A striking new mural by award-winning painter and graffiti artist, Bankslave, has taken the streets of Kibra by storm, sparking an outpouring of admiration on social media.
The vibrant artwork, which pays homage to Stevo Simple Boy's popular catchphrase "Dragon Moto Testing," has lit up the Fort Jesus area of Kibra, adding a burst of color to the otherwise gritty neighborhood.
What makes this mural even more captivating is that it is a tribute to both the beloved rapper's deep connection with the community and the resilience of Kibra's residents in the face of tragedy.
Stevo Simple Boy, who is no stranger to Kibra, has been an outspoken advocate for his neighborhood, often sharing his love for the place through his music and social media posts.
In response to the mural, Stevo took to Instagram to express his gratitude, writing, "I love sana my people." His words, filled with affection for his home, resonate deeply with the residents of Kibra, who have long seen Stevo as a local hero.
But beyond the catchy phrase "Dragon Moto Testing," which Stevo has made synonymous with his music, Bankslave's mural carries a poignant message.
The artist, who has been a fixture in the graffiti scene for years, shared that the artwork is not just a tribute to Stevo but also to the victims of the frequent fires that have devastated Kibra. Over the years, numerous families have lost their homes and livelihoods to these fires, which continue to wreak havoc on the community.
"Kibra fires have really hurt families through the years. This cannot continue to be normalized," Bankslave wrote on social media, underlining the urgency of addressing the dangerous conditions that have led to these fires.
His plea for change is encapsulated in the hashtag #StopKibrafires, drawing attention to the need for solutions that can prevent such tragedies from happening again.
The mural, painted on the wall of a building in Kibra, stands as a bold reminder of both the community's strength and the challenges it faces.
The fires, which have become an all-too-frequent occurrence in the area, have claimed the lives of many, including the tragic incident last year where a middle-aged man, Onyango Eric, was found dead in Kichinjio, Kibera, after he allegedly hanged himself in the wake of a devastating fire that destroyed his business.
The flames of destruction also left a significant number of people homeless. In 2023, a horrific inferno in the Laini-Saba settlement left about 300 families without homes, as their homes and shops were reduced to ashes. The cause of the fire was reportedly a stove explosion, yet another reminder of the vulnerability of the community.
In celebrating Stevo Simple Boy's connection to Kibra, the award winning artist has also brought attention to a cause that continues to affect thousands of people-making this artwork not just a piece of visual expression, but a catalyst for change.
