On this Jamhuri Day, we commemorate Kenya’s independence from colonial rule and its transition to a republic. Yet, 60 years after that monumental achievement, Kenyans continue to grapple with pressing questions about freedom. Are we truly free, or do the struggles of today—from maandamano protests over high taxation, economic hardships, and government accountability to unresolved historical injustices—highlight the unfinished work of our independence?
To explore these critical issues, we’re shining a spotlight on three films that interrogate Kenya’s historical and ongoing battles for justice, equity, and true liberation. These stories amplify the voices of those striving to reclaim their agency and envision a freer, more just society.
OUR LAND, OUR FREEDOM
Type: Documentary
Year: 2023 | Runtime: 140 min
Languages: English, Swahili, Kikuyu
This powerful documentary follows Wanjugu Kimathi’s quest to uncover the truth about her father Dedan Kimathi’s disappearance during British colonial rule. Her journey reveals atrocities such as concentration camps and the mass displacement of Kenyans from their ancestral lands. Wanjugu’s personal investigation evolves into a larger movement for justice and land resettlement, challenging the enduring legacy of colonial exploitation.
Why It Matters Today:
Our Land Our Freedom speaks directly to the heart of the freedom question. While Kenya may have shed colonial rule, land dispossession and historical injustices still shape the socio-economic disparities we see today. This film asks us to consider: can true freedom exist without addressing the inequities of the past?
THE BATTLE FOR LAIKIPIA
Type: Documentary
Year: 2024 | Runtime: 94 min
Languages: English, Swahili
Set in Laikipia County, this documentary contrasts the lives of two families: Simeon, a Samburu herder, and Maria, a descendant of British colonists. As drought and climate change exacerbate tensions over land, Simeon’s nomadic way of life comes under threat, while Maria struggles to maintain her ranch. The film explores how colonial legacies and modern governance systems collide to perpetuate inequality.
Why It Matters Today:
The Battle of Laikipia reflects the broader struggles that drive maandamano. The escalating cost of living, land inequality, and resource conflicts are rooted in the same systemic issues this film explores. It’s a poignant reminder that true liberation must address both environmental sustainability and economic justice.
3 BAD
Type: Short Experimental Film
Year: 2024 | Runtime: 6 min
Languages: Sheng’
In this experimental short film by Blunt and Dreamer, the fictional land of Babylon mirrors Kenya’s current struggles. Ruled by a greedy and incompetent leader, Babylon is a nation with immense potential that has stagnated under poor governance. When a fearless bounty hunter rises against the oppressive system, others begin to reclaim their power and envision a brighter future.
Why It Matters Today:
3 Bad captures the spirit of maandamano and the resilience of ordinary Kenyans who continue to demand accountability from their leaders. This film celebrates the courage to resist oppression and reimagine a society where freedom is not just a promise but a lived reality.
The film is available to watch on YouTube.
Reflecting on Freedom Today
As we celebrate Jamhuri Day, let’s honor those who fought for our independence while critically reflecting on the challenges that still shape our nation. Which other films do you think speak powerfully to the theme of freedom?
