Delineation of National Healing and Conflict Resolution in Film: A Case Study of Kenya

Abstract

Wale Watu is a film by Cajetan Boy. This feature film was inspired by the post election chaos that followed the disputed 2007 elections in Kenya. The plot of Wale Watu orbits around two youths, Paul and Mercy. Coming from different, indeed, historically antagonistic ethnic communities (Mercy is a Kikuyu and Paul is a Luo), the two are in love and plan to get married. Whereas their parents have no qualms about the relationship and indeed live in harmony, the outcome of the elections marks a turning point. Chaos ensues, the two communities turn against each other. Paul’s father’s hospital is set on fire by furious Kikuyu youths, precipitating the demise of Paul’s paternal uncle, Mark, who is burnt to death inside the hospital set ablaze. Paul’s sister Safari escapes death narrowly but with severe injuries. Among the Kikuyu youths gone amok is Mercy’s brother, Robert. And when the truism that Paul’s Fiancée’s brother was one of the youths who participated in killing Paul’s uncle comes to the fore, Paul’s and Mercy’s wedding plans are thrown into disarray. Tension is palpable everywhere