THE PUPPET PROTOCOL: When the Strings of Power Become a Noose

by Ephantus Mwenda Njagi

415 pages, Paperback

Published October 4, 2025

About the author

Ephantus Mwenda commonly known as Novelist Ephantus Mwenda on social networks, was destined to be a storyteller from his earliest breath. His imagination, evident in the legendary compositions of his youth, found its true calling in literature. His journey as a published author began in 2011 with "Bits of My Life," followed by the enchanting Kiswahili children's book, "Kisa cha Mzee Kofi."

However, it was his acclaimed novel, "The Girl from America," that catapulted Ephantus onto the global stage, earning its coveted place on the shelves of famous bookstores worldwide. This was followed by the explosive political thrillers, "The Sins of Names"—featuring a foreword by the esteemed Professor P.L.O. Lumumba—and "The Puppet Protocol." These action-packed novels dive into the battle for the soul of a nation, redefining modern storytelling in Africa with their unrivaled authenticity.

His works have transcended mere readership, a fact powerfully underscored when Chartered Scientist Hugh Graham, a renowned expert in Blood Banking from the UK, found such profound resonance with Mwenda’s insights that he prominently shared one of his quotes in his own groundbreaking publication, "Bloody Blood Groups." This extraordinary cross-disciplinary recognition speaks to the unique intellectual depth that defines Ephantus's writing.

Beyond the written word, Ephantus's multifaceted artistry extends seamlessly into filmmaking. He channels his visionary drive for publishing and filmmaking through Starletz Theatre & Books. Under his leadership, this pioneering publishing house and filmmaking service has become a formidable force, championing a new generation of literary talent and publishing tens of books from authors across all walks of life, including celebrated voices like the Teacher of the Year (TOYA) Award Winner, Kenya.

Reviews

[George Ciuri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the story. it's about corruption

[Norah Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

nice sounding book

[Libby Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every once in a while, a book comes along that isn’t just a story it’s a jolt to the system. THE PUPPET PROTOCOL is that book. From the first moment we step into a nation ruled by fear and puppeteered by corruption, Ephantus Mwenda Njagi grips us with a tension that never loosens.
Imani Kariuki is the kind of character you root for with your whole soul — flawed, fierce, and deeply human. Kito Mwamba, her protector, adds the perfect emotional weight and loyalty. And Scar Maluki? Easily one of the most chilling villains written in the last decade.
This book is alive. It breathes urgency. It speaks truth. And it reminds us how fragile freedom can be. If you love thrillers that make your heart race and your mind reflect, this is a must-read.

[Kristen Humphreys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book three days ago and I still haven’t stopped thinking about it. There are thrillers that entertain you and then there are thrillers that live inside you long after you close the pages.
Imani and Kito’s partnership is one of the most compelling duos I’ve read in years. Their unspoken trust and shared trauma make the stakes feel painfully real.
President Sikamoo and his brutal enforcer, Scar Maluki, embody a level of evil that is terrifying precisely because it feels so plausible.
The pacing is masterful slow dread giving way to full-blown chaos. And the final third? I was gripping the book like it might explode.
Absolutely unforgettable.

[Marcus Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading THE PUPPET PROTOCOL felt like watching a high-budget political action film unfold in ultra-slow motion every frame charged, every scene meaningful.
What stood out most to me was how vividly the author paints Nairobi: the bustling streets, the suffocating fear, and the hidden heartbeat of rebellion. This isn’t a generic thriller set in “somewhere.” It is deeply rooted in place, culture, and reality.
Imani’s mission to uncover the damning confession is more than a plot device it’s a symbol of hope, sacrifice, and the weight of truth.
This book is fearless in confronting the darkness of power. But it never forgets humanity. That balance is what makes it brilliant.

[Julia W · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I love most about THE PUPPET PROTOCOL is that it doesn’t just thrill you it challenges you. It asks uncomfortable questions about power, fear, corruption, and the price of dissent.
Ephantus Mwenda Njagi writes with a courage and clarity that is rare. The novel’s tension is rooted not just in action scenes, but in the moral dilemmas the characters face.
Imani’s journey is heart-wrenching. Kito’s loyalty is inspiring. Even the villains have depth, making the story layered and compelling.
This isn’t just a page-turner; it’s a mirror held up to societies everywhere. A phenomenal, necessary book.

