Wanjiru Koinange

2007, Kenya, Long held captive by her father's shadow of corruption, Kavata has spent her life suffocated by political machinations. When her husband decides to run in the next election, these shadows threaten to consume her home. Unable to bear this darkness, Kavata plots to escape. As her family falls apart, so too does her country. In the wake of Kenya's post-election turmoil, Kavata and her family must find their way back to each other across a landscape of wide-spread confusion, desperation, and heartrending loss. Koinange explores the long reaching effects of colonisation and corruption within the context of a singular household and the disparate experiences of class and clan they encapsulate.

The Havoc of Choice

Aisha Mugo

He knows its danger, but you don't. You don't understand that every little thing you do affects 

'Please don't call yourself small. There's noth..?’

Cheptoo rolled her eyes. ‘But we are. We are small people because we are always the ones shifting our lives so that yours can stay the same. When you tell Thuo to work late, it means that we don't get to eat on time, or at all, because he always brings home our supper. When you tell him to lie to your husband, and I'm sorry but I don't care why you did it, Thuo will do it even if it means that he sits in jail for a few days.

And you don't know it because you never have to live with the consequences of your choices. Just like these politicians who will never suffer a day because of this election. 

Cheptoo waited for a response but Kavata didn't have one. It was a truth she never considered. She hung her head.

Cheptoo softened her voice. ‘I know you didn't think of these things. And I know you are a good person. 

 you must open your eyes. You and I are not the same, and to think that we are is stupid. Kenya 

 and you are one of them. Cheptoo wished that Kavata could experience, even a fraction of, the turmoil that she had been through.

The Havoc of Choice quotes

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