u/MorsesCode

The three men represent a porter, an askari (fighting man), and a gun carrier. Commonly referred to as King’s African Rifles in historical records, the soldiers were often placed at the front ends during wars.

Recruitment process was not voluntary, rather they were picked from communities on the basis of physical strength. Once recruited they were given a few days to bid farewell to their families, a gesture that suggested they were highly unlikely to return.

‘If you fight for your country, even if you die, your sons will remember your name.’ This was the mantra that fuelled their spirited fight alongside empty promises.

While many askaris nursed high hopes for a quid pro quo from the government after the war, the colonial government, on the other hand, was determined to maintain and safeguard the status quo.