Revisiting 2022 duPont-Columbia Award Winner, “Softie”

Earlier this month, Kenyans elected William Ruto, the current Vice President and a wealthy businessman, as their next President. Weeks later, the defeated candidate - former prime minister Raila Odinga - challenged the results in court. Though Kenya is often touted as an example of democracy in Africa, the tightly-contested election was rife with claims of mismanagement, fraud, and intimidation, according to news reports.

For more context on this developing story, we recommend the POV documentary “Softie,” directed by Sam Soko. “Softie” was awarded a duPont silver baton in 2022 for its in-depth look at the workings of Kenya’s democracy. The film follows Boniface “Softie” Mwangi, a photojournalist running in a regional election and an outspoken activist against human rights violations in the country – despite the risk his activism poses both to him and his family. 

“As storytellers and journalists, there’s no greater time in history where we need to continue to be strong and steadfast to protect what is true — the truth is the truth,” said Soko in his acceptance speech. You can learn more about “Softie,” including how to watch the film, here.