Book About Kenyan Corruption is Being Given Away for Free
Jun 22nd, 2009 • Posted in: NewsKenyan bookstores have been reluctant to carry it for fear of libel suits
NAIROBI
A book about corruption in Kenya is causing widespread controversy, even though many bookstores are refusing to sell it because of fear of libel suits by the government.
The book, It’s Our Turn to Eat, details government official John Bithongo’s failed attempts to curb corruption and his subsequent exile.
Author Michela Wrong tells the Voice of America that the title is a common phrase in Kenya, used to indicate the notion that a particular ethnic group wants to feed on government resources.
Wrong told National Public Radio that a “rotating series of ethnic elites” have run the economy to benefit themselves, “and it’s an attitude that has obviously destroyed the economy.”
Ironically, reports the Nairobi’s Daily Nation, bookstores’ reluctance to carry the title has afforded it wide publicity and distribution. A partnership between media, churches, and other civic groups is distributing the book for free.
The churches also intend to start discussion groups focusing on the book.
It’s Our Turn to Eat has attracted attention in other African nations, reports the Kampala, Uganda, Weekly Observer, because in the years following its 2002 elections, many international observers regarded Kenya as a test case for democratic and economic reform throughout Africa.
Sources: Voice of America, June 18 — NPR, June 16 — Nairobi Daily Nation, June 16 — Kampala Weekly Observer, June 10.
For more information, see: Related Newsline story, Mar. 2 — Related Newsline story, June 30, 2008 — Related Newsline story, June 30, 2008 — Related Newsline story, Feb. 4, 2008 — Related Newsline story, Jan. 22, 2008 — Related Newsline story, Jan. 14, 2008.
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