Balozi-Journal-Septemeber.Pdf

Boaz Adhengo PUBLISHER

Lloyd Ryan EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Grace Wangechi MANAGING EDITOR

BLOGGING EDITOR Evanson Nthiga ART DIRECTOR Lydia Marion SENIOR RESEARCH EDITOR Rukia Weisheit RESEARCH EDITOR Teresia Naomi CONTRIBUTORS Raphael Mumbo; Ndisya Maundu; Andrew Njihia; EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Lucy Waheto PROOFREADER Faith Shadora Florence Mutingu; Diana Akumu; Erick Mwachi, Sharon Okumu; Sandra Mugo; Fauzia Makena.

Edward Knight

UNITARIAN PATRON

Jahwar Amber Fund

Paul Misiko Chair

Boaz Adhengo Director of Programs

Faith Muthengi Director Educational Programs

Winnie Nyokabi Director of Planning and Development

Board of Directors Volunteer Coordinating Marshals Paula Hernderson, Seth Mutungi, Winnie Jackie Garford, Chris Ingham , Agnes Schnider, Nyokabi, Xavier Russel, Teresia Naomi, Anke Weisheit, Lucy Waheto, Sylvia Bracelet,

Caroline Munyasa, Dantes Binnuto. Ombima Martin, Amanda Dickson, James Halbert.

Rukia Abubakar DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

C O N T E N T S Vintage Point 10 iii Get to know what programs JAF has and the chosen future direction for the journal Opinion Editorial 1 Enjoy the multiple viewpoint about Art, Religion and Culture Feature 7 Arguments about culture, stories of sexuality and a vision for development. Read on these descriptive excerpts PLUS much more. Adverts 6 Arterial Network

21 African Creative Economy Conference 23 When the rainbow is enuf 28 Going Home 8 Poetry 22 Read poems about Africa, the attempted

Chaliceword 24 Attempt to fill in some common words in this puzzle that sparkles your brain. Unitarian Humour 27 A joke about an atheist who just said a Unitarian prayer. In Memory of Chinua Achebe 29 A dedicated page highlighting the best principles learnt by young scholars from our literature master, Chinua Achebe. Check out our blog www.jauufc.wordpress.com

Like JAF on Facebook www.facebook.com/jauufc PREVIOUS EDITION Vol.6. No. 1 May 2013 Join the meeting www.meetup.com/jauufc

Email the editor [email protected] VANTAGE POINT

Human Rights for Artists

Many months pass into time and we duely refer Artist is a descriptive term applied to a person to the ultimate as either a past or plainly, some who engages in an activity deemed to be an art. years. The very first editions of Balozi Journal An artist thus may be defined „unofficially‟ as a were spontaneous pieces of term papers person who expresses himself through a medium; published from a collective perspective of popularly, someone who can better express creating presence and a voice of hope from what himself better than others. was learn‟t in grad school. The diplomatic research as obtained from simulation exercises As a human rights organization, the Jahwar verified weighty considerations for our brand Amber Foundation has inclined towards use of name, and ultimately we grew to be advocates Art and promotion of the Artist as a way of for minority rights, not knowing what avenues representing its entire programs. We have a firm existed out there once we graduated. Today, belief that art is the most sophisticated and Balozi Journal has represented a diversity of therefore most powerful medium for social Want to talk to Adhengo? issues, from philosophy, politics and now commentary and communication, which is Reach him at [email protected] creativity; in this edition, we have focused on the important if a nation, continent and people must

„Artist‟, his rights and the fate of such products evolve and survive. Inaugurated in 2011, the JAF Want to sign up for email created from the imaginative processes. Festivals plays a significant role in art and Notification on Adhengo’s column or to academic communities through organizing art read his past columns? Visit Art is considered a diverse range of human exhibitions, competitions, residencies and www.jauufc.net/resources/balozijournal activities and the products of those activities. workshops with the aim of unearthing and Until the 17th century, art referred to any skill or developing talent, creating societal awareness and mastery and was not differentiated from crafts or of importance, providing a platform to express sciences, but in modern usage, the fine arts creativity. where aesthetic considerations are paramount, art has been characterized in terms of mimesis, Understanding that not all artists share in the expression, communication of emotion, or other same cultural opportunities, and exploitation will values. Art has had a great number of different still persist in a country ranked fourth within the functions throughout its history, making its corruption index of Africa, we can only provide purpose difficult to abstract or quantify to any the voice for our members using this journal, but single concept. This does not imply that the of assurance that the foundation will champion to purpose of „Art is “vague”, but that it has had excel in its initial processes of restoring hope to many unique, different reasons for being created. the creative communities. The millennium development goals have outline access points towards elimination of poverty; art serves as such a vessel for twining economic Adhengo conceptualizations for adequate beginnings. Our cultural crafts remain our strength while our Adhengo Boaz mind transforms to the only pillars of hope we Director of Programs, have towards such laws that are loosely Jahwar Amber Fund represented. Artists have for a long time been exploited and made to represent the cream of poverty, while their products soothe the emotions of the rich. The law gives artists certain rights and recognizes property interests in intellectual products. These interests can be economic or non-economic, personality rights.

Some people flinch when you talk We invite you to become an about art in the context of the needs of ASSOCIATE MEMBER society thinking you are introducing As an ASSOCIATE MEMBER of the Jahwar Amber Fund, you will receive something far too common for a two issues a year of the Balozi Journal. The entertaining and proactive journal keeps you up-to-date on African Unitarianism, news and activities discussion of art. Why should art have and provides a forum for members to share ideas and plans. a purpose and a use? Art shouldn‟t be Other benefits you will receive as an ASSOCIATE MEMBER include: concerned with purpose and reason and A 10% DISCOUNT ON: need, they say. These are improper. But  Registration fees for conferences and seminars from the very beginning, it seems to  Registration fees for JAF Nature Programs  JAF Video Documentaries me, stories have indeed been meant to  JAF Creative T – shirts and other merchandise be enjoyed, to appeal to that part of us I wish to support the work of Jahwar Amber Fund by becoming an which enjoys good form and good ASSOCIATE MEMBER! shape and good sound. Art is man‟s Associate Membership Type (check one): constant effort to create for himself a  Student ($5/year)  Faculty/Staff ($10/year) different order of reality from that  Non – student ($15/year)  Low Income ($5/year) which is given to him. Supporting ($50/year)  Sustaining ($125/year)  Lifetime ($500/year) “A man who calls his kinsmen to a feast Additional Donation: $ does not do so to save them from Total (membership + donation): $ starving. They all have food in their own homes. When we gather together in the moonlit village ground it is not because of the moon. Every man can see it in his own compound. We come Send Payment to: together because it is good for kinsmen Jahwar Amber Fund Cooperative Bank of Kenya – Coop House Branch to do so.” Account Number: 01105187200400 Swift Code: KCOOKENA ― Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart

