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Kim Says Sorry
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Kim Says Sorry is a children story about learning how to apologise to adults and other children. The story also teaches us about the golden words for children to use like Please, Sorry, Thank you and Excuse me.
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Riddles of Abagusii of Kenya by Christopher Okemwa
Riddles, along with proverbs, are key aspects of oral communication in many African cultures, including that of Abagusii of Kenya. Popular, especially with children in the community, participants typically use riddles to challenge one another's knoweldge. One person would metaphorically describe something with a concealed clue. The listener, using imagination, previous experience and the context in which the riddle is said, would search for the most relevant answer. It takes great imagination to get the correct answer.
Riddles are also performed communally as in the case of groups of people working in the fields, trekking to the market, riding in the same public transport or simply sitting around an evening fire as they waited to retire to bed. This aspect of riddling acted to strengthen community bonds, enhanced knowledge-sharing and imparted lessons, especially for the young in the community.
Riddles of Abagusii of Kenya documents the many riddles from that community recorded over a spread of time and space. It offers analysis intended for understanding the riddles and how they are used.
Wanjiku in Global Development
In Kenya, the name 'Wanjiku' epitomizes the ordinary person, the citizen, in the context of national socio-political and socio-economic discourse. The origins of the name are in the often heated national debates on political, economic, and rights-related issues where elite self-interest often
takes precedence. Aligned with economic thinking from western schools of thought, the elite often acts without much attention to Wanjiku's daily challenges of survival or completely ignores her well-developed modes of survival as a demonstration of a sound system worth paying attention to.
In Wanjiku in Global Development: Everyday Ordinary Women Livelihood Economy in Kenya, Kinyanjui captures Wanjiku's systematic approach to day-to-day activities that undergirded participants' and society's common good. Call it the Wanjiku Business Model. In the true spirit of Ubuntu, market women (Wanjiku) operate within a set of unwritten rules that assure optimization of collective good from interacting among themselves and with others. The Wanjiku Business Model is well illustrated through a number of case studies that further capture its sound basis.
Kinyanjui presents a major lesson we can learn from Wanjiku, namely: life does not have to be about cutthroat competition, winners and losers!
Mwakenya : Real or Phantom
Mwakenya: Real or Phantom?, is Jimmy Achira's persecution experience Daniel Arap Moi's Kenya in 1980s. The Daily Nation captured best the nebulous phenomenon called Mwakenya.
“Mwakenya remained a chimera to the Kenyan media. Reporters knew no “Mwakenya” officials and received no calls, manifestos or press releases from them.
“There was no known office location, or telephone or fax numbers. Everything that came to the media house, and appeared as trial evidence, was from the Moi-KANU government.
“The seditious documents produced in court were always photo-copies, never originals. It was not only university lecturers, students who were victims of the security dragnet-civil servants and journalists too, were picked up”. -Daily Nation, Sept. 20th 1987.
In the 1980s, in Moi’s regime, it was anathema to be termed "Mwakenya" for that would pronounce arrest, torture and jail. It was one of the saddest chapters in the nation’s history; people talked in hushed voices, looking over their shoulders to see who was listening; when people worried what they were seen reading for it could be “seditious”.
Jimmy Achira, a journalist who found himself in the Mwakenya dragnet, chronicles his experiences in Mwakenya: Real or Phantom?
The book is not a history of Mwakenya but a personal account of encounter with oppression in Moi’s Kenya. The real story of Mwakenya would be told by historians. It is unfortunate that instruments like the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission have yet to unearth the atrocities against Kenyan people; atrocities perpetuated in the name of state security; and law and order.
