Books by Philo Ikonya

Through her writing, Marjorie Oludhe Macgoye (MOM) reflects on the determination of Kenyan Afrikans to build a nation after dehumanisation under British colonialism. Barbed wire surrounds Nairobi. Tribal discrimination is sown by the British. The question of freedom remained pertinent after Kenya became independent in 1963. Lack of freedom turns into poverty and death. She stands with the oppressed. Freedom is critical. It is power. No 'god'is free to wrench it from humanity. On Freedom hinges our humanity. Homing In, Chira, The Present Moment, Street Life, Victoria and Murder in Majengo are more of her works. She helps up-coming authors in Kenya and inspires many. An undying desire to enhance the quality of human life is alive in her. Her message is against the poverty that divides people. She is there at the birth of hope. Ikonya was first in Kenya to critically study Macgoye at Masters level. A writer and human rights activist, Kenya's independence and the struggle for freedom, mass poverty and violence interest her. She explores diversity and other national issues passionately. She defends freedom of expression and volunteers for PEN International.

Deprived of being heard, people still have a voice. They make it heard in ways that disturb the status quo. This book is an engagement with such voices. Can Deni, Wairi, Yaadi, matatu people, militia people and taxi drivers in Kenya also ask "e;Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?"e; as Nelson Mandela did. Why do two men wearing bling bling turn into two snakes dancing in Rika's imagination? The web of corruption is intricate. No-one can lead this night alone. It takes many constellations, each one twinkling in its own radius. Many rays of light dispel darkness. The peoples' good leadership alone can check politicians' terrible ways. Philo Ikonya is the author of two poetry anthologies, This Bread of Peace and Out if Prison.