A diverse crowd gathered at Baraza Media Lab on July 24th, 2025, to witness the inaugural launch of Sauti Sessions, a monthly civic dialogue initiative created by journalist and filmmaker Ian Wafula. The venue displayed haunting protest imagery from June 25th demonstrations, while former Chief Justice David Maraga served as the featured guest. The event was livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.
The auditorium filled to capacity by the scheduled 5:30 pm start time. Journalist and podcaster Ciru Muriuki, the platform's resident co-host, opened proceedings by calling the energized audience to attention. The evening began with an intensely emotional recorded spoken word piece addressing police brutality's impact on families, followed by comedic performances that provided levity to the somber themes being explored.
We wanted a room where Kenya could speak to itself, on its own terms.— Ian Wafula, founder
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