In Kenya, thousands of political activists have
been flocking to the streets ever since the 2007 elections. The elections
appeared, according to the international community, to be fraudulent and below
international standards. Since the elections, roughly 1,100 people have
been murdered, and another 600,000 citizens have been displaced.
To combat this issue of violence and political
unrest, Boniface Mwangi, a Kenyan photographer, has started a revolution
called the "Ballot Revolution." The goal of this revolution is
to educate locals about the current regime's violent rule, and about their
overall corrupt ways. Working alongside visual artists and social media
experts, Mwangi, has been able to successfully help Kenyans realize
the power of their vote.
Political activists have been working hard to
graffiti several murals that depict the political turmoil that is happening
inside Kenya. They have mutually decided to represent the political elites
as vultures. Mwangi explains this, "We tried many other animals like
the hyena but the closest animal that describes a Kenyan politician is the
vulture. They prey on the weak (CNN)." Activists have also created and
promoted a saying, "My voice, My vote, Our freedom." This saying
is inscribed on several murals, and further promotes the idea that
individuals have the ability to change the country as a whole, by voting in the
general election.
Understanding the vast importance of free and fair
elections has been collectively increasing throughout the Arab and
African world. The Kenyan citizens will be able to make their voice heard
very soon, as the next general election takes place early next year. The
United States and other democracies throughout the world are looking to this
political uprising as one small step for democracy, and one giant leap for
humanity.
Sources:
McKenzie, David. "Graffiti Art Targets Kenyan 'vultures' - CNN.com." CNN. Cable News Network, 15 Oct. 2012. Web. 21 Oct. 2012. <http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/14/world/africa/kenya-graffiti/index.html>.
Moyo,
Karina. "Kenya Rising - Activate - Al Jazeera English."Kenya
Rising - Activate - Al Jazeera English. N.p., 17 Oct. 2012. Web. 21 Oct.
2012. <http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/activate/2012/10/2012109105826591968.html>.
This is a very interesting article because Kenya is about to face a situation which destroyed their nation five years ago. After the elections in 2007, the rebel activity and murders were a huge disaster and disappointment. I personally know a young boy named Peter who is in fourth grade now, who in 2007 at age 7 was living happily with his mother in Kenya. After the elections, rebels broke into their home and murdered Peter's mother. They shot her as Peter watched horrified. Fearing for his own life, he ran into the streets and lived as a street boy for a few years before being arrested, put in jail, and eventually adopted. Now he is in boarding school and has a bright future ahead of him.
ReplyDeleteThe reason this article is important is because in only a few months, Kenya will hold another election. All throughout Kenya, people realize what a tragedy the 2007 post-election violence was. So, it will be interesting to see if Kenyans have learned their lesson, and will remain peaceful after these elections. We gained our independence here in the United States almost 250 years ago, and throughout that time, there have been many instances of violence within our borders (just think about the American civil war). Kenya only gained their independence in the early 1960's, so it has to be expected that they will go trough a learning process. All I can hope is that these instances of Kenyan tribal violence will not repeat themselves after the upcoming elections.
Landon-
ReplyDeleteInteresting look at one person's campaign against the violence in Kenya- I would just ask what you mean concerning the statement: "The goal of this revolution is to educate locals about the current regime's violent rule." What is it about their rule that is particularly violent?
Thanks for sharing this profile of activists working for positive change in Kenya. So much of the news is negative. It's great to hear about people doing good things.
ReplyDeleteYou might be interested in a film I am producing called "Peace in Our Pockets" about a Kenyan peace-building NGO, Sisi ni Amani. They are working in Nairobi's informal settlements and in Narok to develop democracy, promote peace, and prevent conflict using grassroots community organizing and cell phone text messaging. We started filming in May 2012 and will continue to follow the group through the 2013 elections. Please check out our website at www.PeaceinOurPockets.com and find us on Facebook and Twitter (PIOPfilm). Help us spread the word about this film and the great organization we are following!