Entertainment
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY!
Time travel feels like an ancient tradition rooted in old mythologies, old as gods and dragons. It isn’t. It is the ability to go back in time and feel history, see it, and revel in it. Dare I even say, you can almost taste it. So, this week, we look at the key moments that shaped the nation and changed the course of our country’s history. This is a week in history.
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On January 15, 2019, an attack occurred at the Dusit D2 Complex in Westlands, Chiromo, resulting in the loss of 22 civilian lives. Five armed terrorists gained entry to the premises and carried out activities that added another tragic event to Kenya’s history of terror attacks. However, the Kenya Defense Forces and the National Police Service were well-prepared to handle such situations, having gained experience from previous incidents like the Westgate Attack in 2013 and the Garissa University Attack in 2015. They swiftly responded, working together to rescue hostages, eliminate all five militants, and finally bring an end to the siege by the following day, January 16, at 10:00 am.
On January 17, 2008, Koffi Annan, the former UN Secretary-General, arrived in Kenya to mediate the conflict that had arisen between former President Kibaki and former Prime Minister Odinga, as well as their respective supporters. The December 2007 elections had been marred by allegations of electoral manipulation, leading to disputes over the victory of Mr. Kibaki. Following Mr. Kibaki’s inauguration on December 30th, Mr. Odinga called for mass protests across the country, which ultimately sparked widespread violence and crimes committed by Kenyans against each other. Today, we solemnly remember all those who tragically lost their lives and extend our heartfelt prayers to those who suffered losses in terms of loved ones and property.
Courtesy of the Washington Post.
On January 18, 1967, the Kenya African National Union was announced by Former President Jomo Kenyatta. This announcement held significant importance as the country was in its early stages and required a symbol of unity. It called for leaders from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities to come together and advocate for the Kenyan flag. The original members, including Jomo Kenyatta, Tom Mboya, Daniel Moi, Jaramogi Oginga, and others, aimed to unify the nation and prevent tribalism. However, they were idealists Je wangekuwa mambo yangekuwa sawa?.
After the passing of Mzee Kenyatta, Moi took the oath of office as Kenya’s second president on January 20th, 1978. This was a significant moment as it facilitated a peaceful and lawful transfer of power from one administration to another. It also marked the transition from Kikuyu-dominated ethnic politics to Kalenjin-led ethnic politics, potentially indicating a shift in the allocation of government and natural resources. In a time of mourning and uncertainty for the Kenyan people, Moi pledged to combat tribalism and corruption and to carry on in the footsteps of Mzee Kenyatta hence, the ‘tufuate nyayo’slogan. Wewe unajua kama alitimiza. Mine is to facilitate the time travel. What you do with it, is up to you.
On January 21, 1969, Thomas Mboya, a well-known politician and the Minister of Economic Planning and Development at the time, was murdered by Nahashon Isaac Njenga Njoroge, who was a trade unionist. This event led to widespread demonstrations and unrest, fueling ethnic divisions between the Kikuyu and Luo communities in the country.
With that, the journey of looking back in time comes to an end. Join me next week. Same place, same time. Until then, Auf Wiedersehen.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has postponed the premiere of her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, in light of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
Originally set to debut on January 15, the show will now launch on March 4. Meghan expressed gratitude to Netflix for supporting her decision to delay the release, saying, “I’m thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California.”
Netflix’s Tudum platform confirmed the postponement, highlighting that the show, a tribute to the beauty of Southern California, had been rescheduled due to the ongoing crisis.
Meghan and Prince Harry have actively supported relief efforts, offering their Montecito home as a refuge for friends and loved ones displaced by the fires. On January 10, they distributed food and supplies in Pasadena, met with affected families, and thanked first responders for their work. Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo commended the couple, saying their presence uplifted spirits and provided hope to those impacted.
The couple also released a statement urging residents to assist evacuees, check on vulnerable neighbors, and donate essential items to families who’ve lost everything. They encouraged support for organizations like the American Red Cross, which is actively aiding wildfire victims.
Through their actions and advocacy, Meghan and Harry continue to demonstrate their commitment to supporting communities in times of crisis.
Netflix is set to broaden its repertoire of African storytelling with the premiere of Mo-Faya, an enthralling new drama series from acclaimed creator and director Reuben Odanga.
The seven-episode series is scheduled to launch on December 20, 2024, offering audiences a unique blend of intense drama and telenovela flair.
Mo-Faya takes viewers on a journey through Nairobi’s vibrant streets and into the lesser-seen corners of Western Kenya, an area rarely spotlighted in mainstream media. The show centers on Zawadie, whose life unravels after learning life-altering secrets about her family. Determined to rebuild, she begins a new chapter with her boyfriend, Brian. But when she discovers his dangerous double life, Zawadie is drawn into a shadowy world filled with betrayal and crime.
The series features a mix of seasoned talent and emerging stars, including Lorna Lemi (Nairobby), Brahim Ouma (Pepeta), and newcomers Tobit Tom and Mathew Ngugi. Also joining the cast are Alex Mwakideu (Nafsi), Blessing Lung’aho (Country Queen), Basil Mungai (Kina), Tessy Njine (Selina), and the well-known media personality Cate Rira.
Reuben Odanga, known for his work on the critically acclaimed, Kalasha Award-winning telenovela Selina, brings his expertise to Mo-Faya, marking his first series for Netflix. His directorial debut feature film, Nafsi, was also featured on the platform in 2022, solidifying his reputation as a pioneer in Kenyan storytelling.
Mo-Faya promises to bring a fresh and compelling voice to the global stage of drama.
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