Dear Friends,On Saturday 30th November, we joined author Empress Ciku Kimani-Mwaniki for a memorable yellow party launching her fifth book, NaiRobbery Cocktail—and celebrating her 50th birthday—with fellow writers, family members, friends and admirers. Among the writers who attended were Prof. David Maillu, author of more than 80 books across genres, decades and perspectives. Other distinguished authors who joined the celebration were Deborah Auko Tendo, Scholastica Moraa, Ciku Kimeria, Simiyu Barasa, Clifford Chianga Oluoch, Silas Nyanchwani, Betty Kilonzo, Mercy Atis, Dorhpan, Vickie Heri, Wambui Kieya, Msanii Kimani, Patrick Lavince, Tony Mochama, Terry Muchiri, Gilbert Mwangi, Verah Omwocha, Felgonah Oyuga, Beth Ruga, Eric Rugara, Wanjiru Thuku, Eddy Ashioya, and Brian Mbanacho. We were happy so many of Kenya’s most talented writers came out to celebrate Empress Ciku and her new work.
She serves her NaiRobbery Cocktail with plenty of romance, sex and human souls at the dark nexus of crime, corrupt law enforcement, and Nairobi city life. Love, loss, and hope in the characters she draws—the women and the men—shine bright and real. The character I love most is Naliaka. Empress Ciku first introduces Naliaka to us in chapter two:
“The air, even out in the open, had the acrid smell of the type of sweat that if it came into contact with eyes, it would feel like someone poured salty water in them. It was the only way for the air to smell because the midday heat was overheating the tarmac road, squeezing water out of every living thing by opening wide pores, humbling the trees enough for them to retract their shadows to invisibility and silencing the birds. In Utopia where poverty had no place, walking in that type of sun would have been considered suicidal. But Naliaka did not live in Utopia.”
Nor does Empress Ciku. Nairobi is where she lives, and her writing makes Nairobi both a subject and a context. NaiRobbery Cocktail bleeds, but without exploitation. Love, striving, violence, but laughter—a lot of laughter—suffuse the book with smells, sounds and emotions of Nairobi’s living, beating hearts. If you love and you read, you will love this book. Thank you Empress Ciku for bringing NaiRobbery Cocktail into the world. We celebrate you!
Perspectives from the event:“
I have passion for writers because I am one of them. Writing gives hope to our country. Writing speaks for the future generation and addresses problems in society,” said Prof. Maillu.
Ciku's great friend, Engineer Terry Muchiri, shared his heartfelt remarks: “We were first friends online, and then we met in person. Ciku has inspired me and encouraged me to write my own book. I am so proud of you for writing five!
”Celebrated Kenyan musician Harry Kimani reflected on his favourite of Ciku's works: “Ciku, congratulations. My favourite of your cocktails is Savanna. You signed it for me, and it was amazing. I look forward to being wowed by NaiRobbery Cocktail.”
Ciku also expressed her deep gratitude to her readers: “Thank you to all my faithful readers who have supported me since my first book. You've witnessed my growth across these five books. I hope you love what I’ve done with NaiRobbery Cocktail—and that it doesn’t make you fear Nairobi!” NaiRobbery Cocktail is now available at Nuria Bookstore, Prestige Bookshop, Kibanga Books, Soma Nami Books, and Bookstop.
As we end 2024, the eKitabu team—in Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi, US, Palestine, Canada, and all other places where our colleagues are—extend our hearty thanks to you for a good year together. Our beloved and honored colleague, Donatilla Kanimba, the founding Executive Director of Rwanda National Union of the Blind (RNUB), shared this wish from her culture that we pass along: “May you enjoy the new year and not the new year enjoy you!” We wish you joy, success, and fresh beginnings in 2025. Asanteni sana, murakoze cyane, zikomo kwambiri, thank you very much to all.