This archive report was first published on 3 October 2019.
Published on October 3, 2019, a Kenyan designer has opposed a proposal to remove the word 'harambee' from the country's coat of arms, citing its cultural significance and artistic value.
Mr. Solomon Kiore, the founder and director of Funcorn Limited, a pioneer furniture design firm, presented his submissions to Parliament in opposition to the proposal by Mr. Charles Mangua.
Mr. Mangua had claimed that he had received a revelation from God that tragedy would befall the country if the word 'harambee' is not removed and replaced with 'Kenya.'
However, Mr. Kiore argued that art and design illustrations are based on facts and promote harmony and cohesion in a society by marrying its heritage, present, and future.
He also stated that any interference with the instruments of authority of the Republic of Kenya would cost the country trillions of shillings.
Mr. Kiore, who also researches on art and design, defended the word 'harambee' during the 2010 debate on changing the constitution, citing its cultural significance and historical events.