What others say:
"It is important that the experiences such as Achira's be told for the sake of history and posterity. The history of those dark days should be taught in schools, alongside tales of heroic struggles such as that of Mau Mau
"Many Kenyans who enjoy the fruits of "freedom" under multi-party democracy know little about the suffering many faced and sacrifices made to achieve the current freedom.” - Gershom Otachi Bw'Omanwa
"The Nyaro era of the 1980s was a time of horror in the history of human rights in Kenya. In early 1986 the crackdown on those Kenyans perceived to have dissenting views about the government had been put in motion. Under the guise of rooting out subversives, particularly referred to as "Mwakenya" ( Muungano wa Wakenya) the police unleashed such a reign of terror that a wide cross-section of people's lives were destroyed. “ - Dr Carey Francis Onyango, Lecturer and HUman Rights Activist.
“Political imprisonment was common in the Nyayo era in which Moi held Kenya in a vice-like grip. Now, the untold can be told. Stories, as Jimmy Achira's, help us understand those days and the price many Kenyans paid for freedoms enjoyed today. “ - Dr Matunda Nyanchama, ICT Professional and Publisher.
About the Author
Achira was born at Bosiango, West Mugirango, Nyamira and went to Bosiango Primary School, Taranganya and Nyansabakwa High Schools. He taught at Mborogo Secondary School before entering journalism.
He has worked for Target/ Lengo, East African Standard, Nation and Kenya Times. Others are The Weekend Mail and The Weekly Revie . In April 1995, he incorporated Rural Media Services Limited under which he published regional rural monthly newspaper, The Western Monitor. He co-edited, with Tom Amoro, A Guide to Gusii Politics 1997, published What Next after 1997 General Elections in Gusii? Presently, he is media consultant/publisher and working on The Memoirs of a Veteran Journalist 1979 – 1999.
Moody Mood and the Red Round Ball
The Village Pariah by Imali J. Abala
The Village Pariah, narrated in verse, dramatizes the story of Rosie Kasovo, a beautiful and lonely woman from Ngoroke village. Abandoned by her husband shortly after their marriage when he secures a job in the city, her striking beauty unwittingly becomes her double-edged sword, inviting relentless scrutiny from the people of Ngoroke. Every action she takes falls under their watchful gaze. Despite her sincere efforts to contribute positively to the common good of the community, her deeds are met with skepticism. As the accusations and betrayal against her mount, one question remains: will Rosie be able to emerge from this ordeal unscathed, or will she crumble under the weight of her village’s judgment?
What Others Say
The Village Pariah is a remarkable book illustrating how beauty was once believed to guarantee happiness and a seamless life, yet for Rosie, a Logooli woman, it has become a barrier, a pariah wall, isolating her from the community. Strangely, the fate of the entire village appears intertwined with hers, their destinies woven into the fabric of their relentless gossip. Into this tangled web steps Eliab, a man lacking noble standing but propelled by the villagers’ whispered truths, determined to confront her. If his impulsive action can mend their afflictions, both tangible and perceived and liberate the unfortunate souls ensnared by her charm, then so be it. - Alfred Nyagaka Nyamwange, English/Literature Teacher and Deputy Principal at Bon’gota Secondary School.
Chasing Ethnic Shadows
This is a gripping political story featuring two tribes; the Bandalo and Waleki communities in the wake of a political turmoil in a young African country.
When Adena, a young woman who works her way through formal schooling and Munara, a police officer of high moral standing meet and fall in love, theirs is a thrilling love story. Amidst fights, lootings and violence, their worlds are fused into one.
From two opposing ethnic communities, a glaring age gap, an intimidating class difference; can love withstand the political tension? Can their story bridge the ethnic differences between their respective communities? Can it cure the country from chaos?
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Beer Pressure by Otieno Opondo
Timon Oywelowo’s path towards a better future is paved with several landmines. As an impressionable teenager, his friends pressure him into taking his first sip of beer. He’s found out, and the ensuing punishment sears the fear of beer into his consciousness.
He focuses on his studies and joins University in Kampala, Uganda, with only one job—getting his undergraduate degree. But is it that clear-cut? Outside of the University walls lies a totally different world. It is a world of unchecked freedom. A world where beer flows freely, immorality reigns supreme, partying is a way of life, and the desire to make it by any means is what counts.
