Dressed up in ‘mboga’, for the love of animals

A lone voice is getting louder by the day, shouting: “Go vegetarian and save planet earth.” And soon, Kenyan lovers of nyama choma, tumbukiza or fry — all variations of beef an mbuzi meat— will start listening.

Africa’s first Lettuce Lady is none other than Michelle Odhiambo, 26.

Clad in a spectacular full-length gown made of lettuce, Michelle made her case for adopting the vegetarian diet in her campaign.

Compassionate

In her right hand, she held a sign reading: Let Vegetarianism Grow On You. She said animal products have been found to be number one cause of climate change.

“I believe Kenya is a compassionate society. Animals have rights just like humans do, and deserve a break,” said Lettuce Lady.

The challenge is also to restaurants. Lettuce Lady is challenging food outlets to introduce vegetarian dishes on the menu.

Michelle, a volunteer of the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta), wanted to draw attention to the suffering billions of animals, raised and killed for food.

“We are asking people to turn a new leaf and go vegetarian,” Michelle told the crowd that gathered on Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi on Tuesday.

“With so many delicious alternatives to meat, it is easier than ever to enjoy great food without causing animal suffering.”

Michelle who became a vegetarian in 2002, says the kind of treatment animals are subjected to made her change her beef-eating habits. It was not easy, she explains, but she persevered.

Animal products

“As we grow up, we are made to believe that animal products are the main sources of proteins our bodies require, but the truth is, we can get the same in vegetables, fruits and nuts.

“Lack of information continues to hurt animals and our planet. Today I have decided to encourage Kenyans to become vegetarians and stop eating meat because of the damage it does,” she said.

According to the organisers of Lettuce Lady, consumption of meat, eggs and dairy products is a major contributor to resource depletion, pollution and widespread hunger, especially in Africa and parts of Asia.

“Waste, antibiotics and pesticides from factory farms and slaughterhouses contaminate water sources,” the organisers said.

Animals produce 13 billion metric tonnes of excrement a year. Much of the world’s water supply is also being diverted to animal agriculture, contributing to 2.5 trillion litres of water consumed by animal agriculture — enough for everyone in the world to take eight showers.

Peta Asia director Jason Baker, who is in the country to organise Africa’s first Lettuce Lady, expressed confidence that the campaign will succeed.

“It is OK. We want to plant a seed and see how it grows,” he told the Nation in response to queries about the success of the campaign.

“Fifteen years ago when the campaign started in America, it was more like an isolated voice. Right now, we have celebrities and Nobel laureates supporting the case.”

The UN too took the cue in a 2008 nutrition report called for Vegetarianism.

“People know the health problems caused by consumption of animal products, but the aspect of environment remains largely unknown,” he said. “This is a fun and sexy way to bring a serious issue on the forefront and trigger a debate.”

Peta, with more than two million members and supporters, is the largest animal rights organisation in the world.

It is based in Norfolk, Virginia, with affiliates in the UK, Germany, The Netherlands, India, Asia-Pacific Region and now, Kenya for the African region.

It focuses on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time: factory farms, laboratories, the clothing trade, and entertainment industry.

Ashley Fruno also of Peta said: “This is the first time, but it will certainly not be the last.”

The Lettuce Lady celebrations, she added, would become an annual event in Nairobi.