On August 13, 1913 Mekatilili attended a baraza between Giriama elders and Arthur Champion, a British administrator. Champion demanded taxes and young men (for free labour) from the Giriama.
Mekatilili, who was at the meeting, and had a hen and its chicks in a basket, challenged Arthur: “Who will give away his sons to go and be killed? You try taking one chick and let’s see what happens.”
Champion reached for a chick and the hen flapped and attacked him. Mekatili said: “You see what this hen has done? If you take our sons, we will do the same.” Champion reacted by shooting the hen and Mekatilili slapped him on the face.
“Celebratig Mekatilili wa Menza” is an exhibition of children’s art celebrating Mekatilili through art, poetry and Giriama dance.
Thursday, August 13, 2020
2:00 – 6:00 PM EAT
African Corner Lamu (@african_corner_lamu_)
Shela
Lamu
POWERED BY:
African Corner Lamu (@african_corner_lamu_)
Lamu
African Corner Lamu