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The Lady who Married a Crow
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The Pearl and Other Poems
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Lord Kitchener
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Set in newly-independent Kenya, Lord Kitchener is the story of ‘two worlds’, epitomized by Ombam and Engineer Okwach, and buttressed by an eclectic mix of social and political growing pains of a young nation. Ombam is focused on education, childhood games, sickness and the like. Engineer Okwach’s are high-class socio-political and economic problems that bedevil the young African nation.
Concerned with political expediency, despite his education, Okwach is unashamed of political sycophancy and material aggrandizement under an autocratic regime that tramples upon citizens’ rights and freedoms. It is an environment that is a graveyard of independence-era aspirations where detentions without trial and opponent assassinations are the norm.
Unfavourable circumstances (greed and social stratification) mean that Ombam discontinues his schooling early, and endures many challenges that life throws at him. His education is left waiting till much later in life.
Will either of the two succeed? You, the reader, be the judge.
What others say
“The author has successfully created an imaginative and factual work of art under postcolonial and post-modernist thought, a contestation between marginal and dominant groups owing to cultural and political differences. African independence has not led to egalitarian societies but entrenched classes, political chaos and corruption.” – Dr. Andrew Nyongesa, writer & literary scholar.
“Written in a unique, appealing flowery language, this book is rich in history dating back to Kenya’s independence. It captures the politics of the time – ideological divergence, political greed, corruption, ethnic discrimination and political assassinations, among others. Like Chimamanda Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun, it highlights the dangers (personal and community) of opposition politics in young African nations.” – Joel Onyango, teacher, literary critic and founder of iTend-Kenya.
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The Lady who Married a Crow
In The Lady who married a Crow and Other Stories J. C. Makori brings rare tales and storytelling from the past. The stories capture a tradition and wisdom which, if not documented, would disappear all the same.
Storytelling was at the core of the social fabric of the people of the past. It brought together the young and old, and the raw and experienced. Through this interactive process, the community’s cumulative knowledge, experiences and wisdom were passed from generation to generation. The process further cemented the place of the storytellers as custodians of community wisdom, values and history.
In this collection, the author has given a glimpse into that past, the lessons the community treasured and wisdom embedded in the stories. Written in the style of the original oral form, the tales offer lessons, and insights into history and culture that could inform the present and shape the future.
What others say
“The stories in this collection are compelling, painting vivid images in the reader’s mind through immersing the reader in the world of the different characters and the community in which the stories are set! The book adds a much needed African folk tale resource, and can be used as a pedagogical tool and for recreational reading.” – Grace Wangari, Children’s Book Editor.
“This is thrilling collection that would interest readers across age sets. The stories offer moral lessons such as the value of truthfulness, kindness and good relations.” – Bethsheba Nyabuto, Book Designer/Editor.
The Gong: A collection of Poems
"A very good insight into the writer's perception of life - as a child, the woes of African teachers, life and death, religion, prostitution, marriage, witchcraft, love, hatred and existence.
"These poems are genuine; and convey the heartfelt experiences of a very sensitive, honest and articulate spirit. You can tell that Christopher is talented.
"Poetry is a concentrated form of expression. It's not for the prosaic or the talkative. Christopher is fortunate to belong to the class of humans who can say a lot in a few words."
- Charles Phebi-Agyekum, Author
"Christopher Okemwa is a master of mixing the voice of rapture with despair, an exceptional voice, in many ways unlike the usual voice we hear from Africa , longing to unravel the secrets of life and of love, striving to reach the unreachable, accomplished and lyrical."
- Anna Petkova Mwangi
“The Gong is an excellent work that engages the reader. Each poem leads to a journey; a weaving of Stories, Sayings and Truths, each one creating an imprint on the mind. It is an unforgettable experience and a remarkable record of the times which must be shared.”
- Estella Muyinda
Tell me a Story
Folk tales were a major ingredient of community lore in traditional society, a craft that is almost forgotten in modern society. Not only are the stories lost but with the loss goes the cultural and social activities that were the fabric that undergirded the craft and strengthened community bonds. Tell Me a Story draws from this traditional storytelling culture. It is an attempt to preserve that unique craft of storytelling, the stories and the lessons that came with the tales. It is noteworthy that such traditional folklore was not only entertaining but was also a source of moral lessons that informed society’s day-to-day well-being.
