When award-winning editorial cartoonist Gado went to France and saw Les Guignols on television, he realized that this was exactly what Kenya needed—a humorous and piquant puppet show. And believe it or not, Latex Satirical Caricatures have created a platform, The XYZ Show. It tackles dire political issues and spurs dialogue on corruption, all with a good dose of fun involved. The television show is inviting and unifying, and the humor is a welcome change of pace.

We tune into XYZ and tune on to a growing wave of national consciousness. Finally, our political deities are not so powerful; we are not so powerless after all. With characters as diverse as Kibaki and Obama, this season even boasts Mr. Wuu, a Chinese contractor and father of all Sino-Kenyan babies on Thika Road.

How does one find a balance between being the critical and the humorous? Brian Kyallo-Msafiri, the director of XYZ, gives insight into how a show so hilarious can contribute to building our nation.

In your view, what are the four overarching problems our country faces?

In my view, this would be endemic tribalism, corruption, poor governance and voter apathy.

How is The XYZ Show exploring this?

In the show, from the president to the Prime Minister, down to the common man, there are no sacred cows! No one is above the law or beyond reproach. We’ve had skits of the Maize Scandal, the Kazi Kwa Vijana Scam and the Education Ministry Money Scandal. This open satire has really changed how Kenyans view elected politicians and politics.

What do politicians say about the show?

Raila Odinga loved our Kigeugeu spoof of him. Presidential aspirant Martha Karua even gave us a surprise visit and took pictures with her puppet! I guess they understand that, if you can’t beat them, join them.

Did the post-election violence influence the show?

It actually motivated XYZ to come into the picture. At the time, ethnicity was a very sensitive topic to discuss. We tackled and broke down the fears that existed; we went all out and made fun of sensitive issues. Our skits played on cultural stereotypes and showed how unreal they were. XYZ debunked myths that influence our traditional voting habits. We encouraged conversation. Tribalism is still rife in Kenya. My hope for the upcoming

elections is that the country will unite behind a cause and not a tribal chief.

What did you do during the Hague-ICC 6 hype?

In fact, season four is labeled The Hague Edition. We even introduced a Boy Band called Six2Hague—their name was spoofed from Boyz II Men. Six2Hague sang End of the Road! We did various skits with Ocampo and ICC judge Ekaterina Trendy flavor. In fact, Judge Trendy flavor made quite a show—she was even interviewed by Keff Joinange!

What future do you envision for Kenya?

I dream of a Kenya with one-hundred percent literacy! A country where we are self-reliant and do not have to rely on food aid, water flows into every homestead, and art and culture is our cornerstone.

The XYZ Show airs every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on K!SS TV. www.xyzshow.com.