To Kill a Poet

by Onwe Arinze

Why would anyone want him dead for telling the truth?
Kego's debut collection, Echoes of the Broken Republic, is banned by Nigeria’s authoritarian government. It becomes one of the most dangerous and sought-after books in the world. The state calls his words treason but the people call him a hero. The President, seeing he poses a threat he cannot allow to stand, issues a secret kill order: the poet must be silenced!

For to kill a poet is to silence the truth he represents.

Suddenly, Kego is a man on the run from the very institutions that suppose to protect him. Hunted by state-sponsored assassins, he is untethered from the law and safety, and from everyone he trusts. His only hope lies on the truth that made him a target, a truth that is now fueling a nationwide uprising against the government that wants him dead

But can this truth set them free... or make things worse?

With the fate of the nation hanging in the balance, Kego must decide if his life is worth sacrificing for the brewing revolution. But with the lines between protector and executioner blurred, he must first survive the night.

But making it to dawn may not be the hardest part.

To Kill A Poet is the first book in The Hunted series, an political thriller trilogy set in Nigeria, a country in Africa. It combines the relentless pacing of a classic chase story with the profound depth of a modern literary fiction. A goodread for those who love stories that are both thrilling and thought-provoking.

301 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2026

About the author

Onwe Arinze was born on 26th September, 1989, in Ogidi, Anambra, the hometown of Chinua Achebe, and has been writing since the age of twelve. A poet, thriller writer, and political activist, he holds a degree in architecture from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and practices as an architect in Abakaliki, Nigeria.

His debut poetry collection, When She First Said No and Other Poems, was first published by Abibiman Publishing in 2025 and is now independently available. His debut novel, To Kill a Poet, releases on 30th May 2026. A Christian, he also writes on faith and co-authored his first book, Naked, with his wife, Shola Obanubi.

Onwe hails from Ndewugo village of Mgbalukwu community in Izzi, an Igbo community in Eastern Nigeria. He and Shola have two beautiful children.

Reviews

[Shola Obanubi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many mafia stories and other interesting novels, but this story is so gripping and relatable, drew tears in my eyes at the end, but left me wondering what comes next. Now, I can't wait for book too, To Kill A Son. It's one of those books that you can't stop thinking about if something made you drop it midway. Each chapter ends with a suspense that makes you want to read the next chapter immediately. I highly recommend for lovers of African thrillers.

No spoilers. Haha...

[Kingsley Onyedikachi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stroy is interesting, I couldn't stop reading it from the moment I started with chapter one, everything I've read so far is actually happening in Nigeria and I'm curious to see what happens at the end of this story.

[Sunday Igwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Kill a Poet by Arinze Onwe, is an interesting read which can be situated to any society where there is a threat to the voices who speak on behalf of the voiceless, else why will Kego be hunted for voicing out?

[Ifeoluwa B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely gripping and relatable story from start to finish. All Kego wanted to do was write poems that reflected his feelings about his dear country, unaware that publishing such poems could lead to him being hunted and having to run for his life. It’s a must-read for every young person.

[Treasure · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Kill a Poet is an engaging and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of identity, ambition, and self-expression. The author’s vivid writing and well-developed characters make the story both emotional and relatable. The book delivers important lessons about courage and staying true to oneself despite challenges. Overall, it is an inspiring and memorable read that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys meaningful fiction.