Category Archives: KENYA

Posts about all things Kenyan

Westgate: stop calling it a “tragedy”

Posted on October 20, 2013 by richardcrompton

In recent weeks, the media in Kenya and beyond have taken to referring to the attack upon Westgate Mall on September 21st, 2013, as “the tragic events at Westgate”. At time of writing, it is believed that 67 innocent people were … Continue reading →

Posted in KENYA | Tagged atrocity, kenya, nairobi, tragedy, Westgate, Westgate attacks | Leave a comment

Interview on KBC

Posted on June 12, 2013 by richardcrompton

My interview on KBC radio is now online. If you have an hour to spare, follow the link here…

Posted in KENYA, ON WRITING | Tagged books, crime fiction, detective, Honey Guide, Hour of the Red God, The Honey Guide, writing | Leave a comment

Review by Khainga O’Okwemba

Posted on June 7, 2013 by richardcrompton

I was honoured to have The Honey Guide / Hour Of The Red God reviewed in The Star, Kenya, this week by the distinguished writer, Khainga O’Okwemba. O’Okwemba is president of Kenya PEN and a celebrated poet.

Posted in KENYA, NOVELS, ON WRITING | Tagged books, crime fiction, detective, detective stories, Honey Guide, Hour of the Red God, kenya, Khainga O'Okwemba, Maasai people, nairobi, publishing, The Honey Guide, writing | 1 Comment

Brand ‘Maasai’?

Posted on May 28, 2013 by richardcrompton

My novel deals directly with the issues facing the survival of the tribal identity of the Maasai people in a changing world. Today the BBC has a fascinating article about the concept of ‘Branding’ the Maasai name and image. “Those … Continue reading →

Posted in AFRICA, KENYA, ON WRITING | Tagged africa, BBC, East Africa, kenya, Maasai, Maasai Mara, Maasai people, Tanzania | Leave a comment

The Honey Guide competition winner

Posted on May 12, 2013 by richardcrompton

A few days ago I asked for witty suggestions for Kenyan versions of classic books or movies. The prize: a signed copy of The Honey Guide. For example: Machakos To Do About Nothing Citizen Kenyatta The Kabarnet of Dr Caligari … Continue reading →

Posted in KENYA, NOVELS, ON WRITING | Tagged books, competition, kenya, The Honey Guide, win, writing | 4 Comments

Kenya in the NY Review of Books

Posted on April 30, 2013 by richardcrompton

One of the best primers on the present state of Kenyan politics–and a nuanced profile of the new president–is to be found in this NY Review of Books article by Joshua Hammer. In diplomatic cables from June 2009 released by … Continue reading →

Posted in AFRICA, KENYA | Tagged africa, books, International Criminal Court, kenya, Kenyatta, New York Review of Books, Politics, Uhuru Kenyatta | Leave a comment

Kenya, Kenyatta and the ICC

Posted on March 13, 2013 by richardcrompton

So Kenya breathes a sigh of relief. This month’s election did not repeat the horrors of 2007. Even with two court cases looming—an attempt by the defeated candidate, Raila Odinga, to overturn the election result and the President-Elect’s own trial … Continue reading →

Posted in AFRICA, KENYA | Tagged International Criminal Court, kenya, Kenyatta, Omar al-Bashir, Raila Odinga, Uhuru Kenyatta | Leave a comment

Kenyan elections 2013

Posted on March 11, 2013 by richardcrompton

Even those whose candidate lost are feeling relieved right now. The last elections in Kenya, in 2007, sent such a convulsion of violence through the heart of this peace-loving nation everyone was expecting the worst. In the end, it never … Continue reading →

Posted in AFRICA, KENYA | Tagged africa, Elections in Kenya, International Criminal Court, kenya, Kenyatta, Kikuyu people, Raila, Raila Odinga, Uhuru Kenyatta | Leave a comment

Video: on location

Posted on March 3, 2013 by richardcrompton

In this short video, I visit two of the locations in my novel: the busy streets of downtown Nairobi and the sprawling mega-slum of Kibera. Thanks to my friends at Kibera Film School for their assistance on the ground. More … Continue reading →

Posted in AFRICA, KENYA, ON WRITING | Tagged books, Hour of the Red God, kenya, Kibera, nairobi, novels, The Honey Guide, Video, writing | Leave a comment

Kenyan elections: why so close?

Posted on February 22, 2013 by richardcrompton

According to the latest opinion polls, the two rival coalitions are in a dead heat prior to March 4th’s election. This seems strange, until one considers possible reasons why.

Posted in AFRICA, KENYA | Tagged coalition, Cord, election, Jubilee, kenya, Kenyatta, Odinga, ODM, opinion polls, politcs, Raila Odinga, TNA, Uhuru Kenyatta | Leave a comment

Kenyan elections: 2007 and 2013

Posted on February 9, 2013 by richardcrompton

It’s a strange time in Kenya. There is a decidedly nervous atmosphere as everyone asks: will next month’s elections prompt the same sort of chaos as 2007?