Opinion Editorial

The London Kenya Gallery

Bill Odidi

A house modified by Kenyan poet 1935 in Kaimosi, in present day in Philosophy of Mathematics and author Khadambi Asalache is Vihiga County. He was the first from Birbeck, University of today an essential piece of the child of the local chief. He was London, and later got a job at Her artistic story of the British capital, the first child of the local chief. Majesty‟s Treasury. London. He was educated at Mang‟u High School, where he was given the The artistic juices were still Khadambi was among the pioneer Christian name, Nathaniel. His flowing in his veins, though, and generation of modern Kenyan love for literature began with he worked on television, writing writers in English, with his first reading Shakespearre as he and producing an episode of the novel, The Calabash of Life, watched over the family‟s herd of series Danger Man, set an published by Longman in 1967. goats during school holidays. African city, for British TV Channel, the ITV. The novel is set among the Tiriki He joined the Royal Technical people of western Kenya and the College (later, the University of It is said he he difficulty finding a internecine intrigue and fighting for Nairobi) in the 1950‟s to study publisher for his second book, chieftainship in the pre-colonial architecture before leaving the The Latecomer, and so he days. The protagonist, Shiyuka, sets country to learn fine art in Rome, negotiated a deal with the BBC out to reclaim the usurped Geneva and Vienna. Khadambi Africa Service, to run extracts leadership for his family life. eventually moved to London in from the book in January 1971. 1960. He taught Kiswahili and The subtext to the power struggle is got into broadcasting at the BBC Khadambi‟s collection of poetry, his love for Ayako, a girl from a African service. Sunset in Naivasha, was respected family. Their courtship published in 1973 and his poem, reflects traditional practice with the He settled in the UK and served Death of a Chief, was included eventual marriage between two on the council of management of in the Penguin Book of African people of noble blood. the Africa Center in London in Poetry in 1995. the 1970s. During this time, he Khadambi was born on February 28 received a Master of Philosophy Meanwhile, The Calabash of Lif

1 Opinion Editorial

-e went into 10 edition into a work of art with hand- In 2009, the National Trust and worldwide and was on the carved fretwork with African, the local libraries in Lambeth syllabus of many schools in Islamic, and British influences. offered eight new writers the Africa. chance to work in Khadambi‟s Khadambi died of lung cancer in house, drawing on experiencing Besides his writings, Khadambi‟s 2006, and his lavishly decorated hos work from the inside. This legacy rests in the house that he house at 575 Wandsworth Road August, the house will be open bought in London, in a parious in Lambeth, South London, was for visits organised by the state. It had previously been bequeathed to the National Trust, National Trust. occupied by squatters. the UK conversation charity. Khadambi is survived by his In 1981, while looking for a The National Trust described it as partner, Scottish basket-weaver house that would be conveniently „a fascinating house which at Susie Thomson, the redhead with located for a bus ride his office, once is both a work of art and a whom he fell in love in 1989. he paid less than the asking price home”. In the process, it raised of £31,000 for the rundown £4 million to maintain and building and over the next two preserve the house for its artistic decades, painstakingly turned it heritage.

2 Opinion Editorial

Kenyan Illuminati? -g events and government actions interest in stories of the occult, and policies, controlling big especially in Kenya, where book FKeKenyanaithnyan Shadora Illuminati? corporations and whose workings after book was sold, narrating influence every area of life. This alleged exploits by people who FaithThe Shadora word "illuminati" always is why such allegations will be claimed to have been "devil seem farfetched to me till I came peddled against any person that worshipers," witches or "agents" across a wikipedia title on the exudes some ssortort of influence of the devil. These would be topic. According to the article, the overover people, especially if they descriptive and jaw dropping in word "illuminati" is plural of the seem to be well-off in life. There detail. I admit to reading one or latin word, "iluminatus", which remains to be seen any proof of two, after which I was so fearful means "enlightened." The name these meetings, or any leaked and of even sharing a room with my originally referred to Bavarian successful conspiracies as would shadow. Those books are quite illuminati, an enlightenment era be the case for other suspect effective in creating fear of secret society founded on May 1st seditious societies of the day like nothing really. My suspicion of 1776 in Europe, at the peak of the the al-Qaeda. For this reason,reason, such is the glorification of the age of enlightenment. many believe it is mainly an demonic and the satanic that is urban legend. usually contained therein. They The group aimed their objectives will, by the time you are done to at opposing superstition, There are many websites the cover, convince you how the prejudice, religious influence over purporting to out one or another devil can get into your house, eat public life, abuses of state power, Kenyan celebrity as a member of your food and sleep in your bed and to support women‟s education the illuminati secret society. without any fetters. This is how and gender equality. Some even These sites are unprofessional, fear is planted in men. And fear later believed that the secret basically the internet version of is a more powerful bondage in society was involved in the guguttertter press as they have no this life than any other man made French revolution. Now the incriminating photos of these prison. French revolution was a major people caught in action, no turning point in the revealing conversations inadvert - Finally, the question begs; is democratization of Europe, ently caught on a hot microphone, illuminati a covert satanic, secret having birthed the concept of no specified places but a lot of power controlling the people of people representation in the baseless tales. There has always the earth? The conspiracy is workings of governments all over been bashing web pages for certainly powerful. As far as the the world. These remain preachers, celebrities, leadeleadersrs and devil taking over the world, for allegations though. The society other high ranking social place Unitarians, I would advise not to would later dissipate with time. holders. These are usually started waste energy on such by unscrupulous people seeking talebearers. Live right, live a The current use of the name to cash on their fame and huge Godly life, and be good to your "illuminati" refers to a group or public interest. Tales of the neighbours. Some demons we several groups purported to have underworld are not new. People create by our minds and give connections with the original love to hear tales of conspiracy. them control of our lives. This is Bavarian illuminati. This has not This hhasas seen the success of one of those! been substantiated. A perusal of Hollywood production -s like the several articles reveals a fear that Da Vinci code, which actually the group might be mastermindin was followed by a new form of interest by fans of the movie who Faith Shadora is a Human Rights travelled to the Vatican to follow Intern at the Jahwar Amber 3 Foundation. up on the clues set out by the story. In the 90s was an increased

Opinion Editorial

leader of the Kikuyu who lived hosts, learnt their language, and next to the snow-capped married, unofficially, the female mountain, had sold it to him. He natives. paid the princely fee of four goats for the entire mountain and Canon Leakey‟s children The White King of Mt. Kenya! felt that he deserved to be epitomise this breed of settlers. recognised as its rightful owner. Richard and Louis, the most Morris Kiruga The commission never took his illustrious and famous of them, claim seriously for obvious felt out of place when they reasons. schooled in London. Unlike their father, they had grown up in Many colonial settlers isolated Suspiciously, his presence in Kenya and has no nostalgia for themselves and lorded it over central Kenya coincides with the England. Kenya was the only Africans. But there were some armed resistance of Wang‟ombes home they knew. Louis exceptional individuals who chose warriors against an attempt by intergration into Kikuyu culture, to adopt to their new environment the colonial government to build for and make the best of it. a fort around the area.

That was how John Boyes managed to endear himself to the Kikuyu, a feat that almost won him Kenya‟s iconic mountain.

