Questions for Johari

Violence erupted in Kenya, in December of 2007, after accusations of vote rigging challenged the legitimacy of the presidential election. Fueled by political leaders, Kenya’s 42 official tribes turned against each other. By the end of January 2008, approximately 800 people had been killed and nearly 300,000 displaced.

In response to the violence, Search for Common Ground decided to create and broadcast a Kenyan version of the television series The Team. Focusing on issues of tribalism, The Team Kenya is about a young coed team of football players who come from different tribes and must learn to set aside their tribal differences to score goals.

Currently busy filming the second season of The Team, Johari, the captain of the football team, was kind enough to take some time to answer a few questions about her experience as an actress and her vision for youth in Kenya. (The actress who plays Johari asked us to refer to her by her character name in the article.)

Why did you want to be on the show The Team?

I joined The Team because I am an actress and soccer player. I auditioned and was given the lead role of Johari. It was wonderful to discover that the character was just like me. Johari is a very kind and hardworking girl on the field and off.

Do the themes in the show have meaning in your own life?

The themes of The Team have significant meaning in my life because it is what occurs in my daily life. I face tribalism from my very own friends, neighbors and relatives too. I see so much nepotism and corruption taking place, but the themes of The Team help educate Kenyans to live in a positive way that will lead to a peaceful nation.

What is the most challenging and gratifying aspect of your job?

There are many challenges that I face as an actress and as a peace ambassador. What really breaks my heart is the fact that as much as I try to be a role model I cannot persuade Kenyans to live as one. I can’t stop them from thinking in terms of tribes. After the violence that took place Kenyans are finding it hard to forgive each other. There is so much tension and it scares me. I try so hard to teach Kenyans to think beyond tribal lines. My biggest achievement will be when all Kenyans think as Kenyans.

What kind of affect do you think the show The Team is having on youth?

There are many challenges facing Kenyan youth: unemployment, poor governance, corruption, poverty and illiteracy. As much as one tries to work hard for a better life, the environment does not allow you to succeed. As a result, youth give up on life and engage in drugs and crime. The Team addresses these issues by educating Kenyans to vote wisely for leaders who are not corrupt and who think beyond tribal lines. In addition, The Team is encouraging youth to engage in activities that will create employment, push for a clean government and fight tribalism. The Team has helped Kenyans see the reality of the situation. It has opened the eyes of the young and old to think like one and unite. We, the actors, go the extra mile to insure the affected areas have reconciliation time between neighbors, family, and friends.

What are your hopes for the future of The Team? What are your hopes for the future of youth in Kenya and Kenya itself?

My hope for The Team is that its message will reach the hearts of all Kenyans and unite all the 42 tribes. I hope, as an artist, that I will be able to find it in my heart to forgive our corrupt leaders and remove them in the next election. I hope that Kenya will find its glory again.

The Team has received funding from the following: