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Baba, while you are away: the songs, struggles and contradictions of Raila Odinga
In death, Raila was accorded a state funeral, and the country watched as a man who had spent decades seeking the presidency received the ceremonial honours of a former national leader. The symbolism was striking. He never became president, yet his death occasioned the rituals, public mourning and national attention usually reserved for figures who had occupied the highest office.
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Bookstores like Kibanga offer an alternative to imported bestseller lists and one-dimensional narratives. They become more than just sellers of books — they are cultural custodians, curators of local voices, and channels through which Kenyan and African literature can truly be read, discussed, and loved.
Storytelling motivates children to read more, which in turn helps them to improve on their language skills.
In a collaboration with Mvua Press, one of Soi’s iconic women becomes the face of After 4.30, a timeless book that digs deep into the lived experiences of women navigating violence, survival, and solidarity.
The sudden death of a pious Man of God saddened and worried me. What kind of man would the white smoke billowing out of the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel unveil to replace him? Would he be a sissy and conniving charlatan or a fearless shepherd with the spine to resolutely poke fingers into the devil’s nose? asks Ted Malanda.
At the heart of Kenya’s literary scene lies a reverence for the past, especially for what Kwani? represented. Its legacy is undeniable, and its contribution to literature in East Africa deserves to be acknowledged. But how long can we keep circling the same conversations?
"There's a market, and there's curiosity about African stories by Africans. We must find our way into that market," says Empress Ciku Kimani-Mwaniki.
