Ronald Ngala was appointed Minister of State for Constitutional Affairs and Administration. After KADU lost to KANU in the 1963 general elections, he became leader of the opposition party. In the same year, he was elected the first president of the Coast regional assembly.
In 1964, after KADU joined KANU for the purpose of national unity, Ronald Ngala was appointed to the cabinet as Minister for Cooperatives and Social Services. Ngala remained active until his untimely death in a road accident near Konza on December 25, 1972. From his earlier career and educational background as a school administrator, and later as supervisor of schools in Mombasa, into his illustrous political career, Ronald Ngala had developed strong organizational and oratory skills, which won him much support among the coastal people and in other parts of Kenya. Ronald Ngala Mausoleum is found at Vishakani Village in Kaloleni Giriama, 18 km east of Mazeras and the A104 Mombasa-Nairobi Road.
Shrines – big and small – hold significant religious, historical, or political import and serve as symbols of identity, remembrance, and reverence. These sites also play important roles in preserving Kenya’s collective memory, fostering unity, and promoting patriotism: Places of reflection and commemoration for sacrifices and achievements made by past generations, and honored for future prosperity.
Index of National Shrines in Kenya
Baringo County - Kolloa Cross Shrine, Homa Bay County - Tom Mboya Mausoleum, Kakamega County - The Muliro Gardens, Kericho County - Gurdwara Sahib, Kericho Wagon Works, Tulwap Kipsigis Hill, Kiambu County - Travellers Chapel, Scott Watson Memorial Church, Kilifi County - Mekatilili wa Menza Shrine, Ronald Ngala Mausoleum, Kitui County - Museve Shrine, Mombasa County - The Swaminarayan Indian Temple, Johann Krapf Memorial Shrine, Nairobi County - Resurrection Garden, Jomo Kenyatta Mausoleum, Mashujaa Monument, City Park, Uhuru Gardens, Nakuru County - Marian Shrine, Nandi County - Mberere Holy Springs, Kabiyet Shrine, Nyeri County - African Bible on the Ground Shrine, Dedan Kimathi Trench, The Mau Mau Post Office, Irene Nyaatha Shrine, Meru County - Kaaga War Memorial, Muranga County - Wangu Wa Makeri Shrine, Mukurwe Wa Nyagathanga Shrine, Tana River County - Mau Mau Hola Memorial Monument, Uasin Gishu County - Alexander Kipsang Muge Mausoleum, Wajir County - Wagalla Memorial Monument, Vihiga County - Chabuga Mausoleum
Touring Kilifi County offers a delightful blend of coastal beauty, lovely beaches, cultural richness, natural wonders, and fascinating ancient ruins. Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, historical sites, or vibrant cultural experiences – or a combination, Kilifi promises a memorable and enriching travel experience.
You Are Here: Ronald Ngala Mausoluem
Where to Next?
Explore Destinations Near Ronald Ngala Mausoleum
A Guide to Kilifi County
A Summa Digest of Kilifi
About Kilifi Way Back When
95 Destinations in Kilifi County, arranged as one would visit these - south, north, east then north - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Shimo la Tewa Prison, Mtwapa Creek, Mtwapa Ruins, The Moorings, La Marina Restaurant, Jumba la Mtwana, Kikambala Beach, Vipingo Mosque Ruins, Kinuni Ruins, Kuruwitu Conservancy, Neem Tree House, Vipingo Ridge, Chasimba Cave, Kilifi Sisal Plantations, Vuma Cliffs, Old Town Takaungu, Takaungu Creek, Kitoka Ruins, Takaungu House, Beneath the Baobab Festival, Kilifi Creek, Kilifi Bridge, Kilifi Boatyard, Distant Relatives Lodge, Mnarani Ruins, Mnarani Snake Park, 3 Degrees South, Kamili House, Mazingira Park, Bofa Beach, Saltys Kitesurfing Bar & Restaurant, Bush Baby Kilifi, Casa Dalton, Panga ya Saidi Cave, River Rare Geo Park, Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, Mwangea Hills Forest, Watamu Marine National Park, Uyombo Ruins, Rock & Sea Resort, Mida Creek, Sudi Island, Kirepwe Ruins, Watamu Beach, Ocean Sports Watamu, Medina Palms, Hemimways Watamu, A Rocha Eco Lodge & Conservation Centre, Watamu Treehouse, Garoda Beach, Tribe Watersports, Kite House, Local Ocean Conservation, Bio-Ken Snake Farm, Kiburugeni Ruins, Mgangani Ruins, Mida Creek Nature Camp, Gede Ruins, Kipepeo Butterfly Farm, Malindi Museum, Henry the Navigator Monument, Malindi Pier, Malindi Pillar Tomb, Malindi Waterfront Park, Portuguese Chapel, Vasco da Gama Pillar, Malindi Beach, Ndoro Sculpture Garden, White Elephant Sea & Art Lodge, Malindi Crocodile & Snake Farm, Malindi Marine National Park, Malaika Beach Sunbeds & Restaurant, Sawa Sawa Dhow Excursions, Lo Sfizio Coffee Shop, Lennox Art Gallery, Falconry of Kenya, Hanging Gardens, Malindi Golf & Country Club, River Sabaki Delta, Marafa Depression, Dakacha Woodland, Mekatilili wa Menza Site, Mambrui Dunes, Mambrui, Mambrui Tombs, Kibirakani Ruins, Che Shale Hotel Kitesurf Center, Ngomeni Shipwreck, Luigi Broglio Space Centre, The Nyika Plateau, Galana Conservancy, Ngala Mausoleum, Rabai Museum, Kaya Kambe Shrine, Thomas Wakefield Memorial Church
Know More About Kilifi County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
What’s The Lay Of The Land In C.05?
Kilifi can be split into three zones – the narrow coastal plain, varying in width from 3 kms to 20 km; few coastal hills lying below 30 ms asl, and the Nyika Plateau rising from 100ms to 340 ms asl.
What’s The Air Like In Kilifi?
For the greater part of the year, the climate along the coastal plain is pleasurable, though humid. Temperature ranges between 21C and 30C along the coast, and between 30C and 34C further inland.
