There’s a name that comes up in historical records when you look into the history of photojournalism in Kenya. The name comes with an interesting account of its owner’s life and a tragic occurrence that met him in his later years. The name is Wallace Gichere.
In the 70s, Wallace was one of the photojournalists employed by the Nairobi Times, a publication founded by Hilary Boniface Ng’weno, a Kenyan historian and journalist (who is today considered one of postcolonial Kenya’s most important people). While the publication was rebranded a few times from its inception (most notably with a name change to The Kenya Times), it was also notably the first Kenyan newspaper to transition from a black and white publication to one with colour. Wallace was among the photojournalists that photographed a number of stories, from political to the creative, artsy ones – with the latter often consisting of articles written by Margaretta wa Gacheru.
Wallace’s encounters and subsequent friendships extended beyond the ‘walls’ of his office. He was closely affiliated with the late Kenneth Matiba who in 1985 invited Wallace and three other Kenyans: Dr. Elijah Nyanjui, Outward Bound Instructor Solomon Kimani, and Naro Moru River Lodge Instructor Stephen Wahome, to scale the Himalayas. But this wasn’t just your regular boys’ trip, the team spent months preparing for the great hike and even climbed Mount Kenya as a ‘practice run’. The climb was nothing short of grueling but the five made it, and when they completed their hike, Wallace was ready with his camera to capture the historic moment that consisted of smiles despite the low temperatures, and the Kenyan flag which they carried with them to plant upon completion.
Wallace and Matiba’s friendship continued and in 1991, when Matiba vied for presidency at the country’s first multiparty elections, Wallace’s loyalty was evident. He was still working with The Kenya Times and had elevated to the position of chief photographer. By then the publication’s proprietorship had changed hands and was fully owned by the government. Wallace was soon accused of writing anti-government articles and sending information on human rights abuses to the Non-Governmental Organization, Amnesty International. Like most vocal anti-Moi folk of that time, Wallace faced brutal punishment. He was forcefully taken out of his flat and taken to Nyayo House where he was beaten and thrown out of a window on the third floor of the building by Special Branch officers. That day he lost the use of his legs which in turn affected his career. It was tragic and unfair to say the least.
The Kenyan photojournalist died in April 2008 at the Kenyatta National Hospital. He was only 53 yet had left a lasting impact on those that had the privilege of working and cruising life with him. In an online tribute to Wallace on her blog, Margaretta wa Gacheru says that “Wallace hadn’t a cruel bone in his body” and added that she and the photojournalist used to roam around Nairobi at all hours of the day and night as journalists do, looking for stories worth sharing.
