The Maasai Mbili

The Maasai Mbili was formed by two men: Otieno Gomba and Otieno Kota. They created a studio space in 2001 in order to make a centre of artistic expression and tolerance. The group now consists of eight men who, for them, graffiti is an expression of peace and justice and a way to share their messages with the world in order to represent the life in Kibera.

One of their main achievements was setting up a community project called “Art for Peace”. This was generated in response to the political violence that arose out of the post-election in December 2007. This aimed to heal and restore community values and social cohesion, using street art as a visual resistance. It was also “a form of therapy” for children who suffered the full force of the trauma.

The main slogan they tagged on the walls of Kibera was “PEACE WANTED ALIVE”. Otieno Kennedy Rabala explains, “this happens when there is chaos with the government...this is how people discipline the government in Kenya". This shows that street art was a good way to communicate to politicians and as a result can create not only social change, but political change too; therefore empowering the voice and opinions of Kenyans to higher authorities.

Gomba said “Art For Peace is eternal. It has no limit. It doesn’t just apply to Kenya. It has no boundaries.” He also said “Mental attitudes are changing”. Rather than turning to a negative life involving crime, art is a way out for people to escape the dregs of crime and make a decent living, even if they don’t achieve much academically. This was proved by one of the members, Solomon Muyundo, a.k.a Solo7, in 2002.

The Maasai Mbili gave Solomon canvas, and taught him how to stretch it. When he sold his first painting in 2003, he paid them back and bought more canvas and paint. He had never been employed and managed to make his living through art. Despite this, he says he is “one of the freest men in Kibera”. This concept he had of himself was challenged when he took part in writing “PEACE WANTED ALIVE” and “KEEP PEACE FOLLOW KENYANS” during the post-election violence. He was worried he would be part of the 1200+ who died or part of the half a million who were displaced after the violence. When he ended up colliding with gangs and youths they forced him to write their slogan, "No Raila, No Peace." However, in doing this, he left his signature off in order to reduce social stigma and still promote peace. 

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CATEGORY: SOCIETY and CULTURE and ART & DESIGN and WORLD POLITICS