Whispers' social justice revolution lives on

The family of the late Wahome Mutahi, who was popularly known as Whispers, hosted his 15th memorial celebration at PAWA254 on July 20.

The event brought together writers, artistes, actors and various stakeholders in the creative industry across the country. 

The celebration, which began at 4pm included plenary discussion session moderated by Prof Kimani Njogu from Twaweza Communication. The panellists were: Dr Doseline Kiguru, Dr Wandia Njoya, Boniface Mwangi, Tom Odhiambo and Paul Kelemba (Maddo).

Smitta (Tony Mochama) and Githuku set the mood for the celebration with performances that carried the compelling theme of revolution.

REVOLUTIONARY

The late Wahome Mutahi, through his works, advocated for liberation journalism. From his books to his satirical column for Sunday Nation newspaper and later The Standard Newspaper, he consistently challenged the oppressive political regime of the 1980s and 90s, a fact that was not lost among the many creatives who came to celebrate the humorous columnist.

In the audience were youth who identified as revolutionaries ready to speak truth to power. They challenged key panellists such as Dr. Wandia Njoya from Daystar University and activist Boniface Mwangi to lead them in liberating Kenya from political injustices and ignorance in the country.

“We have taken to social media and written post after post. We follow you guys on Twitter and Facebook, reading, writing and retweeting. We are tired of writing. We want action. We want liberation. We are ready for it. Lead us,” an exasperated youth said addressing the panellists.

Susan Bantu – a close friend to the late Whispers who shared a stage with him in the early days when they used to have plays in bars and public spaces – had a word for young upcoming revolutionaries. She discouraged the youth from waiting to be led but instead urged them to find their space, take the mantle and lead the way to liberation.

“My late husband was a close friend to Whispers. They would always hang out in the bar with their other friends and, as their wives, we often had to tag along.

“In the bar, they did not just drink. They shared ideas. They discussed issues affecting the country and they created content. Young people, embrace the space you are in and create something with your friends. Do not go to the club just to drink or get sponsors, use that space to create something meaningful,” she said.

During the interactive discussions, the need to use artistic expression to bring the desired change for the country was highlighted. A challenge was thrown to all in attendance concerning the role of creativity in bringing revolution.

LEGACY

Dr. Wandia Njoya lauded the late Wahome Mutahi for his bravery in using art to say the things that most people shied away from and using humour to make the same content entertaining.

“Wahome Mutahi gave us a mirror to look at ourselves. He was a liberation journalist who not only spoke truth to power but spoke truth to ourselves,” she said in her remarks.

The late Wahome Mutahi wrote consistently for a solid 20 years. His family – Thatcher, Whispers Junior and Pajero – became household names in many Kenyan homes.

Political intimidation did not deter him from his commitment to sensitise Kenyans on issues of politics and social justice. It is no wonder the auditorium was packed to capacity as people came from far and wide to celebrate a revolutionary who continues to inspire many, 15 years after his demise.

The book Best of Whispers: Politics, Family and Society was launched to bring the session to a close. Those who purchased the book were lucky to have it autographed by Thatcher. The book is a collection of articles from the late Wahome’s Sunday Nation column; “Whispers” and was retailing at Sh350.

A committee chaired by columnist Tony Mochama (Smitta) was also formed during the celebration. The committee will champion for the renaming of Kijabe Street to Wahome Mutahi Street.

Earlier this year, the Communication Authority of Kenya’s assistant director, Mr. Martin Ngesa, said there was a need to have new names on Kenya’s roads to reflect local history and culture.

The renaming campaign, dubbed WhisStreet campaign, kicked off this week with the chairman calling on Kenyans to support the cause through a Facebook post:

“Whispers literally lived at the Kenya National Theatre, next to KBC.  Imagine walking down (heroic) Harry Thuku Road, and turning right into (cultural) iconic Wahome Mutahi Street. This is what we have been tasked to do - turn the place of the wind (Kijabe is Maasai for Place of Wind) into the street of whispers; because a country that only ‘signages’ its politicians - Kenyatta Ave, Mama Ngina Street, etc. – becomes barbaric in the collective dis-memory of future generations. We need your help, rafikis, with petitions, possibly walk to CAK campaigns. As many as are of like mind, please say aye.”