In his books, King of the Wa – Kikuyu and Company of Adeventures, Boyes considers himself a blood brother of the Kikuyu through marriage. He lived among them for decades and married three local girls. This might explain why in 1900, example, helped him understand

the British government disarmed the essence of the oath to the The Kikuyu nicknamed him and charged him with serious Mau Mau fighters during the Karianjahi, or “on who eats offences. The only court in the State of Emergency. Instead of cowpeas”. He won the goodwill of young colony was then located at using threats and violence during the fierce and rival Kikuyu chiefs the port town of Mombasa, and interrogations, he designed a Karuri wa Gakure and Boyes, ever into theatrics, counter-oath that nullified the Wang‟ombe. marched all the way to his trial original oath.

date with hundreds of warriors. In his evidence before the Carter He was acquitted. This meant that the individual Land Commission, Boyes claimed had not broken an oath but had ownership of Mount Kenya. He Men like Boyes quickly absorbed sworn a new one, with full rituals claimed that chief Wang‟ombe as the essentials of their new and rites that bound him to obedi

4 Opinion Editorial

-ence, in this context as dictated -ced from England and Ireland. INVITATION FOR by the colonial government. However, there is proof that he ARTICLES Louis Leakey‟s cousin, Gary maintained his beliefs on white  Balozi Journal welcomes original, previously Leakey, known to his Kikuyu supremacy throughout his life. unpublished, non – academic contributions on neighbours as Morungaru, For example, in one of his subjects of interest to the worldwide community of which means upright or proper, letters in 1927, he described atheists. Articles should be 1500 words.  Balozi Journal aims to be a source of reliable was also said to have integrated Africans as being inferior to the information on African religious thought – authors quite well into the Kikuyu British race. should ensure accuracy of facts. culture. His gruesome murder  Articles in Balozi Journal are widely reproduced or as a human sacrifice by the Mau The eccentric British settlers translated in various magazines all over the world. Mau in 1952 led his cousin nonetheless seemed eager to Articles submitted for consideration may not be submitted to other magazines before a decision is Louis, to take more proactive learn new languages and conveyed generally within three months of approach towards ending the cultures, even going as far as submission, but articles cannot be returned. insurgency. taking part in initiation and  Contributions should preferably be word other important rituals. They processed and sent via email text as an Anecdotal evidence suggests succeeded through treachery, attachment. Photograph illustrations are welcome.  Contributors should note that articles published in that Gary was selected for the endearment, bribery, and Balozi Journal can be freely reproduced, but JAF very reason that he had proven marriage. requires that the source and the authors name be himself to be a good man. acknowledged. The efforts of such free spirits Another famous settler, Hugh perhaps made the colonisation Contacting JAF Cholmondeley, admired the process more effective for the JAF Office (supporters, donations, change of address e.t.c) Maasai so much that he lived in administration. It also made it Office – [email protected] a manyatta-like hut for a few easier for them to have a greater Balozi Journal years before he built his first impact on Kenya than would (articles, letters to the editor) permanent structure. The only have been possible had they [email protected] telling difference was the remained as aloof as most of ISSN: 978-0-557-58274-7 interior décor that his wife sour- their peers. Views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of JAF. JAF Headquarters & Editorial Office P.O. Box 75986 – 00200 Citysquare, Nairobi

Director of Programs: Boaz Adhengo Email: [email protected] ADVERTISE HERE Editor: Winnie Nyokabi Email: [email protected]

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ART AND PUBLIC POLICY

Introduction

Attempts are made to clarify concepts constantly used in the discourse of the arts such as “form”, “beautiful”, “representation‟, “expression”. In light of these clarifications, we examine the meaning of statements such as “Art is expression” and every work of art is a symbol. One may then ask, what is art? By simple definition it‟s the application of human creative skill and imagination typically in a visual form. It is a human effort to imitate, supplement, alter or counteract the work of nature. An art form therefore is a recognised medium through which artistic expression is cast.

On the contrary, „Public Policy‟ is the principled guide to action taken by the administrative executive branches of a state with regard to a class of issues in a manner consistent to law and institutional customs. One may further view it is as a system of courses of action, regulatory measures, rules and funding concerning a given topic promulgated by a governmental entity or its representatives. It is commonly embodies in constitutions, legislative acts and judicial decisions.

Art and Public Policy are therefore very separate elements as whole concepts but the concern of this theme is to observe the way in which they intertwine, inter-act and influence each other. In a sense, they are interdependent in their relation. This is to mean that art has apart to play in the formation and legislation of law. In the same way, policies made by the state as authority manipulate art as a form of expression by either an individual or a group entity. A dynamic relationship indeed but one of deep interest and of concern mainly because the freedom of expression is a fundamental right.

Wangechi Kamau

ART AND SEXUALITY Victor Ndesia and Raphael Onyango

Art and Sexuality. Before we can begin to establish a Age, man painted on walls of caves in Lascaux, connection between art and sexuality, we must first France and also in Spain over 30,000 years ago; identify and define these components independently. Art according to these evolutionists, such expressivity can simply be defined as the expression or application was to facilitate seduction. Sex and the reproductive of human creative skills and imagination; typically in process is argued to be the propelling factor to visual form, emphasis on the creative bit. A simple opening the faculties of the mind. Sexuality was the definition for sexuality is the capacity for sexual feeling cause that brought about art which was the result of although other definitions apply sexuality to gender the sexual drives, motives and in general, the also. The connection becomes explicit; art facilitates sexuality of the artist. This is particularly evident due seduction and (or) sexuality. This at least was our initial to the fact that the phallus symbol (the male belief but further excavation of the two reveals generative principle) was used mostly in ancient art something quite different and honestly, quite and its depictions were not only restricted to one captivating. In actuality religion is an older origin of art. country but this symbol which was used to represent fertility at the time, can be traced back to almost all Religion, understood not as a totality of rites observed civilizations that existed in those times. Greek gods by an individual or human society to render honour to a when sculptured were depicted with this phallus; gods divinity, but as an abstraction of the soul from all that like Pan were almost always depicted as having the constitutes the vulgarity of life, and therefore as an phallus. ascension to higher spheres of the utmost spirituality. In this article we attempt to identify and explain the point Renaissance artists like Michelangelo also preferred when the “switch” happened, when art shifted primarily to sculpt the nude male form with sculptures like from being used for religious purposes to a device used David, which was believed to be a religious piece, for expressing and promoting sexuality. had the same phallus symbol depicted. It has been Where did art come from and for what purpose did it speculated that artists like Michelangelo were arise? Well, the origins of art are not exactly known. closeted homosexuals but their sexual preference was According to an article, the evolution of art, published portrayed out rightly in their art. This form of in the daily beast, it was noted that art predates cities, expressionism was not only restricted to him but it agriculture and even writing; noting that these applied almost all of the artists that existed at that sentiments come from an evolutionist point of view. It is time. Modern day artists like Andy Warhol rarely further believed that human experience since Paleolithic spoke about his personal matters and any question tou

