Seemingly, many did not know that this book, chronicling President Uhuru Kenyatta’s background and his time as Commander-in-Chief since 2013, even existed.
A large section of those who shared photos of the book contrasted it’s title with unfulfilled promises from the Jubilee administration, inspiring all sorts of memes and comments.
kenyagist.com reached out to the book’s Marketing Manager, Peter Joseph, who shed more light on the book and why it had only just caught the eye of Kenyans.
File image of President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) and Orange Democratic Movement leader, Raila Odinga (right)
File
Joseph noted that the book was edited by Professor Peter Kagwanja, a columnist who also works as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Africa Policy Institute.
Recently, Kagwanja also edited a book by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), War for Peace: Kenya’s Military in the African Mission in Somalia, 2012-2020 launched by former Chief of Defence Forces Samson Mwathethe on Friday, May 8 as his last official act before handing over to Robert Kibochi.
He revealed that the book was finished in 2018, but was not released until March 2019. Explaining why it remained under the radar, Joseph disclosed that President Kenyatta was supposed to unveil the book himself but never managed to do so.
“The book was actually ready in November 2018, but when it was launched and rolled out, it was March 2019. Uhuru was supposed to launch it himself but due to various circumstances, that could not happen.
“So the book was only pushed a bit by Kagwanja, that is may be why many people don’t know about it,” he stated.
He went on to reveal that the book featured detailed information on Uhuru’s life, growth and how he ventured into politics and governance, before delving into the highlights of his time as President since 2013.
It includes several speeches and talks by the President at various events over the years, edited to create one coherent read.
The book covers events in Uhuru’s two terms, leading up to the March 9, 2018, handshake with Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga on the steps of Harambee House.
The handshake is cast as a milestone moment for Kenya and Africa at large, Uhuru and Raila presented as statesmen committed to creating a better, democratic country.
A spot-check by kenyagist.com revealed that the book was not available in several city bookshops where Kagwanja had advised those interested to get their copies.
It is being sold for Ksh4,500, with anyone buying 5 copies or more getting a 15% discount. Online, however, it attracted ridicule particularly on Twitter where many questioned if the President was living up to the ideals touted in the book.
“Does it mention mega corruption, mega debt, and a failing economy?” asked one Davy Vivaldi.
“What kind of nonsense is this? He is the worst president we have ever had. I regret voting for him three times. I apologise to Kenyans for voting for his government,” wrote Erick Njiru.
“This book should be half a page. The rest are just blanks,” commented Colkon.’
Copies of the book Uhuru Kenyatta: A Legacy of Democracy and Development
