Sauvé du lychage
February 13, 2008 5:11 PM   Subscribe

Saved from a lynching: Enrico Dangino, friend of Vigilante Journalist photographs a man seized by a mob and about to be set ablaze, then, with the help of his compatriot, frees him. More photographs and blogging from the ground in Kenya's current political crisis from Vigilante Journalist. via.
posted by klangklangston (15 comments total) 1 user marked this as a favorite
 
Jesus... did the guy live?
posted by ReiToei at 5:31 PM on February 13, 2008


No idea, but he looks fine (if beat to hell).
posted by klangklangston at 5:41 PM on February 13, 2008


This is a murderous look I never hope to be close enough to see.
posted by Astro Zombie at 5:47 PM on February 13, 2008


Uh, wow. That's a lot of machetes.
posted by trinkatot at 6:09 PM on February 13, 2008


Did you notice vigilante's name is Anne Holmes?
I immediately assumed VJ was a man.
The stories she must have.
posted by liza at 6:59 PM on February 13, 2008


Uh, wow. That's a lot of machetes.

They're called pangas. Traditional (and scary, too).

Growing up here in Key West, I used to carry one for coconuts and fish. But I put it down years ago, because a grown-up with a panga knife is just too intimidating to most people. Last time I wore it was during the hurricanes of '05. I was using it to clear fallen trees and other debris. The teevee crews always turned and focused on me going down Duval Street, shirtless on my conch cruiser bike, with a long panga blade strapped to my back.
posted by humannaire at 7:03 PM on February 13, 2008


Growing up here in Key West, I used to carry one for coconuts and fish. But I put it down years ago, because a grown-up with a panga knife is just too intimidating to most people. Last time I wore it was during the hurricanes of '05. I was using it to clear fallen trees and other debris. The teevee crews always turned and focused on me going down Duval Street, shirtless on my conch cruiser bike, with a long panga blade strapped to my back.

You learn something new every day. That's interesting, and a pretty funny story too. Thanks!
posted by kbanas at 7:20 PM on February 13, 2008


I'm suddenly, sadly, reminded of Du'a Khalil Aswad, the young Kurdish woman murdered last year. Mercifully there was someone in this situation to help this guy out. I'm insanely angry about the former, insanely angry about the latter. I hope I would have the strength to help in a situation that Enrico found himself in, though I would never wish to be in his situation.

This seems to be a reasonable summary on the politics in Kenya that might give some insight into the violence.
posted by urbanwhaleshark at 7:28 PM on February 13, 2008


This is a murderous look I never hope to be close enough to see.

Check out the happy grins on the people in the background, though. Particularly the kid in the middle.
posted by aeschenkarnos at 7:58 PM on February 13, 2008


Thanks for the post, klangklangston. Wow, those photographers were so courageous to intercede in mob violence like that, what an awesome display of bravery. And when you scroll through that Vigilante Journalist site, it is astounding to think of photographers having the courage to document events as they transpire.

So tragic, what is happening in Kenya!

For more Kenya blogging, see Insight Kenya, a blog established post-elections. The most recent posts are all about fund raising concerts, but in earlier posts, there are many dramatic and chilling photos and news reports documenting the violence and how matters have spun out of control. Here is a late-December photo essay depicting the current state of democracy in Kenya - very troubling, violence and brutality alert.

Another resource is Vuma Kenya, a site by young Kenyan professionals who are trying to raise awareness and mobilize resources. The site links to blogs, eyewitness accounts, etc.
posted by madamjujujive at 8:17 PM on February 13, 2008 [1 favorite]


Check out the happy grins on the people in the background, though. Particularly the kid in the middle.

I have unfortunately had the opportunity to see several of these sorts of mob-attacks, and it is a strangely common juxtaposition to see that kind of crazed-giddiness accompany such evil.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 2:11 AM on February 14, 2008


Vilgilante Journalist also has an amazing set of photos on her gallery page. This one on self immolation is heart breaking.
posted by stormygrey at 6:15 AM on February 14, 2008


A site like ParisMatch that insists on using Flash player just to show a few small images kind of makes me want to head for the torches and pitchforks.
posted by crapmatic at 8:46 AM on February 14, 2008


Does the French page or any other source explain how the photographers were able to get him out without being attacked themselves?
posted by Anything at 3:23 PM on February 14, 2008


What's a "lychage"?
posted by Wolof at 11:59 PM on February 14, 2008


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