-ching on that issue simply got a simple nod or “no” as a -an to develop autonomy in choosing subject matter as response but what his earlier work as an artist depicts tell well as style and unfortunately for the artists that a whole different story. Many of his earlier works meant shadowed them as apprentices, they were forced to for exhibitions were never accepted because all he drew accept and adapt the subject matter and style that were were nude males who were seen as too openly gay. Later used by the masters which; mostly meant that they on in life, he also made photographs of nude males. To would have to adapt to their masters sexuality. This date, there exists only one painting of a nude woman marked the beginning of the “switch” and sexuality called “pati palomeras”. now became the primary motive for diverse art works from sculptures to paintings. The depictions of nude In addition, a lot of the motives Andy Warhol used as an men and in other pieces nude depictions of women artist - like the paintings of Elizabeth Taylor, Judy slowly began filling the salons that existed at the time, Garland and Liza Minnelli - drew from gay underground with more graphic depictions being exhibited some culture. Also among his films there are examples of showing how women were nothing more than just sex homoeroticism - like the film "Blow Job" and objects. People will be surprised by the not- "Lonesome Cowboys". homosexual artists who play a role in history, people like Marcel Duchamp and George Segal who put out These are just but a few examples of how artists‟ exemplary artwork that wasn‟t driven by their sexuality drove them to create art. An alternative sexuality. It‟s really no exaggeration to say that perspective reveals religion as the origin of art. Again, to virtually every historic and modern artist had to deal go back to the prehistoric cave paintings of France to the with ideas about homosexuality in some way because Sistine chapel, it is evident that art has served religion. of the stereotypes that became so powerful about For centuries, the church was the primary patron of artists being gay. This is because of the associations artists. In the Aristotelian fixed universe that culminated made with popular art at the time. The original in the middle ages, the artists purpose in life was to serve religious aspect of art continued to be saturated with as a lightning rod between divinity and the humans, art time. was nothing more nor less than a representation of the world of God and the artist, a medium through which the In conclusion, it is our sincere hope that an adequate universe becomes visible to mortals. In traditional light has been emulated on the matter of art and societies even today, the primary purpose of art is sexuality and its origins. Still plenty of room is left for religious or ceremonial. And if art is the plastic, auditory deeper analysis onto the issue of art and sexuality. or other expressive manifestation of our dreams, aspirations or the better tendencies of our spirit, it is References: natural that art and religion proceed side by side because  Jirousek,C. (1995)Purposes of Art.Cornell.edu. of their shared essence, both being emanations of the Retrieved on on June 25, 2013 from divine element of ourselves. http://char.txa.cornell.edu/art/introart.htm The evolution of art and the artist went hand in hand and at the peak of the renaissance the artist were within  N.A.(Feb 20, 2009)The Evolution of Art.thedailybeast.com. Retrieved on Feb 20, 2009 established guilds. Workshops were started based on from apprenticeship rather than talent and they put out paintings and sculptures under the authorship of a master http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2009/02/ 20/the-evolution-of-art.html who at this time included artists like Raphael, Titian,

Michelangelo, Leonardo and Filippo Lippi. At the same  Shark,A. Evolution of the Artist.slowart.com. time, new philosophies werebeing adopted with new Retrieved on June 25, 2013 from ideas of liberty, freedom and infinite possibilities of http://www.slowart.com/articles/evolution.htm human kind and thus religion was pushed aside and in came the ascendance of the individual. Master artists beg

THE TRIBAL MEETING

Tom Cockrem

Think of travelling to Africa, and most times you think of -rk as tutors for the youngsters, instructing them in tribal Kenya. There are many good reasons for this. Tradition ways. They also arrange village visits. On one of this, I plays a part. It was here where „safari‟ (which means „go‟ was privileged to witness an authentic Samburu wedding, in Swahili) first came into vogue. Then there are the thanks to Winnie Nyokabi of the Jahwar Amber game parks – so many, all very different and all Foundation who coordinates outreach programs that guaranteeing brilliant big game sightings: the Maasai involve the global community towards Nilotic doors. This Mara, Meru National Park, Samburu Game Reserve, was a truly inspirational event. We were first shown Amboseli National Park and many more. And through the village before visiting the house of the bride. heightening the excitement are the tribes. Remaining She would most likely have built the house herself, first defiantly authentic, and retaining both their customs and constructing a rotunda frame then smearing it with cow traditional attire, they are increasingly becoming a focus dung, which sets just as hard as mortar. Inside the house of safaris in themselves. I would not dare attempt to cover our attention was drawn to the hugely horned head of a all of them here, only the most highly visible and newly slaughtered bull. renowned. Meanwhile the warriors were gathering outside. They The Samburu tribe seem to be ubiquitous, with their formed a tightly knitted phalanx, their ceremonial garb densely plaited hair, flashy red „togas‟ and multicoloured flashing red, pink and white with the shifting of their beeds. They are a pastrol people, who migrated down into ranks. Their dance began. No music accompanied them, Kenya from around the Nile valley some 500 years ago. only a throaty primal chant as they performed their highly Their currency is cattle (seven cows might buy a bride), athletic vertical jump, heads thrown back, legs and arms which they rarely ever kill. They merely drink the milk held straight down by their sides. The dancing, I was told, and especially the blood. This they extract without doing would continue well into the night, with the warriors the animal any harm. It involves shooting an arrow into occasionally falling into a trance-like state known as an artery in the neck, allowing the blood to flow out into ndokuna. a gourd, and then sealing the wound with cow dung. I have witnessed this procedure, and its something I All towns in northern Kenya are populated by the tribes, admire. The bled cow just jumps up at the end of her often in full costume (including Kajiado where their ordeal and walks blithely away, as a blood donor might Maasai counterparts are steady). But don‟t expect gushing from the Red Crescent. welcomes in such places. If you seem to be a tourist, you‟ll most likely be ignored unless you flash your I have come across the Samburu – and in full tribal camera, then given very short shrift. costume - most everywhere I‟ve travelled in Kenya – in the shadows of Mt. Kenya to the north of Nairobi, in the With its alkaline waters, bleak stony shores and crocodile capital itself, in the remote far north at Lake Turkana, and inhabited volcanic isles; Lake Turkana has a discernable, even on the east coast at Mombasa. But the heart of almost palpable aura of danger and mystique. You‟r not Samburuland is some 300 kilometers due north of surprised to discover it is home to the fiercest and most Nairobi, around the trade and timber town of Maralal. It‟s indipendent Kenyan tribe – the Turkana. Cattle herders as something quite fantastic to encounter the warriors in well as cattle thieves, the warriors tally human victims what is otherwise a quite run-of the –mill country town, with cicatrices scored on their upper arms and chest. So stepping out in full regalia, and bristling with arms. it‟s highly unlikely they would warmly embrace the likes of you and me. But there is a good chance of meeting Many safari lodges employ the tribal folk as regular staff. family members in a village. One such is the visitor- They often conduct cultural shows for the guests, and wo friendly Loyangalani (and now there is Oloiyangalani in

Kajiado). The women are particularly impressive, with their stacks of beaded necklesses, tightly knotted hair and statuesque physiques. Don‟t ever cross them! Somewhat more neighbourly are the El Molo. They are said to be, numerically, the world‟s smallest tribe. There are only a few hundred of them left. At one time fearless hippo and crocodile hunters, they faced virtual extinction when their game became officially protected. So they turned to fishing and pastoral ways. The El Molo‟s only village is on the southeast shores of Lake Turkana, with not a single shrub or tree in sight. Pasture for their cattle? There was non that I could see!

