My first memory of photography is with my family, where photography was a top pastime. Interestingly enough, many of the first photographers in Nairobi to shoot at a professional level came from my community.
I learnt to take pictures at school, through the guidance of my older brother who was already working with a local magazine. It was a soft landing for me. Later, when I started freelancing, I had already enrolled with the New York Institute of Photography.
Afterwards, I tried to find my way into newsrooms, but as I was so young, no-one took me seriously. One day, angry villagers killed four gangsters. Word of the attack reached me very early on and I rushed to the scene where I was the only photographer. By the time the story had spread and the mainstream news photographers arrived, hours had passed. I took my black and white films to one of the newsrooms and that kicked off the start of my career.
On a personal level, the job that left the biggest mark on me was the Westgate attack. I used to go to the mall with my family, and the idea that it could have happened while we were there really affected me. This was the third time I had seen so many deaths in such a small area. It was an extremely heart-wrenching moment.
Photography is a humbling experience; it has shaped me in many ways. To a certain extent, I express myself through every image I take; my life is a touch of art.
If people could see the details of life as a photographer does through their lens, then maybe the world would be valued much more.
Every day, I aim to photograph for a global audience. Although it is not always possible, I try to portray the African continent in a positive light.
I enjoy photographing the day-to-day lives of ordinary people, capturing their struggles and hardships through my images. I document humanity’s suffering, frustration, happiness and hope.
I respect God the most, and then the people with whom I interact in my daily life, as they are the reason I am who I am today.
