Kenya
Starving in the Name of God
In what has become known as the Shakahola Massacre, Paul Mackenzie is alleged to have forced his Kenyan congregants to fast to death so that they could meet Jesus. Over 400 deaths have been confirmed, prompting a rethink of the boundaries of church and state.
Nairobi's Muslims Displaced
In the past 15 years, there has been rapid private development in Pumwani, Kenya. The area is home to a historic Muslim community who now feel threatened and targeted by the urban changes that have seen them evicted from their homes. They allege that their properties have been deliberately set on fire.
End of Colonial Kenya Reflected in Its Own Literature
“Coming to Birth” was written after Macgoye, her husband and their children had moved back to Kenya. The book ends shortly after Ngugi’s arrest. In fact, this is the last political event this white Scottish woman who had fingered the pulse of Kenya’s political history describes in her book.
Sixty Years After Independence, a Kenyan Tribe Calls for Justice
When word spread that a journalist was here to document stories of colonial injustices, many victims arrived. “The lands are here with us. We are following the law to try and get them back. But if the British do not listen to us, we will have no choice but to pass the torch to the youths,” the elders said.
Kenyan Fishermen Languish Under Government Policy
As the Kenyan government aims to develop the northern coast, fishermen’s livelihoods have been thrown into disarray. It is becoming clear that, despite promises of jobs and economic benefits, there is no space for the fishermen in this new vision of Lamu.
East Africa’s Worst Drought in 40 Years Is Threatening Countries’ Future
An estimated 1.4 million livestock have died because of drought in Kenya in the final months of 2021, which has taken a toll on herder communities. But these climate change challenges have perhaps come with a silver lining: Class sizes have increased, especially among girls.
Nairobi Gang Members Turn to Greenery to Change Their Lives and City
"Nature has saved a lot of youths who might have been killed.” In impoverished areas of Kenya’s capital, gang members are putting down their guns and instead creating green spaces in the urban jungle.