East of the lake is the vast Chalbi desert. Cracked like a jigsaw and unrelentingly flat, it throws up mirages where its long flat horizons shimmer hotly with the sky. The -ith their essentially red costume and tightly plaited hair, camel caravans that ply this wasted wilderness are driven the Rendile might at first seem to resemble the Samburu. by Boranas and Gabbras, two semi-rival Cushite- But they are a totally different tribe, being related to the speaking tribes. Withered, lean and turban-decked, they Cushites. Confined to semi-desert tracts, they favour move from oasis with pasture and water at the forefront camels over cows, and live a much harsher life all round. of their minds. The women mostly stay back in the Strict tribal lore works to keep their numbers expediently settlements. Classically fine featured, they drape in check. They are largely monogamous. Girls can only themselves in gorgeous robes of blue, green and gold. marry after all their brother‟s have – custom that would „Gold‟ was the name of one Borana beauty I met and doubtless find scant appreciation in the modern western photographed in the small oasis village of Kalacha. And world. gold is the value of Kalacha‟s other asset – water. It gushes warmly from a spring in the oasis, refreshing Everybody‟s favourite tribe would have to be the Maasai. stock and herder, and inducing shady palms and essential Nilotic in origin they are related to the Samburu (you crops to grow. would love to visit Isinya). They too herd cattle, are lean and languid in physique, and live in small beehive houses Incredibly, a few hours drive due west from Kalacha made from cow dung. The Maasai‟s territory is the takes you to the outskirts of a lush rainforest. This is famous Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya‟s far Marsabit. Now a National Park, it contains the aptly southwest. The Maasai mix easily with foreign visitors, named Lake Paradise – a paradise for game – as well as a and commonly welcome guests into their homes. I once busy market down town. Called also Marsabit, the town even stayed the night in Isinya (somewhere in Kajiado is a melting pot for especially the Cushite – speaking County). This involved sleeping on a kind of low slung tribes. The immediate challenge is to tell them all apart, wooden cot, and with a warrior‟s foot almost up against especially the Gabbra, Borana and Somali, whose origins my nose. Tethered goats in the „hallway‟ urinated very and costumes are akin. audibly through the night. Sweet dreams? Ah, no! Ok, hot tea with fresh cow‟s milk for breakfast (straight from the Nearby are the Ilaut Singing Wells, so –called because its cow) hit the spot, with the option of a nice warm cup of here that Rendile tribesmen make high-pitched warble blood! I passed on the latter, but did put my hand up for noises to entice their camels to the watering troughs. Wit an early morning foray through the bush with the warriors

And luckily we came across no rogue elephants or cover their pate with a brightly painted crust of dried mud bloodthirsty lions on the trek. It was an unforgettably – a fashion statement that may one day take off in New inspiring experience, getting on familiar and joke-sharing York! terms with these fully rigged-out warriors, who you knew had fought tribal wars and speared lions in their time. Kenya is in many ways a microcosm of Africa as a Thanks to my friend Mr. Adhengo, so hearty. whole. It contains an exceptionally diverse set of climatic and geographic zones- tropical, montane forest, open Occupying the highlands and lowland plains north of the savannah and desert. This creates a huge diversity of Maasai Mara are a group of Nilotic – speaking tribes fauna and flora. And just like the rest of nature, the collectively known as the Kalenjin. They are thought to different tribes have also had to adopt. There are more have migrated into Kenya from southeast Sudan. The than 30 tribes, so I still have my work cut out to get to highlanders rear cattle, while the lowlanders raise crops. meet them all. The largest of their tribe is the Pokot. They too tend to wander far and wide. I even chanced upon a group of Tim Cockrem is an artist residing in the United Kingdom; he has Pokot girls – called „Suk‟ by my Samburu guide – up sold many paintings and posters collected from memoirs of his own north in the heart of Samburuland. They were sporting personal travels throughout Africa. the signature plate-like beaded necklaces. The men often

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13 The Moralist Stan Hill

In the course of time, Europe has witnessed the -d renounced regimes. Their inspiration was insurgence of many self-appointed moralists and constantly fueled by the wickedness of the flesh social commentators in the form of artists, and the deviations of the devil. cartoonists and caricaturists. The fifteenth century gave us Bosch, the Netherlands painter whose Early African art on the other hand, while still an pessimistic comments on everday life leaned instrument of propaganda in terms of social towards the satirical; a frequent ingredient of the responsibilities, was a grateful acknowledgment of tongue-in-cheek moralist. Hearty Hogarth glorified the rains, the harvest and fertility. It was often the exuberant life of the London streets, gin created in the form of statuettes, masks, wall guzzlers and bawdy brothels. Daumier lampooned paintings and the decoration of utility items. It was the French government, the bourgeoisie and the usually motivated by a community spirit, rather legal profession with the moral indignation of the than the disgruntled outpourings of mentally vices of his age. Toulese-Lautrec presented almost wounded individuals or the preachers of virtue. respectfully accepted portrayals of prostitutes and Parisian night life; concerning himself with a desire But an arat clique of modern Africa, and to depict the true and not the ideal. Whatever else particularly Kenya, has produced its own self- these particular artists, and others, had in common styled do-gooders and guardians of what is they all preached in paint. considered ethically right and wrong. One such defender of traditional values is Patrick Mazola. They glorified the good and blacklisted the bad. Over the years the influx of western values has They attacked degeneracy, questioned authority an eroded the old-fashioned moral fibrre of African

society; the very big breeding ground for the works In Everyone Wants Her he uncovers the conceit of of Mazola. Its dens of vice and its depraved self-promotion as he depicts the sin of self- inhabitants are the source of Mazol‟s meaningful adornment with its intention to attract (or trap) the canvases. He is inspired by the evils of society, the weak and unsuspecting victim. And while consequences of corruption and the effects of Voiceless is a positive in suggesting silence is a alcohol and drugs. Not forgetting, of course, that he virtue, it is only achieved by sticking a stopper -of is equally able to promote an alternative way of one sort and another- into the mouths of would-be life; one in which its followers are able to resist speakers. Just in case? such wayward temptations. He has in fact, been quoted as saying his art is „about man‟s life‟, both The Red Bicycle for Only Two pedals the wares of the positive and the negative‟ (see what I mean?) marriage as our eye is drawn to a wife‟s „and his continual struggle within himself.‟ (well, presumably – ring; it‟s the moralist showing us the nobody is perfect) „I address inhuman acts of way. Still on his bike the Marriage Bicycle immorality and vices with a stern tone of art; with promotes consequences of marriage by way of the the aim of reviving good values.‟ Consequently extras backstage. At the same time one can‟t help then, what do such idealistic views produce in noticing the bicycle has changed colour! terms of Mazola art?

