The Vampires of Africa

THE VAMPIRES OF AFRICA

The story worth your time. Interesting unveilings on African politics, an all-round story and a lesson as we near election period.

The Vampires of Africa, is a narrative that portrays African politics and governance in full details. The writer narrates a tale circling around an election in Majengo county, being a political affair, the writer makes use of the context to bring forth the iniquities associated with various politicians during such times. An anonymous character “narrator” designated as a veritable patriot despite having a suspicious look and being dread haired, misperceived for criminals by a popular opinion. It is through this character that the writer conveys his message.

The story is set during an election period, with prime focus being on the governor’s post. Various candidates including the incumbent Wanyoike Wa Wanyoike, are involved in an impassioned campaign overwhelmed with political circus. Propagandas, defamation, violence, accusations, unrealistic manifestos etc. The story revolves around a character named Odongo who takes his life due to the pressure mounted on him.

Through these campaign periods, vices involved in by African politicians, governments, institutions and even citizen are vividly described by the writer dramatically. The vices include; corruption, nepotism, marginalization, rigging, inequality, extravagance etc.  Media houses are censured for triggering rifts among politicians and citizens of various African countries. In this case the writer uses Mr. Jefferson a character who hosts a political T.V show. He is designated as corrupt, biased and well protected by his employer fact being that he is an asset. The African judiciary system is not spared, and is accused of amplified corruption, injustices etc. We are also able to see some of the evil tactics African politicians adopt in securing victory such as Voter bribery, rigging.

It coincidentally occurs that Odongo dies during this period of campaign, politicians being opportunistic, embrace the occasion of his death and turn it to a determinant factor of the election’s aftermath. Odongo’s life is vividly described in the third chapter of the story. His life befits that of a normal struggling citizen. Optimistic and hardworking, Odongo is hailed as a youth who is inimitably different from other youths.  He graduates from Majengo University with a bachelor in hospitality. His attempts to secure himself a job are fruitless as it turns out that no one was ready to hire him given the state of the economy. Uncommon to many, Odongo, is involved in jobs considered dirty and dangerous, jobs that befits school dropouts.  He works as a watchman, before working as a turn boy in a construction site. He marries a lady named Nyaboke, who helps him in his daily life, she also encourages him in his every move.

Life in the city become hard (insecurity, frauds, increased cost of living etc.) this prompts him to move to his home. Back in the village, he is involved in Agricultural activities that turns out to be paying. His success is little lived, he is dragged into unforeseen debt that becomes his downfall. Wanyoike Wa Wanyoike, the incumbent’s Chap Money lending platform is the accused lessor. Odongo in fear of auctioneers and other penalties commits suicide. His death creates political attention with every leader feigning friendship with him, they secretly visit the widow with each candidate seeking a favor in the organizing of the funeral.  It is eventually agreed upon that a committee of all candidates be formed to see through the funeral programs. The committee is chaired by Mr. Muganda, one of the candidates. In this chapter the writer in detail, includes worldly known crimes such as cyber terrorism, immigration and emigration problems, neo-colonialism, racism, slavery, etc.

The story ends with the incumbent retaining his office, his close competitor a successful businessman is declared bankrupt and vanishes. Another candidate who was also treasure to wakulima SACCO, Mr. Muganda, joins hands with the winner, proving right the rumors that had circulated their relationship. A young candidate Sakaja O.G is imprisoned for plotting to kill the incumbent. While the retired health officer who was also on the race, mysteriously dies of heart attack.