The repatriation of the Vigango and the establishment of a resting place in the Mijikenda community directly impact the preservation of the Kaya traditions and the sacred Kaya forests, which are among the 7 UNESCO heritage sites in Kenya. Each of the nine tribes in the Mijikenda community has a Kaya and elders who guide the community on both spiritual and cultural matters. For generations, when a Kaya elder passes away the Mijikenda community carves a Kigango (Vigango – plural) to celebrate and preserve the soul of that elder. Because they continue to guide the existing Kaya elders through visions and dreams on how to run the affairs of the community. The theft and sale of the Vigango by the Western communities in the name of preserving African art has had devastating effects on the highest institution (The Kaya) of the Mijikenda people responsible for its indigenous knowledge and spirituality. It is inhuman to rob a whole community of their heritage especially when they remain very active in their culture and that’s why we are on a time-sensitive mission to recover and rebuild this crucial part of our heritage. Highlighted below is the 2019 census data that shows the Mijikenda communities mainly in Kwale and Kilifi are among the top 11 communities in Kenya who are rooted in their traditional beliefs.