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Authors discuss global issues, pay tributes to anti-tax protest victims at Nairobi Literature Festival

The audience follow different presentations by writers at Eastlands Library in Makadara. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

By Abdirahman Khalif | Saturday, June 29, 2024

In the event, tributes were paid to all Kenyans who died in this week's anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations.

The second day of the annual Nairobi Literature Festival (NBO Litfest) continued at Eastlands Library in Makadara. The event brings together writers, artists, and individuals with fresh ideas to exchange thoughts and share perspectives on global issues.

This year, fifty-four writers from across the world are participating in the event. They share their experiences as authors with hundreds of audiences and discuss current issues, including the recent anti-Finance Bill demonstrations in Kenya.

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Among the top panellists at Saturday's event were Adania Shibli from Palestine, Aminatta Forna from Britain, Taiye Selasi from America, Amitav Ghosh from India, Elizabeth Wathuti from Kenya, Richard Ali A Mutu from Congo, DRC, Nesrine Malik from Sudan, and Djamila Ribeiro from Brazil.

Brazilian author Djamila Ribeiro (left) addressed the audience on Feminist Fury. She was hosted by Kedolwa Waziri. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

On the first day of the event on Friday, children had a day of engagement with books and various activities at Kaloleni Library.

In the event, tributes were paid to all Kenyans who died in this week's anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations.

Brazilian author Djamila Ribeiro addressed the audience on Femist Fury, expressing her support for the anger and fury among women. She urged people to use their fury constructively. "Be angry, use your fury to change things for a better cause and not against yourself," said Djamila.

British author Aminatta Forna emphasised the importance of such events for writers to meet readers and get feedback. "It is a chance for me to meet readers and writers, but mainly readers. We spend a lot of time in a room writing, and feedback from consumers matters a lot," said Aminatta.

American writer Taiye Selasi highlighted the challenges of being an author, noting that she constantly reminds herself of her right to tell stories. "Throughout the process, I have to remind myself again and again that I am entitled to take up this space, to give days, months, and years of my life to this project," said Taiye.

Angela Wachuka, founder of Book Bunk and Director of NBO Litfest, spoke to Eastleigh Voice about the importance of restoring public libraries and celebrating them as places of culture, free expression, and interaction.

She noted that such initiatives allow people to come together and discuss not only personal issues but also national and global ones. "Things and conversations we should be having as a county, but also as people from different places, can be shared in these kinds of events," said Angela.

Eastlands Library that was renovated by Book Bunk. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

The event will continue on Sunday, with several other authors and speakers expected to present on different topics.

At 12 pm, Nguru Karugu from Kenya and photographer Sarah Waiswa, who was born in Uganda, will speak on identity. The session will be moderated by Beverly Ochieng.

Other expected speakers include Justine Wanda, Magunga Williams, Astar Njau, Chidi Nwaubani, Naddya Adhiambo Oluoch-Olunya, Alex Gakuru, Nombeko Nontshokweni, and Sihle-isipho Nontshokweni. They will address various topics throughout the day.