South Sudanese exiles in Kenya dance to freedom

Hundreds of South Sudanese nationals living in Kenya gathered in Nairobi and Eldoret to celebrate their country’s independence.

They arrived at Nairobi’s Railways Club in cars, pick-up trucks and motorbikes.

They sang and danced on the roadside as they walked to join their countrymen in celebrating the big day waving their country’s flags.

The youth were the most conspicuous with their dreadlocks, tight jeans, high-heeled shoes, miniskirts and boots.

Speaks Sheng

Benard Lokan, 22, has lived in Kenya since he was two. Having spent most of his life in Nairobi, he speaks the local slang, Sheng.

The dreadlocked youth wore a rastafarian wristband which bore his nickname, Bena. “I can’t wait to go back. I am so happy we have our own country,” he said.

Those who gathered here tried to show their happiness in many ways, including marking their bodies.

Some carried banners with different messages. One, perched on the fence read: “Bye bye Al-Bashir, South Sudan married a girl of her choice.”

Next to it, five men performed a Nuer traditional victory dance. They had a paper shield painted with the South Sudanese flag colours and carried long sticks to act as spears in a war enactment.

“The dance is called bulthor. It is meant to honour our heroes,” explained Lat Dang, the choreographer.

National dress

On the other side of the compound were dancing women all wearing uniform shoals over the shoulder.

This dress has its origin in the Shulu Kingdom and the women said they would want it to be the South Sudan national dress.

“I couldn’t sleep last night because we were still thinking about our little baby,” said Naomi Tong.

Inside a hall, another crowd was glued to a giant screen watching live proceedings of the independence ceremony from Juba.

They cheered when President Salva Kiir was shown arriving at the event’s venue. After the speeches, they trickled out – to party all night.

“We have to go and build our nation. But we will only do that if we stand as one,” said Ms Tong.

In Eldoret, hundreds congregated at Kapsoya Catholic Church for the celebrations. Traditional songs in praise of the new republic and the quest for liberation rent the air.

Emmanuel Malwal, 28, was overwhelmed with joy as he joined more than 2,000 people to celebrate the big day.

“I am very happy to see this day and I am willing to go back and build my country as I have acquired the necessary education in Kenya,” Mr Malwal said.

He added that he was happy to be alive to witness the fruits of the independence for which they had fought hard for.

Our fathers

“Some of our fathers have not lived to see this day even though they were on the forefront in the war and actively took part in the liberation of South Sudan,” Mr Malwal said.

School-going children in the area said they are eagerly waiting to finish their education so that they could go back to their country.

Reported by Aggrey Mutambo, Ouma Wanzala and Samuel Koech