Page 2

According to local media reports, Mekatilili was renowned for her dancing. She performed the native kifudu dance (a dance reserved for funeral ceremonies) from town to town, and she used this dance to attract a large following and support for her cause. Some Kenyans still refer to Mekatilili as “the widow who beat the British through ecstatic dance.”

She vehemently stood against British conscription of Giriama men to fight in the World War I and rallied her community to resist British colonial rule, which put her at loggerheads with the colonial masters, who sent her on exile.

In October 1913, Mekatilili was banished from her community for her fearlessness and outright confrontation of British colonial masters (according to the Daily Nation).

But she returned five years later and did not back down. Mekatilili continued speaking out against repressive colonial policies and ordinances. She refused to be deterred by anyone or any policy.

Mekatilili was one of the first women to stand up to colonialists in Africa. The Daily Nation documents that the British called her a “witch” and “a prophetess who gave additional force to the oath in spreading the gospel of violence.”

Mekatilili’s courage has inspired many women across Kenya and Africa to stand up for their rights and defend themselves and their communities against undue oppression. A statue has been erected in honour of her efforts at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, and the garden has been renamed Mekatilili wa Menza Gardens. Ized Uanikhehi contributed to this story

for more creative and inspiration picture check out richallela.com

Photo Credit :  Rich Allela(Kenya) Dapel Kureng(Nigeria)

Make Up Artist :  Michelle Ngoje

Stylist : Erick Mochache

Model : Sharyl Apondi , Natasha Boella , Naomi Wamalwa , Sharon Allela , Cecilia Ouko , , Bella Bwora

BTS : Sybril Atemo
Driver : Mike Mutua

Location : Bomas of Kenya
Horses :
Props :Pro Tisa Creations

Media : Awom kenneth

Content Courtesy Of CNN Africa