In Temptations of a Model Revealed Mazola shares particularly when it involves figures, and a touch of his own personal belief in the power of hands when caricature – again a frequent feature of African it comes to communicating an idea. According to paintings – creeps in. His pictures are always busy Oxford English Dictionary, a hand is „an organ of with a confusion of activity and with no particular prehension characteristic of man‟. Grasping , in a focal point; every square inch is preaching word. something. A collection of Mazola‟s stories would make an ideal book of paints; one could delve into As you progress through Mazola‟s paintings you it at any time, whenever one felt like straying from soon realize that he has his own general metaphors the straight and narrow in fact. too. A facial expression will convey an indifference to the presence of priests and religious In 1994 Patrick Mazola was awarded the Royal symbols. The setting sun represents the declining Over-Seas League top prize and the Savannah values of life, and butterflies portray the fragility of Gallary Prize for the best African artist. An annual beauty. event held in London it receives entries from over twenty-five commonwealth countries. His work While Mazola works mainly in oils, he can‟t resist has been exhibited in Britain on two occasions, and sticking on bits of material which means his works he has partaken in many group exhibitions in area classified as collages. Like so many of his Kenya and other African countries. time, he leans towards a strong illustrative style,

Cultural Servitude ‘The Art of Poverty’ Boaz Adhengo

Defining culture has never been perfect; however, of communal perceptions. Superstition was the word in its essence of meaning has bestowed encouraged and the concept of individualism was hope to the many mindsets who delve into seen as profane for secluded persons came back emancipatory quest for liberated hopes, either as with weird discoveries, let alone differences that ethnics or as apeople who have been subjugated were never easy to accommodate. However, into organized voluntary set of rules. Some would avenues that involved health and economy were call this traditionalism, others would prefer embraced with total curiosity; to a greater end, citizenship. communities always adopted to such ways. Expensive became a welcomed concept of A look at the political systems in Africa would describing the inabilities of coping with daily bring a delusion about leadership, given that we changes; a better word would be development or all look up to the west (and in this case, Europe) simply freedom from servitude. for ideas of perfection as to how we govern the state morals; academics have always resorted into Development has been defined as a process of descriptive neo-colonial vocabularies but critics change, an acquisition of livelihood henceforth insist that it‟s the „White Elephants’ methodologies where we cope with nature as it left behind that produce programmatic failures perfects itself. In many a times, the climatologists onto the natives who experience induced freedom. have embraced a tendency of superstitious But what is freedom? science that not only instill primitive political tensions around government departments but Culture has always been a predominant alternative also, catalyse the uneducated locals to adhere within the African way of life, and religion was a severely onto their cultural remedies besides moral concern subjugated within the wider realm refusing to accommodate development. The ignor

-ance of many to see such delusions has prompted -l; be it our traditional crafts or survival tools that the use of art as a sympathetic language, to simply we make without knowing their level of understand why and how religion perverts the soul appreciation. A good example to compare such if not persuading the mind towards servitude. In as developments will be the Maasai ethnic, basically, much as our bodies are the temples of worship, we the famous nomads of Kajiado. must always remember that humanity is in this universe to stay, we live in a world full of chances Kajiado is a small remote town, south of the and the eminent discoveries made are endless Kenyan Rift-Valley bordering Tanzania to the processes towards an impossible perfection. north. It is this part of the country that I have Arguments of intelligent design, evolution and decided to call home, and in my constant prayers many other philosophical theories always derail the for blessings; restore my lost hope of affection. continental appreciation of the self. We are always Many others migrate to new places for better left to decide our „whatness‟, our identity as ethnics reasons, either as tourists or as investors; they are or our identity as humans. Culture has often simply visitors with intensions. provided lasting solutions that are vague in meaning but soothing to the uncritical souls. Kenya Popular for their nomadic lifestyle, the Maasai is a good country to case in, and in my pursuit for vernacular has resulted into misplaced names for democratic peace, lots of experiences have local areas where the colonial government set its engulfed my young mind into competing in feet. One of such places is Nairobi, to which the thinking with the old sages who claim to own name referred to a place of cold weather and fresh ethics; yet within my morals, they always see a lost water. Historical books used in primary schools all hope for happiness. This is but another story to be through the Kenyan academic curricular has told. always upheld the Maasai culture as the genuine expression of what Kenyanism really is; contrary to Art is a reflection of freedom, innate within our this, the Maasai were the most primitive warriors soul. The beauties of objects are always seen from who fought alongside other organized tribes the noticeable differences that are unique to their towards colonial liberation. Their wild tactics made own descriptions; the aesthetical meaning of such them good spys for the Kikuyu Mau Mau and as a objects is found within the unnoticed result, the displaced Kikuyus have always found imperfections. A common saying has always been home within the Maasailand, welcomed for their „beauty belies the eyes of the beholder’; this is self- organized skills, be it war or otherwise. Maasai explanatory. culture as a result has been commoditised and the best tour operators have been the Kikuyu with little Culture and Art have always been revered jointly pockets of coastal tribes joining in such quests. The as masterly concepts that give weight to describing Luo and other Nilotic tribes (mostly Kalenjin) have a definitive aesthetic meaning. Many a times, it always been good agriculturalists and political relates the human importance in producing advocates; simply put, Kenyanism has been about whatever it is we would wish to brand as aesthetica showcasing Kenya, and Maasai culture has become

a commercial commodity, thus, visitors who explore Land as the grand strategy for colonizing Africa and their lands have ended up purchasing portions of such Kenya for this case, has always been seen to be the places. manipulative resource for political power. Having land makes you resourceful and independent to plan The issue of land is always considered a key factor in your own ways. The Maasai had land, and they political planning. Land equates to an indispensable planned primitively using their nomadic psyches. The measure of wealth and en-route to join the elite of elite more signs of displaced interest promoted a quest for class. Capitalism having been considered the only liberated development, and the tourism dilemma rapid remedy against neo-colonialism has often seen fought itself into stability of ethnic statehood. The individualism promote itself against the community. Maasai culture represented Kenya to the westerners To many social analysts, this has been the dominant and the other Kenyans who wanted to identify as their reasons why corruption and poverty rise within state ethnic found liberation into questing to redefine their descriptions of social decay; we are therefore forced to very own within the source of their very own resort into promoting communal ways of existence as westernised definitions. Domestic tourism found opposed to communism (in essence of communal leverage, and the explorative ideals for potential land capitalism) that has been seen as a gimmick by the buyers became a key norm. In response, the popular „Soviet Rupublics’ considered Easterners. The economic, social, and cultural fabric of the concept of self-liberation, as understood by the indigenously Maasai area has changed to founding fathers of the Kenyan republic who inherited accommodate such developments; those who refuse leadership from the colonial masters of hopelessness; to embrace such changes have always resorted into has always been a movement towards wealth moving far into the interior, thereby evading acquisition, a development trend of assenting to government taxation on their once freehold lands or hopeful status. A man-eat-man society, where ethnic other indirect levies that the county council cannibalism has resulted to improved descriptions of introduces as a result of infrastructural development. poverty; the aesthetics of not only being marginalized, The once free nomads become enslaved to their but categorized as almost culturally extinct. Maasai culture as a source of strength, they improvise ways population in Kitengela was once popular for of surviving the poverty laden situation that engulf introducing the Maasai Market in Nairobi, they could their determinism. Development forces them to adopt share their traditional merchandise with the city to new ways, and the opportunity cost for letting-go people, not knowing that entrepreneurship must always their cultural morals always results into acquisition of involve trade secrets. The growing interest into better entrepreneual skills that help them cope with Maasaihood began with small portions of land being their marginalism. The art of being poor yet sold to hoteliers with intensions of starting tourist sustaining your very own culture is self inflicted. hotspots that were close to the Nairobi city, or certainly, close to the airport. The next phase saw We must note that a struggle for control of land and interested progress of servants quarters who could be other valued resources often underlies the impact of working in these resorts if build, thus, in all such development on local economies. As various groups planning, a pervasive persuasion to sell their lands at such as hosts, guests, and external agencies seek their one-off prices increased. own individual and combined goals, the environment

