In the highland forests of central Kenya, the Ogiek thrived as hunter-gatherers for centuries. But from the colonial era to the present day they have faced wave upon wave of encroachment into the ancestral lands they have stewarded for so long. This has posed enormous challenges to their survival and well-being. Still, their fight for recognition, and for the fulfilment of their rights, has been a source of immense inspiration for Indigenous communities worldwide.

For this episode, we are joined by Daniel Kobei, the Executive Director of the Ogiek Peoples' Development Program, who has played a pivotal role in the legal case brought to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, demanding justice for the abuses committed by the Kenyan government against the Ogiek. The outcome of this legal battle constitutes a historical landmark, not only for the Ogiek, but for all the Indigenous communities in Africa facing displacement and forced eviction.

Through his organization, he has also overseen numerous projects benefiting the Ogiek communities in areas such as Corporate Governance and Institutional Capacity, Education, Culture, Language, Land Rights, Natural Resources, Environmental Conservation and Climate Justice. Daniel has extensive experience participating in international advocacy and decision-making forums, establishing international alliances, and contributing meaningfully towards a robust and impactful worldwide Indigenous Rights movement.

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Follow the Ogiek Peoples’ Development Program on social media and through their official website: https://ogiekpeoples.org

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WATCH a video version of this interview or READ transcripts in English and Portuguese here: https://azimuthworldfoundation.org/insights/entry/stories/connecting-the-dots-daniel-kobei.html

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