Christopher Okemwa's " Chubot, the Cursed & Other Stories " is a collection that captures society's realities as played by characters rendered in these stories.

A recurring theme is the role of women in society and their longing for equity, their triumph often depicted by heroines catapulted by circumstances rather than deliberate action of society to engineer their success. Women's humility is felt through the stories, even in the face courage to confront taboos and traditions with society contributing little towards their success. Indeed, women's triumphs are captured as happening where men fall short.

Many of these stories raise the question of why society lacks systematic approach to women's empowerment.

What others say

"" Chubot, the Cursed One & Other Stories" is an exciting variety of stories which interrogate issues that challenge the contemporary society. The stories, narrated in simple and accessible style, present the dilemmas of complex issues like abortion, choice of criminal life and political intolerance among others with stark reality that invite the reader into self-reflection. On this score, the stories are not only entertaining literature but they also voice the questions we ask ourselves of what is happening around us, effectively opening our critical minds to the same issues." " - Dr. Rose A. Opondo, Lecturer, Moi University"

"The stories illustrate a compelling sense of place. They transport the reader to experience the events first-hand."

- Jennifer Amoah, retired teacher and book editor

"In these very captivating stories, Okemwa captures the feminine feeling and tone in all of them. On reading " The Cowardly Girl, " I could hear the feminine protest and was glad to run to safety with Nyamoita. Further, with the author holding you by the hand, as a reader you visit various types of settings; the rural as with " The Cowardly Girl " and Urban as with " Kitendawili." You also reflect on diverse gender- related problems that women face: female genital mutilation (FGM) in Gusiiland, Poverty in Slumland and the cosmopolitan city and the list goes on. In this collection, Okemwa has yet again proved himself through the short story genre." " - Prof. Wangari Mwai- Kenyatta University "

"Okemwa, observant as ever, is at it again with superb storytelling, making us 'experience' lives of story characters and Kenyan society; he makes it very real."" - Anonymous "

Like most cultural groups, the oral tradition of Abagusii People of Kenya is expressed in, among others, proverbs. These capture lessons and meaning, modulated by time and context as they are passed down generations. Like riddles and metaphors, proverbs express the wisdom of a culture and find apt applications in many situations. Christopher Okemwa's work documents some of the proverbs of Abagusii, their meaning, context in which they are used and application thereof. In this book proverbs are documented in the original form accompanied by English translations in addition to lessons they offer. Embedded in this collection are cultural aspects such beliefs and norms which touch on many aspects of Abagusii society. These aspects include relationships among people, communal life, gender matters, economic issues and many more.

Here is what others say

"Through careful transcription and translation of proverbs of Abagusii people of Kenya, Okemwa shares knowledge and cultural diversity as a wide range of themes and motifs recur hence multiplying meanings and implications. The proverbs explore both socio-political and socio-economic issues, in addition to fulfilling an aesthetic function." "- Gladys Nyaiburi Ogaro, Mount. Kenya University "

"The uniqueness of this work lies in its use of Ekegusii language to impart culture of Abagusii on the reader through the imagery in proverbs. The advantage of 'hearing' Ekegusii first hand, its literal and deep meaning provided, makes it ideal for students and teachers of language and culture in learning institutions. The work also preserves, for posterity, wisdom that may become extinct with the passage of time." " - Margaret Kemunto Obaga, Catholic University, Nairobi, Kenya "

"Christopher Okemwa's " Proverbs of Abagusii of Kenya: Meaning & Application " captures and radiates, with delight, the wisdom and beauty in Abagusii proverbs. For Ekegusii speakers, the proverbs nudge one to take a deep look at oneself and see how entertaining they can be. For non-speakers of the language the translation provided gives the poems versatility in content and pervasive reach, thus making them universal pieces of erudition that challenge and encourage. The proverb, " 'Naigure ndumo boina ko mosiori ntamanya' "(I have heard noise coming from grave diggers, but I am not sure who will be first to be interred), for instance, warns everybody against the barbarism of intransigence and physical confrontations, a universal piece of wisdom. Reading this invaluable book is a sure-fire route to intellectual nourishment. Okemwa has documented answers to our deep-seated questions on our socio- cultural, socio-economic and socio-political queries as captured by Abagusii proverbs. The wisdom therein helps one pry into one's own inadequacies and learn to challenge adversity." " - Bwocha Nyagemi Bwocha, St. Augustine University, Tanzania"

