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Jesca Rehema - Information

Jesca Rehema - Information  My name is Jesca Rehema, a cultural advocate, writer and Wikimedia editor from Kilifi, Kenya. I am passionate about preserving and promoting Mijikenda culture and indigenous African stories through film and storytelling. Recently, with the support and permission of AfroCrowd, I produced a documentary film called The Voices of the Kaya, a project that highlights the rich heritage, traditions and indigenous knowledge of the Mijikenda community. Now, I have a dream of taking this film to universities and cultural spaces across Kenya so that young people can learn more about culture, identity, and heritage. I believe many students today are eager to understand not only their own culture but also the beauty of other African cultures. I plan to begin the screenings in Kilifi and later expand to other universities and cultural sites such as Fort Jesus. However, organizing these screenings requires resources for: • Projector and screen hire • Venue and hall arra...
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Biography Jesca Rehema

Biography  Jesca Rehema Jesca Rehema is a Kenyan journalist, cultural storyteller, documentary filmmaker and Wikipedia editor from Kilifi in the coastal region of Kenya. Passionate about Indigenous knowledge and cultural preservation, she uses storytelling, media, and digital platforms to document, preserve and amplify African cultural heritage, particularly the traditions and identity of the Mijikenda community. After studying journalism and multimedia at Multimedia University of Kenya, Jesca began specializing in documentary filmmaking focused on culture, community narratives and Indigenous voices. Her work explores the importance of preserving oral histories, traditions and cultural identity for future generations. Jesca is also an active contributor and editor on Wikipedia, where she edits and improves articles related to culture, history and Indigenous communities. Through her contributions to the Wikimedia movement, she is committed to increasing African representation and en...
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Ecological Reparations

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  Ecological Reparations Ecological reparations  (or " reparation ecology ") is a transformative framework that aims to rectify the harm inflicted on both ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. ​Unlike traditional  environmental remediation , which often focuses solely on technical cleanup (like removing toxins from soil), ecological reparations address the  systemic and historical causes  of environmental damage—such as  colonialism ,  slavery , and  industrial exploitation . ​1. Core Principles ​The concept is built on the idea that environmental destruction is rarely an accident; it is often the result of " extractivist " economic systems that prioritize profit over the health of marginalized people and the planet. ​ Recognition of Historical Liability:  Acknowledging that wealthy nations and corporations (the " Global North ") are historically responsible for the majority of  carbon emissions  and ecological destruc...
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The Vigango

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  To understand  Vigango , one must see them not as inanimate wood, but as living ancestors. Their lifecycle begins with a complex spiritual "birth" and, in recent years, has involved a high-profile global struggle to bring them back from "exile" in Western museums. ​Part 1: The Ritual of "Breathing Life" ​A  kigango  is only created for deceased male members of the  Gohu society  (the "Society of the Blessed"). The carving process is a seven-day spiritual undertaking. ​ The Dream Call:  Rituals usually start when a family experiences misfortune—drought, illness, or a swarm of bees. A diviner often reveals that a "cold" ancestor is wandering and needs a home. ​ The Sacrifice:  Before the first cut is made into a sacred hardwood tree (like  muhuhu ), the family must provide livestock—often two cows, a ram, or goats—to appease the spirits and "pay" the Gohu elders for the carving. ​ 7 Days in the Forest:  The Gohu elders retreat...
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Scaling Grassroots Motivation: Connecting African Community Development with Global Bioneers Innovation

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    Scaling Grassroots Motivation: Connecting African Community Development with Global Bioneers Innovation ​For me working at the intersection of climate resilience, indigenous rights, and community-led development, the question isn't whether to attend a conference—it’s which one will actually move the needle for projects I am involved with;  REDES  initiative in Senegal, the  Smiles Association  in Mauritania, and the  Ogiek and Mijikenda  in Kenya, the  Bioneers Conference   in 2026 is not just an event; it is designed for exactly my kind of work. ​ 1. Synergizing Sahelian Resilience: REDES and Smiles Association ​The  REDES (Réseau pour l’Émergence et le Développement des Ecovillages au Sahel)  project in Senegal and the  Smiles Association  in Rosso, Mauritania, are at the front lines of one of the most challenging climate concerns on earth. Both organizations are transforming the Senegal River Valley throug...
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The Mystery of the Missing Ancestors: A WikiExplorers Adventure

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  The Mystery of the Missing Ancestors: A WikiExplorers Adventure ​The Hidden Cities in the Forest ​Deep along the sunny coast of Kenya, there are  green forest areas called  Kayas . But these aren't islands in the ocean—they are "islands" of thick, ancient forest surrounded by farms and towns. ​Hundreds of years ago, the  Mijikenda people  built their homes inside these forests. They built tall wooden fences and hidden paths to stay safe. Today, the people live in modern houses outside the woods, but the Kayas are still the most sacred places on earth to them. They believe their ancestors still live among the trees! ​The Guardians of the Forest ​In the Kaya, you won't find park rangers in uniforms. Instead, the forest is protected by the  Elders . ​The Elders have very strict rules to keep the forest happy: ​ No cutting trees:  Not even a tiny branch for a campfire! ​ No metal tools:  You must respect the peace of the woods. ​ Shhh!:  The Ka...
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The Mijikenda Vigango at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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    The Mijikenda  Vigango  at The Metropolitan Museum of Art ​In the heart of Manhattan, within the sprawling galleries of the  Michael C. Rockefeller Wing  at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, stands a profound connection to the coastal forests of Kenya. Amidst the thousands of artifacts from sub-Saharan Africa, a small but powerful collection representing the  Mijikenda people —specifically the  Giriama  subgroup—offers a window into a unique spiritual and social tradition. ​The primary artifacts from the Mijikenda held by The Met are  Vigango  (singular:  kigango ), intricately carved wooden memorial posts. While the museum's broader African collection is vast, these specific pieces are recognized for their geometric precision and deep ancestral significance. ​The Sacred Sentinels: What are  Vigango ? ​To the Mijikenda, a  kigango  is far more than a sculpture; it is a living presence. These posts are erected t...
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