[Vinhelan · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the murder of the Chief Justice to the final breathless confrontation, this book is a rollercoaster carved out of pure adrenaline.
What impressed me most is how grounded everything feels. The characters aren’t superheroes they’re real people facing impossible odds.
The scenes in the torture chambers are chilling, not because of gore, but because of the emotional terror woven into them. Scar Maluki is a monster, but a believable one.
The book’s biggest strength is its emotional honesty. It’s dark, yes, but never gratuitous. It’s violent, yes, but always with purpose.
A gripping and devastating triumph.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of thrillers, but very few feel important. THE PUPPET PROTOCOL does.
It’s a story about resistance, about risking everything for truth, about refusing to bow to tyranny themes that resonate no matter where you’re from.
The writing is sharp and vivid. The action scenes are intense without being overblown. And the emotional beats hit exactly where they should.
By the time I reached the end, I felt like I had been on the mission with Imani. Exhausted, terrified, but hopeful.
Ephantus Mwenda Njagi has written something remarkable here.

[Jane S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books try to play it safe. This one charges headfirst into the fire.
The author doesn’t shy away from depicting the brutality of oppressive regimes. But he also gives us something even rarer: a fierce, unbreakable beacon of hope.
Imani Kariuki is unforgettable one of those characters who walks right off the page and into your memory. Her dedication to the truth, even at the cost of everything, is deeply inspiring.
If you’re looking for a soft thriller, this isn’t it. This is a battle cry bound in paper.

[Gordon L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books entertain you. Others move you. THE PUPPET PROTOCOL does both, and with extraordinary skill.
Ephantus Mwenda Njagi manages to craft a world that is terrifying yet hopeful, brutal yet beautiful.
The story unfolds like a fuse burning toward an inevitable explosion. Every scene tightens the wire. Every character adds weight to the emotional stakes.
Scar Maluki is one of the most memorable antagonists I’ve encountered not just evil, but haunting.
This book deserves awards. It deserves global attention.
A masterpiece of modern political fiction.

[Anthony Hearn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book at 10 PM planning to read “just a chapter.” Next thing I knew, the sun was rising.
Every chapter ends with a hook that forces you into the next. The tension is immaculate.
Kito stole my heart his quiet strength, his unwavering loyalty, his sacrifice.
And the story itself? Layered, intelligent, and driven by raw emotion.
It’s rare to find a book that balances political intrigue, human drama, and breakneck pacing this well.
Buy it. Clear your weekend. You won’t regret it.

[Elijah Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The emotional core of this novel is so strong it elevates everything around it.
Imani isn’t portrayed as a perfect hero she’s portrayed as a person making impossible choices. That nuance is what makes her arc so powerful.
The writing is cinematic without losing depth. I could see every street, every bunker, every flicker of fear on the characters’ faces.
I finished the book feeling inspired, shaken, and deeply satisfied.
An exceptional read from start to finish.

[Robin Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

From its haunting opening to its explosive conclusion, THE PUPPET PROTOCOL never eases its grip. What makes this novel extraordinary is not just the action though the action is breathtaking but the emotional resonance behind every decision the characters make.
Imani Kariuki carries the weight of a nation on her shoulders, and the author makes you feel that burden in every page. Her courage is contagious.
This book didn’t just entertain me it moved me, unsettled me, and ultimately inspired me.

[Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If political thrillers had a musical score, this one would be a storm. The writing is rhythmic, tense, and beautifully orchestrated.
Ephantus Mwenda Njagi doesn’t just tell a story he builds an entire emotional landscape. The violence is not glamorized; it’s portrayed with the gravity it deserves.
Scar Maluki is an unforgettable antagonist, written with chilling realism.
This novel feels like a warning and a prayer wrapped in one. I cannot recommend it enough.

[Alina Vossen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What impressed me most about THE PUPPET PROTOCOL is how smart it is. This isn’t a popcorn thriller relying on explosions or cheap twists. Instead, it’s a deeply thoughtful, layered exploration of power structures and the cost of truth.
But make no mistake the intensity is absolutely there. Every chapter ratchets up the stakes until you’re reading with bated breath.
This book proves that thrillers can be both entertaining and intellectually satisfying.

[Tessa Grunel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to keep reminding myself that this was fiction that’s how realistic and emotionally charged it feels.
The assassination of the Chief Justice sets off a chain of events that spiral so fast and so violently that you can’t help but feel like you’re living through it too.
Imani’s resolve, Kito’s loyalty, the government’s ruthlessness everything feels heartbreakingly plausible.
This is not just a book. It’s an experience.

