Kenyan photographer Mwangi Kirubi, popularly known as Mwarv, has shared the story behind the iconic 2017 campaign portraits of President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto. He received a last-minute call from a State House communications official in May 2017, after the originally appointed photographer became unavailable. A friend at the communications office had recommended him for the task. Initially thinking it was a prank, Mwarv confirmed the assignment and rushed home to gather his gear.
Mwarv arrived at State House for an afternoon shoot, but realised the required setup exceeded his equipment, prompting fears of delivering sub-standard images for the high-profile task. He then called fellow photographer Allan Gichigi, whose work he admired, and invited him to collaborate on the project. The shoot was delayed when President Uhuru Kenyatta's diary filled up, forcing the team to return two days later. They arrived at State House at about 6:30 a.m. on 4 May 2017 and surrendered electronic devices as required.
Further presidential engagements caused additional postponements, but the portraits had to be completed that day to meet printing deadlines for campaign posters and manifestos. Deputy President William Ruto arrived first and became the initial subject, with Gichigi directing lighting and reflections before former President Uhuru Kenyatta joined the session. Mwarv noted that strict protocol risked making the portraits overly formal, but Gichigi used music – rhumba and Miriam Makeba songs – to relax the leaders and encourage natural expressions.
The portraits were used ahead of the 2017 General Election, where the Jubilee Party campaigned under the slogan “Tuko Mbele Pamoja” and later secured re-election after a Supreme Court-ordered rerun. Mwarv reflected on the experience, saying the assignment taught him the value of seeking assistance and collaborating with other creatives, lessons that continue to shape his work. He added that having a camera was his "throughpass" to meeting the President.
Mwarv's story provides a glimpse into the often unseen efforts that go into creating iconic campaign images. The photographer was initially hesitant to take on the task, but ultimately delivered high-quality portraits that met the requirements of the assignment. His collaboration with Gichigi was instrumental in capturing the desired images.
The 2017 General Election was a significant event in Kenyan politics, with the Jubilee Party securing re-election after a Supreme Court-ordered rerun. The campaign portraits of President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto played a crucial role in the party's campaign, which was centred around the slogan “Tuko Mbele Pamoja”.
Mwarv's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and seeking assistance in achieving success. The photographer's story also highlights the critical role that photographers play in shaping the visual narrative of political campaigns.
Key points
- Mwarv's collaboration with Allan Gichigi was instrumental in capturing the desired portraits of President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto.
