Google honours freedom fighter Mekatilili wa Menza

Former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar (right)admires a portrait of Mekatilili wa Menza in 2016 [Photo: Kelvin Karani]

Kenya’s freedom fighter Mekatilili wa Menza will today be honoured by Google through a special doodle. Menza is known for inspiring Giriama people to resist colonial rule in the early 20th century. “Doodles provide a way for Google to connect with its users by helping them celebrate important moments and heroes,” said Dorothy Ooko, head of Communications and Public Affairs, Africa.

Google began honouring people, events, anniversaries, and holidays with Doodles designed by one of its engineers in 1999. They have honoured several African personalities such as Margaret Ogola, the award-winning author, medical doctor and human rights advocate; Wangari Mathai, Nobel Peace Prize winner and environmentalist; South African singer and activist Miriam Makeba and Stephen Keshi, former captain and coach of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team.