is affected by, and affects, the dynamics of these forecasted remedies are rubbished by the county social entities. the influx of foreign ethnics hastens governments; land continues to be fragmented and the erosion of the Maasai traditional means of the land policy itself is victimized for purposes of subsistence and makes indigenous people more displacing the developmental obstacles. We must dependent on the outside world. Land owners are take note that status differentiation and resentment either tempted or forced to sell their land to also increase as the Maasai land owners become developers, and even when forcible displacement displaced from their land due to escalating property tactics are not used, other mechanisms accomplish values. Locals face a difficult decision: should they the same results. Those who continue to practice seek jobs elsewhere or work for the agricultural nomadism within their huge chunky lands are faced industry at home; should they ignore development in with escalating property taxes as land values rise in totality? All these because their nomadic culture has anticipation of potential resale values in an industrial been eroded out of proportion due to lack of space to area. The “rent-value” of the land becomes too great showcase their livestock let alone get the pasture to maintain a pastrol subsistence and many locals are needed to sustain such lucrativity. forced to abandon nomadism. The only viable means of substituting for land loss is showcasing what their In addition to these social transformations, cultural heritage has in stock; this is the beginning of adjustments must also be made. The newcomers ecotourism and intensive cooperation for handicraft (whether retirees or visitors) bring different ideals, marketing. values, and problems with them. More specifically, retirees typically have little concern for the social As Maasai landscapes, real or imagined, become characteristics of their Maasai host community and valued commodities, the consequences of tourism predominantly focus on environmental and begin to affect the economic base of the community, economic aspects. Gradually, as the Maasai generating both positive and negative outcomes for community incorporates new people and their social the Maasai. Based on the assumed benefits of norms and expectations, their cultural values will tourism, the Kajiado county government has typically change. The population analysts will in good time pursued the industry as a stimulus for development. publish the reformed community to a society of The supposition is that tourism will ultimately benefit potential investors, increasing awareness about the all classes in the host community through “trickle area while further redefining and (potentially) down” socioeconomic impact. This is always seen in boosting the Maasai image. This critical self- terms of real estate developments, infrastructural reflection of the changed Maasai community investments that‟s inclusive of roads, sewerage warrants a reevaluation of their identity to conform systems and even horticultural needs. The with how the public views and/or depicts them. That metropolitan expansion of the capital city towards is, members of the local community must better vision 2030 has displaced the cultural hopes of the understand themselves as they begin to present locals. Superstition has lost meaning and religious themselves to the newcomers or as they are democratization has often resulted to creeping represented to them by the development agencies. Christianity as opposed to herbal doctrinarian. Witchdoctors‟ loose meaning to practice when their More often, community conflicts would arise as loca

-ls discuss cultural presentation; but from these open creative ideas from our own cultures that promote disagreements, consensus sometimes wider development could be preserved. The rest follows. becomes oral history to be told to our generations and used as ingredients for imperfection, the point of On the other hand, this critical examination of local beginning for endless artistry. cultural values and practices, as well as self-identity when presented and packaged to outsiders, also Land is a resource that defines the economic strata creates unpredictable alterations and adjustments. of a region, how it transforms is the ideal for Locals often are forced to decide which of their development. It is only through education and cultural traditions to present to public audiences, constant adoption to the growing trends for change which to alter for public consumption, and which to that we could also conceptualise what statehood keep private. Torn between the potential for lucrative defines as our own. We must choose between being and much needed additional income from the sale of masters in our trade or commoditised servants of crafts or the marketing of traditions and the desire to others who have invested in us. maintain personal privacy and cultural authenticity, locals must make difficult choices. The Maasai Boaz Adhengo is the Editor in Chief of Balozi Journal and remain marginalized for purposes related to their Director of Programs at Jahwar Amber Fund, a Universalist Unitarian group. He has a degree in Political Science & strong ignorance of education; they lack the needed Philosophy from the University of Nairobi and has in the past academic skills to represent themselves properly to worked as a Research Associate for Digital, Expressive and potential investors or rather, for themselves to Business for the Arts Department at the Aga Khan transform into worthy investors for their very own University Hospital, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Nairobi. benefit. Cultural servitude becomes a burden, and in Adhengo is famous for his book “Creativity in Kenya’ absence of the colonial whites to be blamed, it is the published in 2011. neo-colonial blackies who tack in such curses. The art of poverty adopts well to what Darwinism preserves as „survival for the fittest‟ and only those

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21 Cultural Liberation

You Don't Read Africa David Munene wa Kimberly

Never have you ever sat Or beneath African Suns lay flat You insist on rumours fat Liken to a rainy day's door mat To judge where you haven't testified And judge what ain't justified

You don't read Africa You heard it is Hell's replica With an oasis of virtual bliss Where on semi-humans and snakes hiss You watched him report On a continent he hasn't rapport!

Why do you believe: That which you perceive? As Gospel-truth lies you receive? Those that only your mind deceive? Making you think 'Africa' is synonym to 'grieve'?

You don't read Africa You only read about Africa As it is The cradle of mankind Phinda Mkhonta You believe is to mankind unkind

You help in protests As it is Africa, congruent things are similar Against nothing on your list of detests But similar things are not congruent, As it is Africa, a lizard images as a crocodile You call it charity when you commission inquests! But a crocodile will never be a lizard, As it is Africa, a smile images as laugher Can a reader read a book here But laughter will never be a smile; When he is only there As it is Africa, Laugher image as love, There where he doesn't know where, But love will never be laugher, Where he feels and thinks is nowhere? As it is Africa, a company images as friendship, Read Africa from your heart But friendship will never be company, Not just when Africans hurt As it is Africa, false sound as truth, You cannot read Africa miles apart But truth will never be false, As it is Africa, all wild trees look green, You read of Africa But wild trees do not bear the same fruit, You read about Africa You read about Africa You have read about Africa You Don't Read Africa

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3 4 5 6 7 8 13 Across 2. Biblical for Noah’s vessel during 2 3 4 8 12 13 14 15 16

the deluge. 3 5 9 11 15 17

3. Sex with a sibling. 4 10 12 16 18 6. A black American. 5 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 8. Would be. 11. Money issues. 6 7 8 9 10 14 17 19 12. A wrongful deception intended for 7 15 18 20

personal gain. 8 9 10 11 12 17 18 19 20 21 22

13. Islamic celebrations after fasting. 11 13 20 22 14. Forced sex. 12 14 15 16 17 21 22 23 24 17. A prolonged and affectionate hug. 21. Female house-help. 13 16 23 13 14 15 17 24 Down

2. Director of programs at JAF 3. Frozen water 7. After masturbation 10. Intense and selfish desire for Answers something. 11. An artificial waterway constructed to allow passage of boats. 12. Too black. 13. A country in the West Indies. 15. A persons buttocks. 16. A face of a watch or surface marked to show units of time. 17. A dynamic network of individuals, organizations, donors, companies and institutions engaged in the African creative and cultural sector.

