Mama Wa Samaki

“Mama Samaki – the beloved fish seller at the market. You know her: the woman in the small, soot-stained shack with a bubbling wok of fish and hot oil. But beyond her stall lies a life rich with stories. She’s not just a vendor; she’s a mother, a sister, a grandmother intertwined in a vast network of fishermen, sellers, buyers, and more. Her trade in fried fish is not just a job but a vital thread in Kenya’s economy. Through her weathered hands, marked by years of gutting fish and bearing the scars of countless burns, Mama Samaki embodies resilience and community. These reflections invite us to see beyond her stall, to appreciate the intricate web of lives and stories that converge at her corner of the market, enriching our tables and our understanding of her world.” Gloria Muthoka is a Kenyan visual artist engaging in both traditional and digital art.  Visualising stories through art, she explores and enjoys art intricacies. Her work is vibrant and varied, receiving inspiration from the social-cultural dynamics of society.