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Kenya-Train-Lunatic Express-Flags
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Agence France-Presse (AFP)
Kenya-Train-Lunatic Express-Flags
The Indian (L) and British flags are seen in front of the " Lunatic Express" as it crosses the Rift Valley (background) near Nakura 20 December 2001 during a commemoration trip from Mombasa to Kisumu to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the railway. On December 20, 1901, after more than a decade of planning and construction, the tracks of Uganda Railway, also known as the Lunatic Express, or the Iron Snake, which began at the Indian Ocean port of Mombasa finally reached Port Florence (now Kisumu), on shore of Lake Victoria. The human cost of this controversial 900 kilometer project undertaken despite vociferous opposition in Britains parliament, was enormous. AFP PHOTO/Pedro UGARTE / AFP PHOTO / PEDRO UGARTE
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Media ID 12100031
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the historic moment of the "Lunatic Express" crossing the Rift Valley in Kenya, adorned with both Indian and British flags. Taken on December 20,2001, during a commemoration trip from Mombasa to Kisumu, this journey marked the centennial anniversary of the railway's completion. The image showcases the significance of this railway project that began at Mombasa and finally reached Port Florence (now Kisumu) after years of planning and construction. The Uganda Railway, also known as the Lunatic Express or Iron Snake due to its ambitious nature, faced vehement opposition in Britain's parliament but persevered nonetheless. Intriguingly, amidst lush landscapes and against a backdrop of Lake Victoria's shorelines visible in this photograph lies a poignant reminder of human sacrifice. The immense cost paid by countless individuals involved in building this controversial 900-kilometer rail line cannot be overlooked. Pedro UGARTE masterfully captured this powerful scene that symbolizes not only colonial history but also resilience and progress. As we gaze upon these intertwined flags fluttering proudly above the train tracks cutting through Kenya's picturesque terrain, we are reminded of how far nations have come while acknowledging their complex pasts. This AFP print serves as an evocative testament to an era when railways were more than just modes of transportation; they represented ambition, connection between cultures, and ultimately shaped nations' destinies.
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