By Phares Mutembei
Without doubt, 12-year-old Simon Muneneâs star is shining bright ready to shoot far into a brighter future. The outstanding Standard Five pupil at Githinji Primary School in Njabiini is a talented cartoonist with a gift for drawing.
When we visited him, we found him busy drawing with a stark of papers, drawings, pencils and water-colour in front of him producing captivating images. His talent has not only surprised villagers at Magumu in Njabiini, but also beyond. Recently, young Munene was recognised and feted in an international art contest sponsored by Toyota for children.
He is a promising young cartoonist indeed and with support, he is going places as proven by the fact that his drawing became talk of town when he emerged best in the Toyota Dream Car Art contest.
"My drawing emerged one of the best, hence Toyota East Africa Ltd in Nairobi invited me to go collect my prize, which included a certificate. I was so happy because I met children with talent like mine. Toyota held a big party for winners where we met, mingled and made new friends. This made the day one of the most memorable for me," says Munene who also loves English, Swahili, Art, and Music at school.
The international art competition for children attracted thousands of entries and the overall winners won a trip to Toyota City, in Japan where the boss of the motor vehicle manufacturing company, Mr Akio Toyoda presented them with prizes. Children in the village love him for his kindness and patience. The fact that Munene is an orphan, living with his grandmother has not quelled his ambitions.
"I want to be a famous cartoonist in Kenya. I always look for old copies of The Standard, The County Weekly and other newspapers and magazines to see what their cartoonists have drawn. When I grow up, I want to draw for a big newspaper," he says with a smile as he starts a drawing of President Kibaki.
Munene shows off a piece of his drawing. [Photo: Jenipher Wachie/Standard]
"I love to draw President Kibaki and PM Raila Odinga all the time. They are easy to draw because I see them in newspapers and television all the time!" he says.
His style of drawing caught us by surprise.
"I want to draw a bull. A big angry bull," he stated.
But instead of starting with the head, Munene began with the tail! He slowly sketched the body, the feet, ending with the head! His grandmother says Munene is a gifted boy who spends his spare time sharpening his drawing skills, when not helping with house chores or doing his school work.
