Nairobi News

Letters like yours mean a great deal to me, and they keep me going every single day; those are the moving words of US President Barack Obama in a letter he wrote to activist Boniface Mwangi.

In the letter dated 20 July 2015, which Mwangi posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday night, the US President thanks the activist for writing a letter to him and for his thoughtful gifts.

“I was struck by your story, and I want you to know I am grateful for your continued support for our shared values,” Obama writes.

“Though we all come from different traditions and communities, I believe each of us has power to make the world we seek. When joined together by a common set of ideals, our diversity makes us stronger. As long as we hold firm to our principles and back our beliefs with courage and resolve, then I am confident hope will overcome fear, and freedom will continue to triumph over tyranny – because that’s what forever stirs in the human heart,” the letter continues.

The subject of Mwangi’s letter to Obama that prompted a reply from the US President, however, remain unknown since the activist has not made it public.

THOUGHTFUL GIFTS

The ‘thoughtful gifts’ from Mwangi which President Obama cites in his letter are also anonymous.

Mwangi, through his PAWA254 initiative, is renowned for organizing street demonstrations against poor governance and issues touching on human rights.

One of his most recent street protests, dubbed ‘Occupy Parliament’, took place on 14th May 2013 when he mobilized protesters to feed pigs on blood outside the gates of Parliament to symbolise the greed of Kenyan MPs whom he christened ‘MPigs’.

Currently, PAWA254 is holding the ‘Courage Project’ photo exhibition outside the Kenya National Archives along Moi Avenue.

The exhibition, which began on 19th October and will run until 20th November, highlights stories of courageous individuals who payed a heavy price for Kenya to be where it is today. This project is supported by Chief Justice Dr Willy Mutunga.