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Showing posts from May, 2025

Mombasa; Enchanting City on the Kenyan Coast

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   Exploring the colourful history and culture of Mombasa, Kenya Mombasa, on Kenya's coast, is a city steeped in history, surrounded by palm trees and warm waters. To learn more about this fascinating port city, read "Mombasa: An Enchanting City on the Kenyan Coast" by author Emmanuel Kariuki. In richly illustrated prose, Kariuki takes readers on a journey through Mombasa's early years, during trade with the Arabian Peninsula, Asia, the Far East, and within Africa itself. From this coffee table book, we learn of the city's strategic importance as a cosmopolitan hub connecting these distant lands as far back as the days of Chen He, the famous Chinese explorer, between 1405 and 1433. Chen made a total of seven voyages, one of which ended in disaster, leaving his sailors to be adopted by the local Swahili people. Mombasa has architectural gems like Old Town with its narrow streets and the centuries-old Mandhry Mosque. The imposing Portuguese Fort Jesus still stands g...

The Trail of Mercy by Emmanuel Kariuki: A review of this young adult novel

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  The Trail of Mercy: A Story of Hope, Suspense, and Justice Introduction The Trail of Mercy is more than just a young adult novel—it’s a gripping tale of resilience, teamwork, and the pursuit of justice in an unforgiving world. Written by Emmanuel, this story stems from a UNESCO-sponsored project that first brought the narrative to life as a picture novel featuring real actors. While its origins span multiple African languages, the full novel gives the story the depth and seriousness it deserves. Plot Overview Morris and Susie, two determined youths from Bandani Estate, embark on a mission to find a charitable project for their Youth Club. Bandani, a neglected urban settlement plagued by poverty and crime, forces its young residents to choose between survival and integrity. In their search, they stumble upon a children’s home, an institution that should symbolise hope—but something feels off. The home's owner coldly rejects their offer to help, and their suspicions are confirm...

The Ole Sepei Mystery by Emmanuel Kariuki: A Young Adult Thriller Set in a Girls' School

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  Introduction: A Mystery That Starts with a Simple Theft "The Ole Sepei Mystery" by East African Educational Publishers plunges readers into a seemingly straightforward crime—the theft of six computers and a printer from the computer lab at Our Lady of Peace Girls High School, known to the students as PG High. However, what begins as a simple robbery quickly escalates into a deadly affair, setting the stage for a thrilling mystery that will captivate young adult readers. A Brave Protagonist & A Dark Discovery The story follows Eva Mwasimba, a determined student at PG High in the locality of Kahawani. The initial premise of the empty computer lab raises questions and intrigue. Eva’s intuitive decision to search the school garden leads to her expulsion for sneaking out—a surprising turn. However, her return as part of her punishment leads to a far more sinister discovery—a hand buried in the earth. This shocking revelation propels the narrative into darker territory, sign...

Shadows in the Savanna by Emmanuel Kariuki: Python the Investigator and Snailie the Slimy Sleuth uncover deep secrets

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  Shadows in the Savanna: A Mystery in the Wild Have you ever wondered what happens when an animal suddenly disappears in the vast African wilderness? In Shadows in the Savanna , strange things start happening after Nyati the buffalo vanishes without a trace . But this isn’t just an ordinary mystery—there’s more at play than meets the eye! Meet the Unlikely Detectives In the heart of the savanna, two unexpected heroes take on the challenge: 🔎 Python the Investigator – quick, sharp, and always ready to solve a case. 🧐 Snailie the Slimy Sleuth – slow and careful, with a unique way of seeing clues (even if he struggles with big words like investigator ). Together, they gather information from wise old Owl , observant Tortoise , and the ever-busy Warthog the doctor . But as they dig deeper, they uncover a shocking truth: poachers are stealing animals, helped by a sinister wild dog leader, Mey , who spreads confusion among the savanna creatures. A Story of Adventure, Myster...

Who is Bullying Who? By Emmanuel Kariuki: A Story of Citizenship, Tolerance, and Standing Up to Bullying

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  Introduction to Who is Bullying Who? Only available on Amazon Kindle, "Who is Bullying Who?" is a compelling short story that delves into the complexities of citizenship, empathy, and community. Through the experiences of two siblings, Wawasi and Mwachofi Mwamburi, the narrative explores the impact of xenophobic bullying and the shifting dynamics of victimhood. The story provides a thought-provoking perspective on identity, tolerance, and the ways in which misunderstandings can escalate in school settings. With rich characters and a balanced approach to difficult topics, this book invites readers to reflect on societal attitudes and the importance of standing up against discrimination. Get ready for a powerful read that challenges assumptions and inspires meaningful conversations—exclusively available on Amazon Kindle.   This short story, Who is Bullying Who?" explores important themes of citizenship, empathy, and community through the lens of a family navigating...

The Lamu Donkey Race by Emmanuel Kariuki: A story of resilience and determination set in Lamu Island

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   Omari, Citizenship and the Right to Belong This story is set on the enchanting Swahili island of Lamu which is a UNESCO World Heritage off Kenya's coast. The Lamu Donkey Race transports readers to a vivid cultural landscape. This story by Emmanuel Kariuki immerses us in Lamu's idyllic scenery and the traditions celebrated annually through the Maulidi festival. It is rich in descriptions, with vibrant scenes depicting dancing, swimming, prized boat races, and, most anticipated, the famed donkey race. When long-time champion Omari, a Somali native who has lived and worked in Lamu for years, faces a sudden ban by an overzealous chief, it sparks meaningful commentary. Though he was not born in Kenya, has Omari not contributed enough to be considered a patriot? His employer fiercely fights for his rights, advocating for justice as a debate emerges around citizenship and what truly defines patriotism. What follows is a tense race against time to see the popular jockey compete onc...

A Review of Kombamwiko’s Adventure, by Emmanuel Kariuki, Published by Phoenix Publishers

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  Reviewed by the Author Introduction In  Kombamwiko’s Adventure , we follow the journey of Kombamwiko, a contented village cockroach who, enticed by tales of urban life, decides to leave home. His friend, Faragano, describes the endless lights and abundant food in town, painting a picture of an easy, exciting life. Though Faragano has faced many dangers in his own adventures, he encourages Kombamwiko to join him on a journey to the city, guiding and protecting him along the way. The Appeal of Town Life Kombamwiko is initially happy with his simple village lifestyle, surrounded by his family and enjoying readily available food. However, Faragano’s stories spark a desire in him for the alluring city life, where lights stay on all night and there’s food aplenty. The allure of such luxury leads him to become dissatisfied with his home, causing him to disregard his parents and plan a departure without saying goodbye. Unbeknownst to him, the journey and life in the city are filled ...