24 The Kajiado Motor Experience Patrick Kinyua

Having got the car serviced the other town and of course the speedometer we missed on the action of the fast day, I was anxiously waiting for the went from 125km/hr to about cars, we got right next to the cars. KCB safari rally on the weekend. 100km/hr, like it made a difference. Most of the other fans had also The day started off well, of course decided to drive to this point and all waking up late and idling in the All the drivers on the road seemed like the rally activity seemed to have been house for the remainder of the they were competing and the evidence transferred to Bissil. The cars had morning. It was a weekend, what do of stray dogs knocked over to the side closed for the day and we could get you expect. A young man needs his sleep you know and further more rest for I knew what was ahead of me that day. Phone calls and short text messages were checking every now and then inquiring of where I was.

Having waited for the wife to come from the salon, we fueled our ride, checked the engine, water, oil, coolant, tyre pressure and out of the city we went. I learnt the hard way to always check the engine before every trip whether the car is serviced roads was many. I think we counted up close. A chat with some drivers or not for you never know what about four or five. Keeping on phone got us knowing that the reason why mishaps lay ahead. On via A109 we with our friends who had decide to go the east African safari rally was drove, doing the sounds of Mojoe before us, they informed us of the knocked out of the rally circuit was (This one is a must listen, those guys rains whereby the spectator stage had mostly because of the expensive are tight). Apparently it was like all been cancelled after one of the cars crossing of the vehicles through the the cars were headed down the same had been washed down by flash border ports and more so the terrain route out of Nairobi, the excuse floods. Luckily no one was injured. which the other drivers found to being the rally of course. The last This did not deter our motives and on difficult to maneuver. The damages time we had gone for the rally we went, deciding to go see for they had incurred was too huge for experience, the spectator stage was a ourselves and of course take pictures. a sustainable rally. But thank God quarry near Athi river, but this time And sure enough about ten kilometers for the KCB safari rally which still it was at Kajiado. Bracing ourselves out of Kajiado, the turning towards hosts drivers from within and for the road trip, we turned into where the spectator stage was to be, without Africa, exposing the Kitengela and on to the road to cars were coming out and there Kenyan tourist to the wild and the Arusha. This I must say that the seemed not to be much activity going local drivers like me having a ministry of roads has done a great on. getaway to view the rally cars and a job here. The drive as fantastic and road test to our vehicles. Though “Kaseo” seemed happy for she took After making a few calls, we were the journey back seemed short, it on the road with such great power informed of the rally service centre was a great drive. It left us all overtaking like she had missed the which was a few kilometers ahead at longing to do another road trip to experience. It started raining several Bissil and on we decided to drive Namanga. So watch this space. kilometers before we got to Kajiado there. And luck we were, even though

Unitarian Humour

An atheist was taking a walk through the woods, admiring all that the “accident of evolution” had created. “What majestic trees! What powerful rivers! What beautiful animals!” he said to himself.

As he was walking alongside the river he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to look. He saw a 7-foot grizzly charge towards him. He ran as fast as he could up the path.

He looked over his shoulder and saw that the bear was closing in on him. He looked over his shoulder again, and the bear was even closer. His heart was pumping frantically and he tried to run even faster.

He tripped and fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw the bear right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw and raising his right paw to strike him.

At that instant the atheist cried out: “Oh my God!...”

Time stopped. The bear froze. The forest was silent.

As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky.“You deny my existence for all of these years, teach others I don‟t exist, and even credit creation to a cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?”

The atheist looked directly into the light, “It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask You to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps could You make the BEAR a Christian?”

“Very well,” said the voice. The light went out. And the sounds of the forest resumed.

And then the bear dropped his right paw... brought both paws together and bowed his head and spoke:

“Lord, for this food which I am about to receive, I am truly thankful.”

In Memory of Chinua Achebe

the preposterous and perverse arrogance in thus reducing Africa to the role of props for the break-up of one petty European mind?” His willingness to challenge even the most revered Western figures on their conceptions of the continent importantly addressed the questions of power and privilege in the construction of African identity, asserting a critical lens on how the literary world engaged Africa, and encouraging post-colonial discourse. As the first editor to African Writers Series, Achebe helped build the institution into a vehicle and forum for African writers. During his tenure, 1962- 1972, diverse African works “Oh, the most important thing about myself is were published, marking the divergence from that my life has been full of changes. Therefore, colonial bias in literary teaching and emergence when I observe the world, I don‟t expect to see it of representations of African life that were up to just like I was seeing the fellow who lives in the date with the times. next room. There is this complexity which seems Fearless in his politics, Achebe refused the to me to be part of the meaning of existence and Nigerian government‟s invitation to be named everything we value.” Commander of the Federal Republic – CHINUA ACHEBE 1930-2013 considered one of the highest national honors– twice. “I must register my disappointment “In my definition I am a protest writer, with and protest by declining to accept the high restraint.”Pioneering Nigerian author, Chinua honour awarded me in the 2004 Honours Achebe is widely renowned as the greatest List.” modern African writer. That could be contested, but what is indisputable is the path that Achebe On the wake of Achebe‟s passing, we want to forged for those to follow. A novelist, poet, remember some of his most powerful words. essayist, and instructor, Chinua Achebe boldly May fearless African voices like his live on, and challenged predominant narratives of Africa and may we follow his example of telling our own Africans, creating a space for critical African stories. “There is no story that is not true, [...] voices in the literary world. In “An Image of The world has no end, and what is good Africa: Racism in Conrad’s Heart of Darkness among one people is an abomination with

(1975) Achebe asked “Can nobody see the others.”

29 About JAF

The Jahwar Amber Fund now is part of the Unitarian movement that has developed worldwide as a response to the traditional politics of socialism, liberalism, and conservatism. Our main tenets are ecology and sustainability, democracy and human rights, self- determination and justice. We place particular emphasis on gender democracy, meaning social emancipation and equal rights for women and men. We are also committed to equal rights for cultural and ethnic minorities and to the societal and political participation of immigrants. Finally, we promote non-violence and proactive peace policies.

We are a green think tank, a local policy network, and are active in ecology, spiritual democracy and human rights in East Africa with three offices across Kenya.

Our Regional Office for Rift Valley and Western Kenya is based in Isinya, District of Kajiado County since 2012.

Jahwar Amber Fund Inc. has 501(c) 3 tax-exempt status in Canada and is registered as a community based organization (CBO) in Kenya. The Canada office helps with fundraising.

Since 2009, JAF has worked in Africa and with over 20 college and university campuses, training hundreds in the principles of secular leadership, and reaching millions through the media. We have worked with partners including the Secular Students Alliance, IHEU, IARF, UCEC, Skepchics, the White House, the Kenya Statehouse, Center for Inquiry and the Office of Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan. Arterial Network joins in our new list of partners!

The Balozi Journal (ISBN: 978-0-557-58274-7) is published bi – annually in January and September by the Jahwar Amber Fellowship Fund. Balozi Journal is registered in the Kenya Patent office. Copyright © 2009 by the Project Nabuur Art Institute

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