Kenyan Boy Expelled For ‘Satanic Paintings’ Honored By Top Hotel In East Africa

It has been a wild ride for Form Four student Ian Njenga. All because he drew paintings a school administration couldn’t comprehend.Ian, 17, was accused of coming up with artwork that the administration said was demonic. Since then, he was expelled from his school, Bahati High School, readmitted and now, has displayed the paintings at Villa Rosa Kempinski, one of the leading hotels in East Africa.Last Saturday, Njenga was elated to be in a group of seven artists selected by Villa Rosa Kempinski to display their work during the second edition of Wasanii Jukwaani, the hotel’s annual art exhibition and auction programme.The pieces had to convey a central theme highlighting the global chain’s 120 years’ anniversary. His piece on display was a charcoal on canvas painting with the theme Vintage Transport priced at Sh50,000. “We selected the boy because we wanted to give him a platform to nurture his talent and showcase his artwork. We value people with fresh ideas and want to expose them to a ready market. His exploits will be a stepping stone for other budding artists,” said Mwingirwa Kithure, the hotel’s public relations manager.Nakuru County Director for Education Isaac Asebe demanded that the school takes back Ian Mwaura Njenga who was expelled on February 13.The student was also accused of trying to introduce other students to a cult after he drew a scorpion on someone else's shirt. “I was in primary school when I noticed that I had a love for art. I would draw cartoons by the age of ten. It came naturally. I am happy that my parents encouraged me to cultivate this talent while pushing on with my education. It is great to be featured in a big exhibition,” Njenga said at the exhibition. “I want to encourage young people with such talents not to give up but fully express themselves through such means. There are economic benefits if taken seriously.”