Peace on a brush

Were you born in Kibera?

No, I was born in Lwandeti, Webuye. I attended Sirungai Primary and did KCPE in 1994. I never joined high school for lack of fees. Since l was talented in art, l resolved to pursue it, and through own determination and assistance from close allies, l perfected skills in sign writing, sculpting, carving and art and design. I came to Nairobi and lived in Kibera from December 2003. People hire me to do signage on shops. I also draw and paint portraits. I am married with three children.

How did you end up penning peace messages?

After voting peacefully, l saw the delay in announcing results start to create tension and eventually degenerated into chaos. At this point, people start looting, destroying and setting properties aflame. Some turned against neighbours they had lived with for years. I have learned that art speaks, and l resolved to use the only means within my reach - a brush and paint.

What are some of the messages you painted?

Keep Peace, Keep Peace Fellow Kenyans, Peace Wanted Alive, Zuia Noma Chagua Amani, Love Each Other, Give Koffi Annan a Chance. I painted on walls, gates, roads, electricity poles, trees, windows, toilets, T-shirts, stones, dogs, churches, and also on toys l made and gave them to children to spread the message as they play. Had l authority, I would paint the same on people and vehicles.

People know you as Solo 7, the name you left at the end of every peace message. What is it?

My two names Solomon Muyundo have seven letters each, I was born July 7, 1977, and l am the seventh born of nine children. There lies the puzzle to my Solo 7 trademark.

Were you not worried about the risks involved at that time?

Even today, it surprises me where l got that courage. I recall relatives and neighbours warning me about it. I thank God l came out alive. But, let me say, my conscience commissioned me and l still don’t know how l could have denied it. God helped me, and like a chameleon, I camouflaged with where l was and came out unscratched.

Your peace initiative catapulted you into public limelight, right?

Mmm... Yes! I met people l wouldn’t have met in any ordinary day like then United States ambassador Michael Ranneberger and T J Dowling, a Counsellor for Public Affairs in the Embassy of United States of America, who together had an interview at Kibera’s Pamoja FM about my initiative.

 I was interviewed by international media like BBC, CNN  and Al Jazeera. Some still come to ask about peace in Kibera, and what l do. Kibera residents still refer to me as Koffi Annan.

What challenges did you face at that time?

First, being hot as it was l could easily be suspected as a thief and lynched. Kibera has most of ODM supporters, and there are those who thought I had been hired and paid by Kibaki (PNU) party to calm them. To them, that was not justice.

At one time, they captured me and forced me to paint, ‘No Raila No Peace, Mwizi wa Kura, No Ugali No Peace, You have stolen our elections, We want our Rights...’ It was hard getting paint since all shops had closed, and being a hustler, l didn’t have the money to buy paint.

Did you succeed in your initiative?

Although l cannot measure the victory, l know of tens of close friends l calmed down who would have done worse things. They laughed and called me crazy. I believe many others read my message and stopped. I also agree it didn’t come out the way l wanted.

Did anyone recognize your efforts in peace initiative?

(Laughs) How? So far, none from the Government. That fame came, and l still receive visitors of different walks, but not monetary terms. However, immediately everything calmed down, a local NGO named Carolina for Kibera, approached me and briefly hired me as their community mediator.

 It is involved in peace and reconciliation processes, encouraging dialogue, promotion through sports for slum dwellers. I am back to my hustling ways.

Any future plans?

I still do my art and design work. I still do peace messages to continue speaking to people through my work. If you walk around Kibera, you would see fresh peace messages l have done. I think human beings need constant reminder to do the right thing.