I recently finished watching “Mvera,” a powerful film directed by Daudi Anguka that left a lasting impression. The movie follows the harrowing journey of a woman named Mvera, played by Susan Kadide, who becomes ensnared in an organ trafficking ring. The story is both a gripping thriller and a poignant social commentary on the exploitation masked as opportunity. “Mvera” was Kenya’s official submission to the 2024 Academy Awards by the Oscars Selection Committee Kenya (OSCK) to vie for the Best International Feature Film Award.

Mvera’s struggle to escape and return to her community to warn them is heart-wrenching and suspenseful. Susan Kadide delivers a standout performance, portraying Mvera’s resilience and determination with emotional depth. The supporting cast, including Carolyne Rita Mutua, Hillary Namanje, and Patrick Owino, add authenticity and gravity to the narrative.

The cinematography effectively captures the contrasting settings of Mvera’s ordeal, from the stark, oppressive environments of the trafficking network to the warmth of her home village. This visual storytelling enhances the emotional impact of the film.

“Mvera” not only engages with its thrilling plot but also raises critical awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and corrupt wanna-be politicians. It challenges viewers to look beyond the surface of seemingly benign opportunities and consider the hidden threats that many face. The ability, especially financially, to vie for a political seat does not make you qualified.

“Mvera” is a compelling and thought-provoking film that combines suspense with a powerful social message. I highly recommend it for its strong performances, engaging story, and its important commentary on exploitation and resilience.

Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor’s “Dust” intricately weaves personal loss and political turbulence into a narrative deeply rooted in the Kenyan psyche. The novel opens with the violent death of Odidi Oganda, unravelling a deep exploration into Kenya’s soul and making it an essential read for understanding contemporary Kenyan issues.

Owuor’s prose vividly explores Kenya’s landscapes—both geographical and emotional. The journey from Nairobi’s chaos to the arid expanses of northern Kenya mirrors a deeper voyage the characters undertake, confronting their pasts and collective national memory. This raises profound questions about identity, belonging, and reconciliation.

“Dust” reflects current struggles with corruption and political instability in Kenya, portraying the grim realities of societal betrayal and colonial history’s lasting impact on governance and cohesion. This resonates with the current political climate and the public’s demand for transparency and justice.

The novel also challenges you to think about the formation of historical narratives and who controls them. By shifting perspectives and timelines, Owuor suggests that history is a dynamic, contested space. This is crucial as Kenya grapples with its diverse ethnic and cultural histories, seeking a unified national identity.

Additionally, “Dust” meditates on the nature of memory and its present impact. The characters’ struggles with their memories and choices of what to remember or forget directly address the national conversation on historical amnesia and the importance of confronting the past.

“Dust” invites introspection and dialogue about Kenya’s future direction. It urges readers to acknowledge their painful history and the shadows of their personal and collective memories to move forward. Owuor compels Kenyans to reflect on how their individual stories intertwine with the national narrative, advocating for a future where such stories are heard and recognized.

In conclusion, “Dust” is more than a literary achievement; it’s a vital cultural artefact that provides deep insights into confronting Kenya’s past to pave the way for reconciliation and a cohesive national identity.

The question often is, are you a reader? But the even bigger question is, why aren’t you a reader? Finding the time to sit down with a good book can seem like an impossible luxury with adulting and capitalism on the win. However, as we celebrate World Book and Copyright Day, it’s essential to reflect on the importance of reading and why it should be an integral part of your life. But, beyond that, we also spotlight Qwani, a foundation dedicated to promoting readership and providing a platform for young writers to get published, as it plays a crucial role in cultivating a reading culture among people.

Reading is not just about words on a page; it’s about expanding our horizons, exploring new worlds, and gaining valuable insights into the human experience. In a world where distractions are plentiful, books offer a sanctuary, a place where we can immerse ourselves in stories, ideas, and perspectives that enrich our lives. Lessons without unfortunately learning through experience.

One of the significant benefits of reading is that it enhances our emotional intelligence. Do you ever talk to someone who simply struggles to express their emotions? People who struggle with understanding your emotions? That’s how showy it is when you don’t read. When we read, we are exposed to a vast array of emotions, and we learn to understand and empathize with different perspectives. Books are the windows to the human soul. They enable us to experience emotions and situations that we may not encounter in our daily lives, thus increasing our emotional intelligence.

My biggest red flag in people is a lack of empathy, run away from people who are not empathetic. Reading is a gateway to empathy. When we read, we step into the shoes of characters from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We learn to see the world through their eyes, fostering empathy and understanding. Through books, we can walk in someone else’s shoes, experiencing their joys, sorrows, and struggles. This fosters empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

But, if your excuse for not reading is volume and attention span, consider anthologies like Qwani. Keith Ang’ana addresses this by saying, “…but it is exactly that matter which we’re using to curate the book.”(talking about short attention spans) Qwani’s approach is to provide a diverse range of content, including stories as short as one page long and others as long as eleven pages. “One can, slowly by slowly, start by reading the shorter stories, and then, progressively, get to the longer stories, as they build up their reading capacity,” Keith Ang’ana suggests.

Qwani addresses this by providing a diverse array of content, all under one roof. “We have Poetry, we have Short Stories, we have Philosophy, we have Science, we have Sheng stories, and we also have reviews about Film and Music,” Keith Ang’ana explains. “Furthermore, they are spread out in the book, such that, at no point in time will you cross over from one piece to another both of the same genre or same theme. This, then, helps in making it colourful and diverse, alleviating the initial boredom that encumbers people from reading longer works.”

For anyone trying to get back to reading books, I suggest anthologies like Qwani

As we celebrate World Book and Copyright Day, let’s remember the immense value of reading. Through books, we can expand our horizons, cultivate empathy, and sharpen our minds. If you are writer, please continue to paint the world with your words, and for the readers, may we always find solace in books. With initiatives like Qwani, we have the opportunity not only to enjoy the benefits of reading but also to contribute to a culture of readership that enriches lives and communities. “Qwani is a foundation pushing for more readership by providing young writers with a platform to get published. We’re also aiming to cultivate a reading culture among people,” Keith Ang’ana concludes. And I am happy to watch Qwani soar and achieve this dream.

Qwani-ni hauna copy? Grab yourself the second edition of Qwani’s anthology here.