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Renown Kenyan writer, Ngugi wa Thiong'o has published a new novel, 'Wizard of the Crow', it satirically unmasks the political machinations on and off the continent. Ngugi wants to convey the entirety of the political situation for Africans, the influence and manipulation of aid, the inequitable distribution of capital and how strings pulled outside Africa have such profound effects on people's lives. The work is set in the fictional 'Free Republic of Aburiria', a country headed by a puffed-up ruler; resplendent in sharp Westernised suits and surrounded by a cabinet of comically sycophantic colleagues who even suggest they can build him a tower to God for his birthday. When Professor Ngugi wa Thiong'o visited Bush House, Paul Bakibinga asked him why he considers sycophants to be so common in African politics? Speculation
Like Network Africa's Resident Presidents, the personality that inspired the character of the ruler of Aburiria has been much speculated upon. Ngugi's contempt for the former Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi is widely known and lead many people to believe that the former Kenyan leader formed the bones of the comically self-important character. Paul asked the author if indeed his latest work is about Daniel Arap Moi? |
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Click to listen to part one (Real)
BBC News: Ngugi profile