The conditions that prisoners in Kenya endure are extremely barbaric. Every morning at 5 a.m., male prisoners are ordered out of the cells stark naked for internal body searches. The guards search their mouths and armpits, ears and nostrils. They pull, twist and squeeze their genitals.
They order the prisoners to face the walls with their legs spread apart to examine their anuses for concealed weapons, money and other contraband. They use sharp sticks to probe the prisoner's rectums. In a sense, the guards are more interested in prisoners' buttocks than in the search.
They make sexual remarks such as, "Look at this one, his buttocks are two mountains, it is difficult to mount him...and look at this one, his arsehole is sharped like a woman's vagina...This one has a soft arse like his mother..." After the brutal searches, the prisoners are beaten and kicked. These monstrous acts are repeated every morning. It is a humiliating and degrading.
Maina was arrested on June 2, 1982 by dictator Moi's regime for the crime of thought. He was imprisoned for six years with hard labor. Despite the brutal isolation and censorship, physical and psychological torture, Maina made friends with a few prison guards who supplied him writing material and smuggled everything g he wrote out of prison and took it to Mumbi, his wife.
The poems in this text were part of the written material smuggled out of prison. The themes of poems express the horrors of imprisonment, the brutality and viciousness of the Kenyan authoritarian regime, the intensification of the struggle for democracy.
Mabinda X. M. –
Having just read Pages Unturned, I can honestly say it’s one of the most raw and deeply personal books I’ve come across. Wangari invites you into the depths of her mind and heart, sharing an unfiltered exploration of mental health, love, heartbreak, and healing. Through her poetry and reflections, she crafts an honest portrayal of what it means to navigate the highs and lows of life.
Wangari’s writing doesn’t shy away from the hard truths. She delves into the scars left by trauma, the ache of unreciprocated love, and the suffocating weight of depression. Her words felt incredibly intimate, yet relatable—like she was putting into words the silent battles many of us fight. But even in those darkest moments, there’s a thread of resilience woven throughout—a quiet determination to rise, to find self-love, and to heal.
Her reflections on love struck me deeply as well. She captures the yearning for old-fashioned romance, the sting of unmet expectations, and the bittersweet understanding that even the purest feelings can sometimes let us down.
Pages Unturned isn’t just a book—it’s a testament to survival. It’s a powerful reminder that healing isn’t a straight path, nor is it easy. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt broken but still found a way to rebuild themselves, piece by piece. This book will stay with me for a long time.
Murugi Ireri –
The author’s words resonate deeply, offering an honest portrayal of the struggles and triumphs that come with navigating the human condition. Each poem feels like a glimpse into a soul, touching on themes of vulnerability, healing, and connection.
Sam Kimani –
This anthology offers a highly personalized take on the harsh realities of life and the beauty/tragedy of human emotion. What’s most captivating about these poems is the author’s tone: unafraid to speak her mind, she will take you out of your comfort zone and show you precisely what she wants you to see. Overall, a refreshing collection with just the right balance of themes and grit. I highly recommend it.
Bonus perk: if you’re a slow reader or get easily distracted (like me😅), you can burn through the contents of this book in just a few hours!
Dennis Maina –
Pages Unturned explores love & loss from a whole different perspective. Very relatable, love, heartbreak, healing the whole piece speaks with authenticity. We need more from the author. Thumbs up.
Terry Mburu –
Excellent