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

Campaign to draw attention to the suffering of creatures killed and eaten

“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.