Kenya: Looters and Grabbers: 54 Years of Corruption and Plunder by the Elite, 1963-2017

by Joe Khamisi

This book is about unbridled corruption, bribery and scandalous financial skullduggery in one of Africa's most promising countries, Kenya. It is a narrative of money-laundering, mega scandals, and international wheeler-dealing, and describes how Mafia-like lobbyists have been devouring the country's resources with blatant impunity over four regimes since independence in 1963. It is an important resource for historians, students, researchers, social and political scientists, non-governmental organizations, development and anti-corruption agencies.

855 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2018

About the author

Published writer of 5 nonfiction books on politics, social issues and corruption.

Reviews

[Jeremiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good book which should be used by history students of this country. While the focus is corruption, I felt it was a pretty good survey of the history of Kenya since independence. It was also sad to see how deeply entrenched corruption is in the country. We have a lot to do to eliminate this vice.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers an excellent dissection of Kenya since independence. Various issues that have afflicted the Nation are examined through the lens of each sitting president.
I would definitely recommend this book, however I think that future editions would benefit from a second edit.

[Andrew · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written.

[Vincent Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally, I have come around to reading Kenya: Looters and Grabbers: 54 Years of Corruption and Plunder by the Elite, 1963-2017 by Joe Khamisi after all the sensationalist waves it sent around the country (and 'the world'). The book is one of a kind, so bold in mentioning names - read libel - (otherwise it's a good dossier for an expose), and it has bits of history here and there.

While the author seems to have feuds with the major families and key individuals he has focused on, it feels a little biased (apart from the Mwai Kibaki book, which is a little fairly done) and as though the author wanted a human pinata to punch off his ire only to end up venting off on paper and ink.

If the author did not focus so much on the individuals, the book, if well researched, would be a tome of information and history for generations to come.

[whynnot · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the best book I have read on Kenya. Joe Khamisi you have done well.

The oft-repeated 'Kenyans don't know their history' has found an answer in one book.

What's interesting too is how Kenya's character was defined during colonialism. Most known is the question, 'Are you married or do you live in Kenya?'. And now I learn that the seed of corruption was also planted those many years ago.


(There's need for minor edits though.)

[Wildlifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give it 5/5.

I will concentrate on first part of the Book.

At 18%

Part 1 [or Book 1 as Khamis has termed so] on Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. It tells in details his post colonial struggles to liberate Kenya from British Colonialism which he attained in 1963; and his leadership as President of Kenya untill his death in 1978. The following are major take aways from the book:

[Maxwell Kenyatta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Khamisi has given an account of most major corruption scandals that have ever rocked Kenya since independence from the founding president Jommo Kenyatta to his son who is now the president from (from 2013). He has also extensively given then vevidences backing the claims. Further he has gone to mention the names and how the cations took place where necessary.

[Joram Kinuthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched

Good insights into the land problem in Kenya.
Could have done more in the "Book of Uhuru Kenyatta". Coverage of the 2017 election petition was hurried.