How Elkana Ong'esa shaped Kenya's art scene, generations of creatives

Family, friends, mentees, scholars and admirers of the late visual artist Elkana Ong'esa gathered at Alliance Française to celebrate his life and legacy during the launch of a new book chronicling his decades-long career. Ong'esa died in 2024.

A gifted sculptor, teacher, mentor and cultural ambassador, Ong'esa inspired generations of artists while helping elevate Kenyan visual arts on the global stage.

Born into a family of craftsmen, he began making clay toys as a toddler before carving small animals from discarded stone.

His talent earned him a place at Makerere University in Uganda and later McGill University in Canada, where he drew inspiration from Inuit sculptors and British artist Henry Moore.

He eventually established himself as one of Kenya's most respected sculptors, working primarily with soapstone and granite. His works were exhibited at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the United Nations in New York and galleries around the world.

Despite his international success, Ong'esa also faced setbacks. He once lost a potential Sh1.2 billion deal for one of his monumental granite sculptures after a 13-tonne elephant sculpture could not be transported. Kenyan authorities declined foreign logistical assistance before later determining the artwork was too heavy to be airlifted, bringing the project to a halt.

His resilience and contributions to the arts were recognised during the event by the Director of Culture, Dr Kiprop Lagat.

"Culture is the foundation of our identity and an essential driver of sustainable development, social cohesion and national unity. The government remains committed to protecting and promoting our cultural heritage through the Constitution and the National Culture and Heritage Policy," he said.

The celebration also marked the launch of the long-awaited Jahazi Journal, a special publication featuring tributes from Ong'esa's family, former students, mentees, friends and colleagues.

His family remembered him not only as an accomplished artist but also as a devoted husband, father, uncle and friend who embraced art as a way of life.

As a passionate teacher, Ong'esa encouraged young artists to trust their creativity.

He mentored generations of creatives by sharing his techniques, offering honest feedback and helping them discover their own artistic voice. Many of his students later became teachers and influential artists in their own right.

One of his mentees, renowned artist and Asumbi Teachers Training College lecturer Gerald Motondi, described him as a man of integrity who remained resilient through every challenge.

"Ong'esa was a genius, a man of integrity who overcame many hurdles. I remember when we narrowly escaped being shot in the head after we encountered an unexpected situation one late night," Motondi recalled.

He added that Ong'esa always reminded him to "listen to the stone, because it speaks," believing every piece of stone had its own character waiting to be revealed through art.

Friends and colleagues also remembered him as a unifying figure who connected artists, galleries and communities while proudly championing Kenyan visual arts on the international stage.

"To me, he was not just my uncle but also a close friend. I will forever miss him. He uplifted his roots," said his nephew, Maina Omweri.