[Heather A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t remember the last time a book made me visualize its scenes so clearly. This is pure cinema in written form.
Every setting from shadowed alleyways to cold interrogation rooms is painted with haunting clarity.
If someone doesn’t adapt this into a film or series, it will be a crime.
The tension, the emotional beats, the choreography of action everything about this book screams “award-winning screenplay.”

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What sets this novel apart is its emotional honesty. The author doesn’t hide from suffering, nor does he shy away from hope.
Imani’s journey is full of pain, loss, and sacrifice, yet she never loses her sense of purpose. That alone makes her one of the most memorable protagonists I’ve encountered.
This book will make your heart ache but it will also reignite your belief in resilience and justice.

[KAREN V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read a thriller that explores resistance with such nuance. It’s not glorified. It’s not sanitized. It’s the raw, terrifying reality of what happens when people choose to stand up against tyranny.
Kito’s role as protector is both brutal and tender. His quiet sacrifices add emotional gravity to every scene he’s in.
This is a story about people who shouldn’t have to fight but fight anyway.
It’s powerful, necessary, and unforgettable.

[Charlotte J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book thinking I’d stop after a few chapters. Instead, I devoured it in one sitting. It has that rare combination of relentless pacing and deep emotional impact.
Every time I thought I knew where the plot was going, it surprised me.
Scar Maluki’s presence looms over every page like a dark cloud, and the author plays with tension in a masterful way.
If you want a truly immersive reading experience, this is the book.

[Ekkehard Carl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes THE PUPPET PROTOCOL so unforgettable is the emotional weight behind every plot twist. It’s not just a thriller it’s a portrait of what happens when ordinary people are pushed to extraordinary acts of courage.
Imani Kariuki isn’t written as a perfect hero. She’s written as a human being with doubts, fears, and scars. That honesty makes her bravery even more powerful.
This book left me shaken in the best possible way.

[Enny Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few books manage to sustain tension from the first page to the last, but THE PUPPET PROTOCOL does it effortlessly.
The story pulses with urgency every decision carries weight, every conversation hides danger.
Imani’s courage in the face of overwhelming brutality is inspiring, and the author portrays it with tender authenticity.
This is the kind of book that keeps you awake long after you’re done reading, replaying scenes in your mind.

[Charlotte Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pick up a lot of political thrillers, but few of them come close to the immersive experience that this book offers.
The world-building is immaculate, the writing crisp and vivid, and the characters feel like people you could reach out and touch.
Scar Maluki gave me genuine chills he’s the kind of villain who owns every scene he appears in.
Brilliantly executed from start to finish.

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s no hesitation in the author’s storytelling every scene is purposeful, every line sharp.
The tension builds slowly at first, like a tightening rope, then suddenly snaps into rapid motion.
I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
This is the kind of book that reminds you why storytelling matters: it exposes, challenges, and moves.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel doesn’t just tell us what the resistance does it shows us what it feels like.
The fear.
The hope.
The moral compromises.
The guilt.
Kito and Imani’s internal battles are just as gripping as the physical danger they face.
It’s rare for a thriller to explore the psychological cost of rebellion so honestly.
That’s what makes this book extraordinary.

[Gloria Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came into this story expecting action. What I didn’t expect was to be moved nearly to tears by the characters’ sacrifices.
Imani’s determination to uncover the truth is inspirational.
Kito’s loyalty is overwhelming.
Every victory feels earned. Every loss feels personal.
This novel understands that the most powerful thrillers are rooted in the heart.

[Mary G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The political atmosphere in this book is so believable that it borders on prophetic.
But what makes it truly special is the promise at its core: that even in the darkest moments, courage can spark change.
The author captures this tension perfectly fear and hope, brutality and humanity, despair and resilience.
Absolutely stunning work.

[Tyler Follett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found myself thinking about this story even when I wasn’t reading it.
The stakes are so high, the characters so well crafted, the world so immersive that it lingers with you.
Scar Maluki is perhaps one of the most memorable modern villains in fiction.
He embodies the terror of unchecked power.
Every confrontation with him is unforgettable.

[Ericka F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike many thrillers that rely solely on action, this one offers layers of political nuance and character depth.
Imani’s moral dilemma risk everything for truth or survive in silence hits incredibly hard.
The book asks tough questions about justice, loyalty, and the cost of freedom.
And it delivers them with breathtaking suspense.

[Adrienne Dimaggo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love most about this book is its confidence.
The author doesn’t shy away from difficult themes or emotional risks.
The result is a story that is both intellectually stimulating and wildly entertaining.
Every chapter feels like a carefully crafted moment in a much larger, powerful narrative.
This is not just a thriller it’s literature.