The GONG

Of my childhood rings louder
Its echo hurtles in, faster
Catching up with me
Every night in my dreams
The bicycles, donkey-carts
The farmers open vans
Raced up and down this pebbly road
Leaving behind trails of dust

I sat here, on this anthill
On a market day
Counting people, donkeys
I was a loner then
The mantis as my teddy bear.

"A very good insight into the writer's perception of life - as a child, the woes of African teachers, life and death, religion, prostitution, marriage, witchcraft, love, hatred and existence.

"These poems are genuine; and convey the heartfelt experiences of a very sensitive, honest and articulate spirit. You can tell that Christopher is talented.

"Poetry is a concentrated form of expression. It's not for the prosaic or the talkative. Christopher is fortunate to belong to the class of humans who can say a lot in a few words."
" - Charles Phebi-Agyekum, Author "

"Christopher Okemwa is a master of mixing the voice of rapture with despair, an exceptional voice, in many ways unlike the usual voice we hear from Africa, longing to unravel the secrets of life and of love, striving to reach the unreachable, accomplished and lyrical."
" - Anna Petkova Mwangi "

The Gong is an excellent work that engages the reader. Each poem leads to a journey; a weaving of Stories, Sayings and Truths, each one creating an imprint on the mind. It is an unforgettable experience and a remarkable record of the times which must be shared.
" - Estella Muyinda "

Riddles, along with proverbs, are key aspects of oral communication in many African cultures, including that of Abagusii of Kenya. Popular, especially with children in the community, participants typically use riddles to challenge one another's knoweldge. One person would metaphorically describe something with a concealed clue. The listener, using imagination, previous experience and the context in which the riddle is said, would search for the most relevant answer. It takes great imagination to get the correct answer.

Riddles are also performed communally as in the case of groups of people working in the fields, trekking to the market, riding in the same public transport or simply sitting around an evening fire as they waited to retire to bed. This aspect of riddling acted to strengthen community bonds, enhanced knowledge-sharing and imparted lessons, especially for the young in the community.

" Riddles of Abagusii of Kenya" documents the many riddles from that community recorded over a spread of time and space. It offers analysis intended for understanding the riddles and how they are used.

What Others Say:

The publication of Christopher Okemwa's " Riddles of Abagusii of Kenya " is a giant groundbreaking step in making available the rich reservoir of the oral literature of the Abagusii. The pool of riddles in the book will be handy in helping students and researchers to access this genre of the oral literature of the community. It is not only a fact that this is so far the best presentation of the riddling tradition among the Abagusii, but also the deep literary quality of this presentation places this book among the best that have emanated from a research on this community. " - Obed Machogu, University of East Africa, Baraton."

"By collecting riddles from all parts of the Abagusii community, the author scores a first in this category of writing. However, what makes the book stand out and more useful is his treatment of riddling, which takes care of place, function and time. His analysis of the riddling styles caps the book achievement with refreshing, rather unexpected, academic spicing." " - Anderea Morara, Editor; Author of "Ogasusu na Abasani Baye Aboro""

"Riddles' originality is that they imaginatively depict the environment in which they are made by a keen observant mind. Their reality makes it practical by the imagery with which they are expressed. They are factual and compelling." - " Evans Machera, Lawyer."

"It creates suspense that demands the reader to search for more. The tone is high that makes one want to laugh, yet hidden meaning challenges the reader's thinking. It is revealing and entertaining." " - Anonymous "