Book urging Gen Zs to proceed with protests launched

A new book encouraging youthful protesters not to back out of demanding good governance through street protests was launched in Nairobi on Saturday.

The book by veteran author David G. Maillu titled "Push Gen Z, Push Harder" examines the root cause of protests that occurred recently against the government, resulting in the death of over 50 protesters, injuries and destruction of properties.

Maillu who hosted Professor Patrick Lumumba and shrewd publisher Barack Muluka at the launch of the book said he was inspired by the events that led to young people evoking an uprising in the country to demand good governance.

"I studied what the protesting young people said and what they never said. My book is about their bold cause and the reasons why they should not stop their quest," said Maillu.

The newly launched book by veteran author David G. Maillu on Gen Z protests. (Barack Oduor)

Although written using fictional characters, the book, through pictures and illustrations acknowledges roles played by several Kenyans who have relentlessly pursued good governance despite the risks that come with it.

"I have been present in this country since independence, I, therefore, understand the ills bedevilling this society because the young and relentless protesters reminded us that they are watching everything the ruling elite does," said Maillu.

Prof. Lumumba, on his part, wondered why there are no serious conversations about the happenings in the country. He described the book as timely, and that it should inspire the youthful population to demand good governance.

" This particular book is very significant in the struggle for a better country. I urge young people to come out and pen literature that inspires a cause," said Lumumba.

The launch that saw an interactive session turned into an intellectual one where the audience engaged in a discussion about the country's future.

A guitarist performs for the audience during the launch. (Barack Oduor)

Muluka, who led the panel of discussion, was particularly impressed by Maillu 's decision to write the book to record the historic moments of the protests.

This is not Maillu's first book. He has several titles in his closet. In 2015, he launched a new publishing house to help promote African languages through English. His publication House is called African Comb Books Limited.

Maillu is a self-taught painter, musician, poet, playwright, essayist, palmist, philosopher, theologian, and pan-Africanist.

Publisher Barack Muluka, Author David G. Maillu and Prof. Patrick Lumumba during a discussion of the book at Baraza Media Lab in Nairobi. (Barack Oduor)

Some of his other works include "Pathways: 50 Years of Kenya’s Independence", which talks about Kenya and its four post-independence Presidents: Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta.

Maillu, who holds a Doctor of Letters degree in African Literature and Political Philosophy from St Clements University of South Australia, also has a book titled "The Real Kikuyu" and several academic series tentatively titled ‘Brain Builders.'

Writer and politician who writes in Kikamba, Sheng, Kiswahili and English, Maillu says he is also re-issuing some of his best-selling titles as “double volumes in an attempt to promote African languages using English.”