AGAINST ALL ODDS: THE STORY OF STEPHEN KALONZO MUSYOKA, is tale of hope, courage, resilience, determination and faith. It is a story of a village boy who rose from the ashes of poverty in the dry, thirsty and forsaken part of rural Kenya into political stardom.
Musyoka, the son of a peasant farmer-cum-shopkeeper, grew up in Mwingi district in Kenya’s Eastern province. His place of birth was and still remains one of the remotest regions in Kenya.
The book tells the story of the journey of his life, so far. It finds its beginnings in the local village in Mwingi, where he was born. It traverses time and space to see him through the village school, high school and university, even as it gives a rendition of the various vicissitudes that informed his formative years.
From there, it travels on to his early experiments with building a career in legal practice, before plunging into the mud of politics, the world of diplomacy and the challenges of statehood and statesmanship.
Being his mother’s only son, Musyoka grew up under the gunfire, and terror of the Shifta bandits. His mother lived in constant fear of witchcraft. The evil eye, she thought, would take her son away.
The biography tells of Musyoka’s struggles to gain meaningful education, overcome poverty and eventual entry into Kenyan politics. It narrates his rise to stardom, trials and tribulations and his strong Christian faith.
It documents his crucial role as a peacemaker since his schooldays. The impact he had on the Sudanese and Somali peace negotiations. His fears, anxieties and survival instincts.
It is a tale of respect for elders. A tale of a man determined to walk the straight path of truthfulness, honesty and integrity. It is a tale of a loving husband and father.
It tells of his loyalty, his desire for a Kenya that is not just God fearing but free from want, poverty, corruption and hunger. His eyes are set on a country whose economy will one day compete with those of the developed world; a country whose people will walk and live free from fear of insecurity; a nation whose people will enjoy a free, high quality education, social security and good health.
The biography details his political ambitions to ascend to Kenya’s presidency; his dreams, his hopes and his aspirations for Kenya.
Caleb Atemi is a renowned writer, communications and public relations consultant. Atemi, a former News Editor with the Nation Media Group and journalism lecturer, is working on other biographies detailing the life and times of prominent Kenyan personalities.
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ISBN:2147483647
Author:Kalonzo Musyoka and Caleb Atemi
Byron –
What I loved most is how you’ve talked about feminism in a way that feels real and relatable to the experiences of African women. I’ve realized that being strong, ambitious and independent doesn’t always mean having the freedom or opportunities to become everything you want to be. Sometimes, even with so much potential, life and circumstances can stand in the way. Knowing a little about Namasaka’s own journey made me appreciate her writing even more, because there’s something special about someone who can turn personal experiences and difficult realities into conversations that make others think. The book also made me question how much women get to choose, and how much is shaped by culture, religion, family and society’s expectations. I especially love that she doesn’t try to tell African women who they should be, but instead reminds us that we deserve the freedom to figure that out for ourselves. For me, this book isn’t just about feminism; it’s about understanding ourselves, recognising the things that hold us back and believing in the possibility of becoming who we truly want to be. It’s the kind of book that leaves you thinking long after you’ve finished reading it.
Byron –
What I loved most is how you’ve talked about feminism in a way that feels real and relatable to the experiences of African women. I’ve realized that being strong, ambitious and independent doesn’t always mean having the freedom or opportunities to become everything you want to be. Sometimes, even with so much potential, life and circumstances can stand in the way. Knowing a little about Namasaka’s own journey made me appreciate her writing even more, because there’s something special about someone who can turn personal experiences and difficult realities into conversations that make others think. The book also made me question how much women get to choose, and how much is shaped by culture, religion, family and society’s expectations. I especially love that she doesn’t try to tell African women who they should be, but instead reminds us that we deserve the freedom to figure that out for ourselves. For me, this book isn’t just about feminism; it’s about understanding ourselves, recognising the things that hold us back and believing in the possibility of becoming who we truly want to be. It’s the kind of book that leaves you thinking long after you’ve finished reading it.
nafulawinnie382 –
This book is such an eye opener. Narrations of real life experiences that the author has had made me open my eyes and actually get a clear understanding of what respect and disrespect to women is. I used to take some actions from men lightly, for example the sexual compliments I get from men and random inappropriate physical contact from men. This read changed my perspective of such. I learnt to speak out and address any form of assault. I also have to mention how the author’s language and presentation of ideas caught my attention. Once you start a chapter there’s that urge to keep on reading. Great book Lyna!
Tecy –
Intriguing read about feminism discourse. gender accommodative as it takes the best interest of human dignity . chapter 4 on incorporation of capitalism and partriachy was mind blowing and educative .I wished you also talked on how some feminist in power oppress (inconsiderate) to there juniors.
Lornah Tale –
Such a great read.. ! Always great reading about feminism from an African woman perspective.Definitely on the lookout for Lyna’s next book!