Keeping Murumbi's Legacy Alive

Kenya Wed 09-04-2008

Keeping Murumbi's Legacy Alive
By Maggie Otieno

The desolate grave yard at Nairobi's City Park, is about to become home to a magnificent sculpture. The sculpture is to commemorate the life of Joseph Murumbi, Kenya’s first foreign minister who wished to be buried at the park. Murumbi's other wish was to have artist Elkana Ong’esa sculpture at his final resting place.

In a serene and hidden lush green corner of the park bordering the grave yard, you will find the Murumbi Memorial Park. The park is a buzz with monkeys curious as to what the grinding noise and chiseling that rents the air is all about. A large boulder, upto 4 tonnes, stands out.

This is Elkana Ong’esa’s latest commission “Bird of Peace 2.” ‘I have enjoyed using texture on this piece. The stone itself guides me by its random veins. It seeks to direct me to reach the ultimate goal desired to bring out the subject without forcing my idea on it’ Elkana explains to AfricanColours. He has curved out intricate grinder marked shapes, to produce stunning birds that seem to emerge from a rock.

'The Bird of Peace' By Elkana Onge'sa

^{'The Bird of Peace' stands at an intimidating 8 feet high, occupying a width of 5 feet. The sculpture

will stand a top a fifteen feet marble pedestal at the head of the Murumbis' graves.}

Elkana is a descendant of the family that brought the Kisii soapstone carving to the world. He has been working on the ‘Bird of Peace’ since August 2007. Weighing a massive 4 tonnes, this intimidating granite stone from LuKenya hills, curved into a bird, is set to be a must see sculpture located in a public place in Nairobi, Kenya.

Working with 3 assistants, the master sculpture has only 2 weeks to complete this piece 'The Bird of peace 2’ is a commissioned sculpture by the Murumbi Foundation. A trust that aims to keep the legacy of a great African alive by sensitizing the public about his vast collection of African art and the importance of appreciating and protecting it.

The plan to have this sculpture on Murumbi Park was a well laid plan by the late Murumbi and his late wife Sheila. The ‘Bird of Peace’ project has been generously supported by the Murumbi Foundation, Ford Foundation and KWS and has the everlasting dedication of a long time friend and collaborator at the African Heritage outfit Allan Donovan.

^{The sculpture of a bird emerging from a rock by Elkana Onge'sa. The sculpture is part of an

effort to keep the memory of late Joseph Murumbi, a great collector and promoter and former

Kenyan Vice President.}

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