The Mau Mau rebellion, as it is often called, which began in Kenya in the early 1950s, was a nationalist, anticolonial armed resistance against the British colonial state.
The guerrilla movement called itself the Kenya Land Freedom Army; the British dubbed the movement “mau mau,” a meaningless name, to obscure the aims otherwise so clear in the resistance army’s name.
Ngugi Wa Thiongío’s Petals of Blood examines, among other things, the betrayal by the postcolonial regime of the ideals of this anticolonial struggle that helped Kenya achieve its independence.
The novel revolves around three men and a woman. The four friends reveal different aspects of their history to each other piecemeal, just as their families had guardedly explained the past to them. The lingering effects of the Mau Mau revolt have affected all their lives and by the end of the novel, each character is wrapped up in his or her own exclusive epiphany about life in Kenya.
Abdullah, the trader, thinks he failed the movement because he did not avenge the death of a friend who was a revolutionary and who was betrayed. Munira, the schoolteacher and eventual wide-eyed prophet, is paralyzed by the shadow of his successful father, who condemned the Mau Mau but aided the crony corruption of independent Kenya. Wanja, the beauty from a broken home, learns that it was two generations of revolutionary fervor that distorted the home she grew up in. And Karega, Thiongío’s union-pushing hero, scrutinizes the history of Mau Mau as if it were a sacred text. Somewhere in that history, they all believe, is the key to wisdom and justice.
Franklin Marigi –
The book delves into thought-provoking themes that resonate long after the final page is turned. It goes beyond being just a story. Perfection at its best.
Haroun Risa’s writing style is a joy to experience. The prose is seamless, and the pacing is impeccable. The author’s ability to balance descriptive passages with moments of tension and excitement showcases a true mastery of the craft.
Mombasa Raha My Foot is a literary gem that deserves every bit of its five-star rating. Haroun Risa has crafted a work that not only entertains but also enlightens. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a compelling and enriching reading experience.
The fact that he did all that using his phone. Amazing human being. Proud of you man.
Beatrice Kimaiyo –
Mombasa Raha is a unique kind of story. Tells the horrifying tales of underground deadly deals of drugs, human and organs trafficking and prostitution. It highlights the risks people are willing to get into just to be rich without considering the gravity of it’s consequences. This is a must book for everyone to read and learn from. I think it’s ideal for a movie producers to make a thrilling film out of it.The writer Harun Kimani,is an excellent thinker and creative. It’s definitely a thumbs up for Mombasa Raha series.