Timon finds himself at a crossroads: will he keep on the straight and narrow, or will he veer off the rails and careen down the steep slope of destruction?
Morning Shall Come by Ouma Don Collins
Brief Summary
Struggle is not new to humanity. It has and always will be part of us, whatever form it takes, but the pain.
Struggle measures our resilience and builds our fortitude. The more we overcome, the better we become. Therefore, hold on, it is only for a while. Give it another push, try it differently maybe. Rest if you must, but do not give up.
‘Morning Shall Come’ is about rising above struggle. It is a spring of hope and reassurance for better days ahead. It picks on the little everyday things that make life beautiful.
It tickles the heart, provokes the mind and uplifts the soul.
Take Nothing With You Rethinking the Role of Missionaries by Skeeter Wilson
Brief Summary
For more than a decade, Skeeter Wilson has been interviewing elders in Kenya to better understand them as they see themselves, rather than defined by the missionary culture.
Take Nothing With You does not doubt the sincerity and good intentions of most missionaries worldwide-especially in Africa, where the author grew up. Neither does it question the sincerity that drives them to believe that they are fulfilling a divine calling.
What Take Nothing With You does question is how faithfully the missionary movement reflects the teachings and examples of the Christ-the One who is the purported subject of their message. It questions if the message, as delivered in the missionary context, can really be considered "Good News."
Author: Skeeter Wilson
Holy Crimes (Poetry) by Elove Poetry and Vincent de Paul
Brief Summary
Holy Crimes is a collection of crimes of love, the little things lovers do oblivious, innocently, inadvertently, sometimes deliberately and guiltily.
The joys of love are compacted in the mystery behind the history love has written since time immemorial, it continues to write and shall write even in days to come.
When that one single day the lover wakes and feels fluttering like a butterfly, dancing like a dervish, butterflies rioting in them thence they commit the crimes.
When love ends and life has to continue, the lover commits the crimes. Crimes of love, Holy Crimes, that the lover gets away with, and shall get away with.
Undeterred : The Rural Boy’s Journey to the Pinnacle of Academia
Undeterred is an insightful exposé of his distinctive life as an academic
and community leader in Africa. It shows that taking a strategic life path
of positive thinking, commitment and hard work can lead to success and
eventual achievement of cherished dreams and aspirations; even against
all odds that may stand on the way.
Prof. Akama grew up in a simple rural African setting in Kenya’s hinterland,
and was raised by a typical Kenyan peasant family with meagre resources
and limited frills. He went through early childhood enculturation and basic
education in rural Kenyan schools, characterized by limited educational
resources, scant infrastructure and minimal facilities.
Through high school and university, his path was characterized by daunting
challenges and setbacks. Being one who does not give up easily, and
notwithstanding the many odds encountered, he managed to succeed in
several fronts to get to the pinnacle of academia and university leadership.
Prof. Akama’s discourse is a vivid testimony that all of us, as human
beings, are capable of overcoming many life challenges that come our way,
if we are guided by principles of determination, selflessness, focus,
commitment and hard work
Najivunia Kuwa Mnandi Na Ishamel Rono Nicodemus
Baada ya kuchinjwa, matumbo hukaguliwa na iwapo hakuna ishara yoyote ya ugonjwa, sherehe hutangazwa kuwa njema. Iwapo kondoo atapatikana na ishara ya ugonjwa, hii ikiwa nadra kwa kuwa umakinifu uliwekwa unapochaguliwa, mwingine hutakaswa na kuchinjwa tena. Rafiki zake bwana harusi wanapopeana habari njema, wazazi na wale kina mama wa ubatizo hunyunyiza maziwa na pombe…
*
Riwaya hii ni ya kihistoria ya jamii ya Wanandi. Inamulika masuala ainati ya asili katika utamaduni na mila zao. Namna jamii ya Wanandi ilivyojisuka na kujitawala katika uongozi, imani na matumaini katika maisha yao na majukumu yao katika kujikidhia matakwa ya kimsingi katika maisha. Riwaya hii ni mfano bora wa kazi zinazosimulia utamaduni wa Mwafrika na mfumo wa kujikuza na mielekeo ya maisha.
