Boniface Mwangi, 29, has a life that makes for a fascinating tale. A primary-school dropout, he has gone on to achieve a lot for both himself and our country. Among a plethora of accolades, Boniface was named the 2008 CNN Multichoice African Journalist of the Year. That same year, he founded Picha Mtaani, a travelling exhibition on post-election violence, and set up PAWA254, which serves as a creative hub.

In 2012, Boniface came up with a controversial graffiti campaign dubbed “Vulture Graffiti”. His group of graffiti artists produced huge murals, depicting various Kenyan politicians with the bodies of vultures. Dressed in black hoodies with a vulture on the back crossed out with a red X, they roamed Nairobi’s streets to manifest their protest. It captured the imagination of the nation (and beyond), provoking Kenya into thinking more about its leaders. “Kenyans are interested in the campaign because we communicate with them. The language that we use.

The depiction on the wall is targeting everyone, even the illiterate. The visual is our great strength,” enthuses Boniface. Unfortunately, intimidation from the government through the City Council of Nairobi forced Boniface and the artists into a corner. Council workers would paint over any work done during the night, so the team had to rethink their strategy. Boniface now plans to start a graffiti school, producing professionals who will take their street art to other towns and institutions—and to a whole new level. The campaign aims to go viral to further boost its visibility.

Boniface says he hasn’t ventured beyond the city because “it is dangerous out there.” He explains further, “You can get shot easily outside Nairobi. A major challenge is the misinterpretation of our motives. People appreciate our work when it favors their candidate of choice. The moment you try to give facts, you get into trouble with one party or the other.” Why graffiti? “It is art, not vandalism, even more when graffiti has such a necessary function,” Boniface stipulates. “We are informing and empowering people to know what is wrong and what is right. It should be encouraged. Unity is our strength and, if we join hands as young people, we can change our country.” Using Graffiti Against the “Vultures” By Alma Midega Email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .