My first visit to Africa was Nairobi, Kenya in 2013. Nearly 14 years later, I’ve returned to Kenya, where I’m writing this plog post. Aw.
This first trip came months after the 2013 Westgate Mall terrorist attack in Nairobi, when the city was still carrying collective grief. Four Al-Shabab gunmen attacked the upscale shopping center, killing more than 70 people and injuring hundreds. Parts of the mall collapsed during the siege. Saying the city was on high-alert is an understatement.
I was here for two weeks as part of my university’s “alternative break” program. Looking back, there’s one part of the trip that especially stuck with me and I want to share.
Visiting Kenya for the First Time
Nairobi wasn’t what I expected. Mostly, I just was so surprised at how many white people there were. I quickly learned that when colonialism ends, it doesn’t disappear—it impacts countries for generations. Kenya became a British colony in 1895…so they’ve been here since then and even earlier.
During those two weeks, we did a safari, and met with local NGOs partnering with our university to learn about public health and water safety.
We visited Nairobi National Museum and our main discussion in this “class” was how British colonialism has destabilized Kenya politically. When Britain left in 1963, they left power to a few ethnic groups, particularly the Kikuyu, and created political structures that favored certain elites. This uneven distribution of power and land fueled long-term ethnic tensions and conflicts in Kenya. While Kenya did not experience a full-scale civil war like some neighboring countries, these tensions contributed to episodes of political violence, especially around election periods, such as the post-election violence in 2007–2008.
But the most unforgettable experience was our visit to the Maasai tribe.
Ethical Meat and Killing an Animal
During our visit with the Maasai tribe, I assisted in the ritual killing of a goat —an experience that remains one of the most profound moments of my life!!
At the time, I was vegan. Not because I believe animals shouldn’t die for food, but because I can’t tolerate the way animals are farmed in the United States. Industrial meat production is violent, detached, and designed to make us forget that something lived and died for us.
In my own ethical framework, eating meat should require accountability. If you can’t confront the reality that an animal died for you, then you can’t eat it. Animals shouldn’t be invisible behind plastic packaging and marketing language.
Their deaths should be:
- Quick
- Intentional
- Honored
- Waste-free
I asked if I could slit the goat’s throat myself. At first they agreed, and I was learning and practicing how to do it…then they refused, explaining that if I hesitated or lacked experience, the animal might suffer. Good point.
Instead, I helped carry the goat and held its legs down while someone more experienced slit the throat.
The goat sensed danger and started screaming, and jerking. But, I held it down. The entire process lasted less than two minutes. We turned the goat upside down and drained the blood.
Some of my classmates thought I was psychotic. Absolutely shocked at the idea I would want to participate, or even could participate…Please.
In my imaginary world where I’m president and King of the land, you cannot eat meat if you’re not able to stomach it’s sacrifice.
Mind you — I was vegan at the time. Just not detached from reality.
I watched as the community carefully removed the skin to be sold for leather. Every part of the animal was used. Nothing wasted. They didn’t let me get too involved after that, although I also asked to peel off the skin —mostly because I might mess it up, which…yes, fair.
Lessons from Kenya
Visiting Kenya for the first time at 21, dismantled many of my preconceived notions about demographics in Africa. It illuminated the lasting imprint of colonization, and allowed me to participate in traditional cultural practices.
It was a great trip and I’m happy to have returned.