A few months ago, a university student went missing. Naturally, her friends and family took to social media as part of their efforts to find her. Later, we were all shocked when the story ran about how her own brother had allegedly murdered her, cut up her body, and stuffed parts of her in the [read more…]
Libera Anima Vestra (Free your soul) As I stared at a blank page, Trying to think of what to write, Trying to find the strength, To tell you how I survived. If the world was a roller coaster, Then my life was one big ride. We grew up with dreams, of having big houses, And [read more…]
I remember at one time looking at the inner part of my wrist and saying out loud, “I really like this colour.” Granted it is among the lightest parts of my skin but I think it was good that I liked my skin in the first place. Whether it is a factor of black pride, [read more…]
It is a busy Nairobi afternoon on Kimathi Street. The adhan for the Asr prayer has just been called out and I am waiting for my friend to meet me. I just found out that my travel plans have come through and I would soon be relocating. She says she is off to pick her [read more…]
It’s 1AM. You are at the airport braving the chilly Nairobi weather waiting for your pen pal to touch down. This all started with a simple inbox on Facebook saying “Hi, I think you are cool and I kinda like your smile.” You didn’t expect much of it. The online feminist battalion had convinced you [read more…]
By now, we agree that the literature scene in Kenya is thriving. We agree that it was problematic how we all grew up reading stories about white children who ate tarts and pies for tea and had adventures in the snow. We agree that the people who keep telling us that Kenyans don’t read are [read more…]
Profile: Beth Wanjiku Ndirangu Country: Kenya Beth Wanjiku Ndirangu was born with a disability known as cerebral palsy. She holds a Bachelors of Education degree in English and Literature and has been doing voluntary disability advocacy work for the last five years. Beth is a 2016 Mandela Washington Fellow. In January this year Beth, began [read more…]
Artist: Patrick Miller (Millz) Country: Zimbabwe Ever since his first performance as Joseph in a nativity play when he was five, Millz’ fascination with the arts has grown. Over two decades later, he is now a playwright, artist and an “activist on a sabbatical”. Currently, Millz is working on a new draft of his stage [read more…]
I live with the devil. There are three universal truths in our home. One, mum is always right. Two, mum is life. Three, choose life. This is the story of my childhood. My mother has always been very religious. Sundays were always a day of showing off new dresses (my sister used to call them [read more…]
Nakola held down her 10 year old flowered patched dress as the gushing wind threatened to reveal her chalky thighs. Her left hand gripped the hem of her dress so tightly that she could feel the veins on her palms suffocate from the pressure. She liked it. It was her rehearsal for how she would [read more…]
