Kenya
Severed Past, Uncertain Future
For the descendants of slaves living in Frere Town today, their demands to be recognized as a tribe in their own right, to have control over their church and to secure ownership over their land are an existential matter. If they lose this settlement, they fear they will lose themselves.
From Colonialism to Cooperation
As King Charles’ recent visit to Kenya suggests, the U.K. is beginning to acknowledge the violence of its actions during decolonization. But a focus on successful nationalist heroes over campaigns for wider social change continues a long-standing policy of allying with moderate elites.
Northern Kenya’s Unending Battle With Banditry and Cattle Rustling
Lomelo in Turkana County in northwestern Kenya has been bearing the brunt of cattle rustling and armed banditry attacks between the Turkana community and neighboring Pokot for decades. Over time, cattle raiding has devolved into attacks on civilians and has turned the locality into a battlefield. There is no solution in sight to halt the insecurity.
In Tragedy’s Wake, Kenya Grapples With How To Combat Dangerous Cults
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.
The Burning of Nairobi’s Historic Muslim Community
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.