Traditional Marriage in Gusii
Traditional Marriage in Gusii (Enyangi y’Ebitinge), published posthumously, documents the process of old-style marriage in Gusii and related steps, culminating in a wedding ceremony. The process was meticulous and made of a series of steps, each with very clear purpose and intended not just for the couple but also their families and clans.
Abagusii attached a lot of value to marriage. It was a major landmark in the ‘growing up’ of a man or woman in that society. Marriage marked the transition from the care of one’s parents to being independent and taking care of oneself and one’s family. That transition was possible only after marriage.
The importance of marriage and the honour it was accorded is underlined by the respect that was given to a married woman. For example, she found herself late in getting home by someone, that person had an obligation to ensure that she got to her home safely; after all, she was a mother and her progeny would be the link to the future.
Oral Poetry in Africa :The Abagusii of Kenya
Oral Poetry in Africa: The Abagusii of Kenya highlights characteristics of African
oral traditions with particular focus on the oral poetry of the Abagusii of Kenya. It
shows that oral poetry in the Abagusii community covered every facet of life. The
community’s social-political and economic life, history, values, norms and customs
were stored in the oral poetry, in addition to proverbs, riddles and folktales. Notably,
oral poetry coloured the entire life of Omogusii and was sung during birth, initiation,
marriage and death ceremonies. This book documents the oral poetry of the
community in its original form, and in various versions that were practised or sung in
different parts of the region inhabited by the community. Further, the book discusses
the context in which this poetry was sung and explains some of the cultural practices,
norms, and customs that surround or motivated the composition of the poetry.
The advent of colonialism had ‘corrupting’ influence on the original poetry, more so
with the adoption of English words and phrases. This kind of poetry has not been left
out.
Aside from the general poetry and the book also captures emeino, the Abagusii
classical oral poetry. While the general poetry utilized improvisation as a technique in
its presentation and performance, the classical poetry was a fixed form that demanded
to be sung in its original form. Unlike the general poetry that, in its ephemerality,
invited additions and subtractions from the text, classical poetry was permanent in
text with no room for improvisation.
Oral Poetry in Africa: The Abagusii of Kenya is meant for students of oral literature
at university level. However, it can also be used by researchers of African oral
literature, culture, anthropology, history and sociology. Indeed, it is also good for the
general reader who is interested in the culture of Abagusii and African people, in general
With Eyes Wide Open by Erick B. Gichuru
With Eyes Wide Open Novel is a Raw African account of losing innocence, self-discovery and the madness that lies in between!
With Eyes Wide Open Novel is about us. We all have a dark side! At some point in our lives, we’ve done or said something that we are truly ashamed of. For some of us, our forefathers are still turning in their graves. They say we become different versions of ourselves before we become who we truly are.
Set in the heart of Africa and inspired by life itself, the author vividly captures the messy human experience that might hit too close to home.
Author: Erick B. Gichuru
Genre: Literary Fiction; Romance
Type: Print Paperback
Length: 273 Pages
Publisher: Thelocco Publishers
Mwendo Wenye Busara
Baada ya kuchinjwa, matumbo hukaguliwa na iwapo hakuna ishara yoyote ya ugonjwa, sherehe hutangazwa kuwa njema. Iwapo kondoo atapatikana na ishara ya ugonjwa, hii ikiwa nadra kwa kuwa umakinifu uliwekwa unapochaguliwa, mwingine hutakaswa na kuchinjwa tena. Rafiki zake bwana harusi wanapopeana habari njema, wazazi na wale kina mama wa ubatizo hunyunyiza maziwa na pombe…
*
Riwaya hii ni ya kihistoria ya jamii ya Wanandi. Inamulika masuala ainati ya asili katika utamaduni na mila zao. Namna jamii ya Wanandi ilivyojisuka na kujitawala katika uongozi, imani na matumaini katika maisha yao na majukumu yao katika kujikidhia matakwa ya kimsingi katika maisha. Riwaya hii ni mfano bora wa kazi zinazosimulia utamaduni wa Mwafrika na mfumo wa kujikuza na mielekeo ya maisha.
