In less than two days, the work of two prolific writers who wrote about the oppression in Kenya have been resurrected:
Francis Imbuga: Recognised by Brian Kibet Bera who felt the Betrayal in the City and broke into State House to demand freedom. Francis Imbuga’s Betrayal in The City was resurrected by Brian Kibet Bera, the man who was shot and injured as he jumped over the State House fence had allegedly threatened to attack President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Margaret Ogola: Recognised by Google Doodle for The River and the Source and more, on the 12th June 2019. Margaret Ogola who is lesser known that the famous Githeri Man was resurrected today when Google Doodle honoured her literary contribution.
Next, we should have Kifo Kisimani (Death at the Well)… though Kithaka Wa Mberia is still alive the freedom he talks about in his book is non-existent because Mwelusi is still gathering up courage to unite the people.
What we call prophets today are busy preaching the prosperity gospel like Bishop Allan Kiuna and Reverend Kathy Kiuna or the “Holiness and Repentance” gospel like Prophet Dr. David Owuor, who claims to be the Mightiest Prophet of God.
The genuine prophets are definitely our writers. They never claimed any fame and glory. They were recognised in absentia. Their work is true today even years after the death!
Margaret Ogola: Born: 1958, Died: 2011
Margaret Atieno Ogola was a Kenyan novelist who wrote The River and the Source and its sequel, I Swear by Apollo. The River and the Source follows four generations of Kenyan women in a rapidly changing country and society.
Francis Imbuga: Born: 1947, Died: 2012
Professor Francis D. Imbuga was a Kenyan playwright and literature scholar whose works, including Aminata and Betrayal in the City, have become staples in the study of literature schools in Kenya.