The collection of ten folktales touches on societal aspects such as trust, greed, friendship, respect, and deception, among many others. In the process, the author gives readers a glimpse of the foundations that kept society strong. The lessons, therein, are as relevant today as they were in times that have passed, underlining the fact that human beings have hardly changed despite advances made over many centuries.
What others say:
“Very imaginative with moral lessons that can be learnt from the conduct of the characters. Presented in the tone of pre-literate society storytelling, they take the reader on a captivating journey.” – Harriet Irungu, Editor and Student of Literature.
“This is an invaluable collection of stories that captures both the craft of storytelling and the moral lessons that come with the stories. It is a timely publication for modern times where values and community interest are on a downward slide.” – Anonymous
The Untold Story:Gusii Survival Techniques and Resistance to the Establishment of British Colonial Rule
The Untold Story, Gusii Survival Techniques and Resistance to the Establishment of British Colonial
Rule. There is little written about the resistance to the establishment of the British colonial rule in Gusii.
The scant knowledge available on this historical phenomenon in Kenya is inaccurate and intentionally
distorted in favour of the colonial master. The truth, contrary to the incorrect histories presented by the
British, is that the Kings African Rival soldiers suffered humiliating defeat in their initial encounter with
Gusii warriors. It was a landmark historical event. Otenyo Nyamaterere is incorrectly portrayed as a
frustrated and deranged lone-ranger who was high on narcotics when he attacked with a spear and
injured the first District Commissioner of Kisii, Geoffrey Northcote. In a fierce rebuttal to this falsehood
existing in colonial narratives, this book attempts to correct this erroneousness portrayal of a lead
warrior who valiantly came out in defense of community and its lands.
And there is context to this resistance. Over many years, the Gusii had honed their fighting skills and
survival strategies from the many years of struggle against the hostile and warlike neighbours – the
Maasai, the Kipsigis and the Luo. These skills and strategies that came in handy when later the Gusii
faced a more formidable external aggressor – the Kings African Rival soldiers. The Gusii warriors fought
with valour, demonstrating great fighting skills in their encounter with these forces of conquest even as
the latter were better armed. Inevitably the warriors lost, defeated due to the British superior
weaponry. The Gusii weapons and hand to hand combat fighting could not match the British gun power.
Moraa and Miya the Cat
Moraa and Miya the Cat is a story about a particular cat named Miya. Miya was a birthday gift for Moraa from Auntie Ngeneke. Moraa loved animals and so she loved the present, but Mr. Bundi, Moraa’s father, was not so thrilled about having a cat in the house. As the story progresses, Miya the cat changes Mr. Bundi’s attitude toward her as she helps the family in many ways. She first alerts them about a theft that was happening in their home and later warns the family about a snake that almost found its way to the house. In the end, we see the father, Mr. Bundi, embracing Miya the cat and welcoming her as part of the family.
The story is good as it is interesting and teaches the value of giving people the benefit of the doubt. It encourages young readers to love and take care of pets.
Cast the First Stone
Driven by acquisitive greed, corrupt individuals lobby the government for favourable policies for their businesses. In cutthroat competition, the high and mighty engages in deadly selfish games of land and property acquisition regardless of cost. The poor are equally determined! They use every imaginable trick to have their piece of the pie.
Cast the first stone is an intriguing story on lives in an African country. Kalamu, an investigative journalist, embarks on a truth-seeking assignment at the Alfajiri Scheme, not aware that his expose’ will rattle the establishment. He discovers rot whose tentacles run deep, presenting unprecedented risk to his life and the lives of his sources! Will he unravel the tangled maze?
What Others Say
“Cast the First Stone is moving story about the pivotal role of the press in the fight for positive change in corruption-ridden societies. It is an indictment of the press and government in the perpetuation of corruption, particularly in developing countries. The novelist has demonstrated great command of the English language and written the story with a powerful message in a style that is easy and interesting to read. The issues addressed are very relevant to the African society today.” – Dr. Andrew Nyongesa, Scholar of Literature.
“From cutting deals, playing the deadly and selfish games of trampling on the poor to get ahead, to the never-say-die spirit of the poor to get a piece of the cake, Cast the First Stone is a riveting story that illuminates the realities of a corrupt, unjust society!” – Anonymous.
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