Unbowed by Wangari Maathai
Born in a rural Kenyan village in 1940, Wangari Maathai was already an iconoclast as a child, determined to get an education even though most African girls then were uneducated. In her remarkable and inspiring autobiography, she tells of her studies with Catholic missionaries, earning bachelors and master's degrees in the United States, and becoming the first woman both to earn a PhD and to head a university department in Kenya.
She tells of her numerous run-ins with the brutal government of Daniel arap Moi and of the political and personal reasons that compelled her, in 1977, to establish the Green Belt Movement, which spread from Kenya across Africa, and which helps restore indigenous forests while assisting rural women by paying them to plant trees in their villages.
Maathai's extraordinary courage and determination helped transform Kenya's government into the democracy in which she now serves as Deputy Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources and as a Member of Parliament. Eventually her achievement was internationally recognized in the Nobel Peace Prize, awarded in recognition of her 'contribution to sustainable development, human rights, and peace'.
In Unbowed, we are in the presence of a hugely charismatic yet humble woman whose remarkable story carries with it an inspiring message of hope. Hers is an extraordinary story, spanning different worlds and changing times, and revealing what the courage, determination, tenacity and humour of one good woman can achieve; how as small a thing as planting a seedling and watering it can made all the difference in the world.
Bilomelele bye Lukingi: Poems of Mt. Elgon
And O the lofty blowing of the horns
At various stations of the homeward journey
When the horn-bearers suddenly –
Blared their message to the mountain
Sounded their object to the plains
Announced their cause to the sunset
Declared their purpose to the sunrise –
Bv…..u!
Bv…..u!
Bv…..u!
Bv……………u!
Signifying that in the sundry homesteads
Of the candidates returning from afar,
An impending deed was to be done –
That would never be undone or done again!
This is the apex of Wangusa’s poetic career to date. As a category, the work is characterised by being phenomenally rooted in indigenous culture. And besides being strongly lyrical, it is dynamic, dramatic poetry. There are here multiple voices, various personas in life’s problematic arena. It is poetry not to be just recited but to be performed for maximum effect.
The Gusii of Kenya by John S. Akama
The Gusii of Kenya: Social, Economic, Cultural, Political & Judicial Perspectives provides in-depth topical insights of the Gusii (also known as the Kisii) of Kenya. The book captures historical aspects of the Gusii and how they ended up occupying their present lands. It enunciates the group’s cultural, political and economic organization that are core to the group’s identify and overall survival. Reading the book would provide understanding of some noticeable elements of these perspectives that persist to date. Cultural aspects such as the rites of passage and weddings, part of core identity elements of a people, are well articulated. Social organization, starting at the homestead to clan to community level, was intricately woven to form a coherence whole that defined the Gusii. Indeed, this also formed a basis of core elements of code of conduct (chinsoni) and justice as traditionally administered.
The book also raises a number of questions regarding the core character of the Gusii such as lack of central authority and the implications this has had on the community over time. One can only speculate the trajectory of history that would have been had the Gusii organized themselves differently.
The Boy With Shoes (Memoir) by Hillary Lisimba Ambani
Brief Summary
The Boy With Shoes tells the humorous story of a young boy growing up in Kenya in the 80s, an era that set pace for the current day middle class. It revolves around this boy who is lucky to have the only pair of shoes in the whole school, but which he can’t wear because it makes him the outcast. Shoes have been used to depict the never-ending antagonism between the Haves and Have Nots, a common occurrence in Africa.
Life for the boy with shoes is one long battle between trying to fit in the society yet still being in tandem with his hawk-eyed disciplinarian mother going by the alias Taylor, after the Woman of Steel.
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