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The Dreamer
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Imali Abala’s The Dreamer is a book-length poem; a poetic novella, an unrelenting meditation upon the abuse of women that centres upon the unfortunate path of the dreamer. En route, the links between madness and dreams are explored, a mythical explanation for inheritable insanities, the devastating impacts of culture change and social fragmentation, and the breathlessness of having a tight fist of possibilities and a palette of advisors who all turn the dreamer away, or inward, with no path found for her self-expressive flourishing in the world.
What Others Say
Touching upon historic and contemporary challenges, this work calls upon all who are in contact with girls and women, in any capacity, to open the world and make room, to clear a space for upcoming generations, on a path strewn with good guidance and marked by the freedom to explore, to walk along a path made solid with life-affirmations.” – Joanne Arnott, Canada, author of A Night for the Lady, Mother Time, Wiles of Girlhood, and Breasting the Waves: On Writing & Healing.
“Imali Abala’s The Dreamer is a must read for those seeking to understand female condition in post-colonial Africa. … What stands out in this story is that women have choices in redefining and repackaging their image in a male dominated world.” – Iddah Aoko Otieno, Editor of East African Anthology of Short Stories.
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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 Forbidden Fruit
Devolution of governance and management of public services came as a blessing to many at the grassroots. It generated hope and raised expectations for the many that wallowed in poverty for years on end. With twists and turns, Tumbocracy etches out Democracy and, inevitably, things take the wrong-turn! Is doom the ultimate destination for the many a citizen at the grassroots? Forbidden Fruit is a fast-paced drama that raises important questions about the legitimacy of the many flagship initiatives of devolved units!
What Others Say
“The play captures happenings in devolved units in Kenya. Poor governance, mass corruption, and leaders’ amassing of wealth for themselves, is evident. The playwright creates the content anew and makes it sensitive to the society again as these issues have been taken as obvious and normal.” – Rose Keya Kong’ani, Editor
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
Three Things You Must Desire in Life
In Three Things you Must Desire Bishop Augustine Rugutt provides some guiding principles to enable humankind lead fruitful spiritual lives. Much as she is driven by her infinite range of desires, Bishop Rugutt argues that what is vital is what God desires of humankind. As such, it is humankind’s duty to understand what God desires of her and, to do so, she must develop a strong spiritual relationship with the Lord. Being right with God is essential, the author avers, for it offers the basis for all other relations to be right with the rest of society.
Bishop Rugutt identifies three important desires which he suggests will enhance the relationship with God and enrich the lives on this earth, namely: the Desire to Live in Righteousness, the Desire to have a Godly Family and the Desire to Prosper in God’s Way.
The Desire to Live in Righteousness is a consequence of humankind’s need for spiritual power to do what is virtuous in society. To be righteous requires seeking God continuously even in the face of challenges and distractions.
Desire to have a Godly Family recognizes that a family with a strong spiritual foundation is essential for humankind to thrive spiritually. It is thus important that families live in righteousness and godliness, starting this early in the lives of children.
The author’s view of prosperity is broad and he suggests that pursuit for prosperity should be based on addressing the needs of society and be spiritual in itself, and hence the Desire to Prosper in God’s Way.
What others say
“This is a book worth reading and keeping in one’s library because it is written to help one to grow in godliness.” - Prof. Eric Masinde Aseka, Professor of Leadership and Governance and Senior Pastor.
“The author makes a persuasive argument that, as much as our desires may be infinite, what really matters is what God desires of us. This is a timely message, especially coming at a time of global turmoil and many personal challenges.” – Matunda Nyanchama, Book Publisher
About the Author
Bishop Augustine Rugutt, a Pastor by calling, is a trained agricultural engineer, a profession which he practised for many years. He served the government of Kenya for thirteen years until 2006 when he left to dedicate his time to the ministry of serving God.
He is the husband of Nancy Rugutt and father of Faith Chelangat, Mercy Cherotich, Caren Cherono, Nehemiah Rugutt, Salome Chemngetich and Joshua Kiprono. Bishop Rugutt is a spiritual father to many.
Based in Narok Town, Kenya, he serves
Biblical Wisdom in Proverbs of Abagusii of Kenya
Abagusii have a rich oral tradition that, among other things, is captured by the proverbs in their language of Ekegusii. The proverbs speak to a wide range of subjects and situations, and many of them capture their spiritual disposition. Indeed, like all communities across the world, Abagusii had very clear ideas of the world and how it worked, including any phenomena they encountered. This forms the core of Biblical Wisdom in Abagusii Proverbs. By means of illustration, using one hundred proverbs from Ekegusii, the author contrasts the proverbs and their meaning with situations captured in the Christian Bible. While the overlap in spiritual beliefs of Abagusii and the texts in various parts of the Bible may be wider than captured in this work, the author makes the case that Abagusii were deeply religious and likely as much spiritual as the Bible depicts.
Where are True Parents?
In Where are True Parents?, Augustine Rugutt explores ways in which parenting determines children’s behaviour and character beyond formative years. In doing so, he associates society’s changing value system, social pressures and use of technology with parenting outcomes, some of which are unpalatable in the eyes of society. He asks whether parents are truly aware of the impact of their conduct and action in shaping the future of their children.
A fundamental question is whether parents truly know their children. On the other hand, do children really understand their parents? Such understanding is essential for a sound foundation for society. He makes the irrefutable case that poorly parented children are likely to be poor parents themselves. He challenges parents to understand that parenting is a God-given responsibility. As such, parents owe it to the Maker and the future of society to play their role as parents guided by teachings from the Bible. Step by step advice, most of which is informed by his work with Church, is invaluable for today’s parent.
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Brief Summary
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Brief summary
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