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I Refuse to Die
An extraordinary account of how a laborer's son rose to challenge the power of despots, I Refuse to Die is both the autobiography of one gifted man who rose above the horrors of colonization, and an uncensored history of modern Kenya. The book is infused with the freedom songs of the Kenyan people, as well as dream prophecy and folk tales that are part of Kenya's rich storytelling tradition. Tracing the roots of the Mau Mau rebellion, wa Wamwere follows the evolution and degeneration of Jomo Kenyatta and the rise of Daniel arap Moi.
In 1979, wa Wamwere won a seat in the parliament, where he represented the economically depressed Nakuru district for three years. An outspoken activist and journalist, wa Wamwere was framed and detained on three separate instances, spending thirteen years in prison, where he was tortured but not broken. His mother and others led a hunger strike to free him and fellow political prisoners. Their efforts brought about a show trial at which Koigi was sentenced to four more years in prison and "six strokes of the cane," and escaped Kenya—and probably execution—only through the exertions of human rights groups and the government of Norway.
In 1979, wa Wamwere won a seat in the parliament, where he represented the economically depressed Nakuru district for three years. An outspoken activist and journalist, wa Wamwere was framed and detained on three separate instances, spending thirteen years in prison, where he was tortured but not broken. His mother and others led a hunger strike to free him and fellow political prisoners. Their efforts brought about a show trial at which Koigi was sentenced to four more years in prison and "six strokes of the cane," and escaped Kenya—and probably execution—only through the exertions of human rights groups and the government of Norway.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 22, 2021
"I would rather die on my feet than live on my knees." - Koigi Wa Wamwere.
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My rating is 5/5! Quite an inspiring book. I am impressed! The writer is a renowned Kenyan activist who has been resisting oppression since early 20th century in Kenya. He narrates his journey in the book in a steadfast manner filled with conviction.
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He was raised in a poor tribal loving family and got the opportunity to attend university in America. He decided to return before finishing his studies to become an activist and fought for democracy. His life was turned to hell since then.... Endless detentions, torture, intimidation, exile - he had to bear with all of these.
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What is MOST VALUABLE about this is his opinions on British colonialism. In a truly imperialist fashion, Churchill declared Kenya a state for white settlers. White men came, demolished and left. Despite gaining independence, Kenya continued to be left in the power of the oppressors - now elite corrupted African leaders. One can learn so much about the impacts of colonialism and postcolonialism struggle reading this book.
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There are, of course, some parts I disagree with. I think his perceptions on women, though very respectful, still deprive them of their voice. He claims that culture accords equality and compassion though we all know that is a never certainty. Overall, one of the best books written by freedom fighters. Always speak truth to power and never surrender.
.
My rating is 5/5! Quite an inspiring book. I am impressed! The writer is a renowned Kenyan activist who has been resisting oppression since early 20th century in Kenya. He narrates his journey in the book in a steadfast manner filled with conviction.
.
He was raised in a poor tribal loving family and got the opportunity to attend university in America. He decided to return before finishing his studies to become an activist and fought for democracy. His life was turned to hell since then.... Endless detentions, torture, intimidation, exile - he had to bear with all of these.
.
What is MOST VALUABLE about this is his opinions on British colonialism. In a truly imperialist fashion, Churchill declared Kenya a state for white settlers. White men came, demolished and left. Despite gaining independence, Kenya continued to be left in the power of the oppressors - now elite corrupted African leaders. One can learn so much about the impacts of colonialism and postcolonialism struggle reading this book.
.
There are, of course, some parts I disagree with. I think his perceptions on women, though very respectful, still deprive them of their voice. He claims that culture accords equality and compassion though we all know that is a never certainty. Overall, one of the best books written by freedom fighters. Always speak truth to power and never surrender.
July 18, 2012
"We were called primitive, uncivilized or shenzi. To the arrogant mind of the British imperialist, there was only one civilization and that was European and colonizing. Because we stood outside European culture, colonialists claimed we had no civilization. But we had our own civilization that to us was more advanced than the European one because it gave us land, food, freedom, identity, spiritual peace and happiness. To the extent that our civilization met our needs, we were not primitive. Europeans considered themselves more advanced because they could conquer, kill and rob more efficiently. Black people could not possibly prefer a civilization that killed and colonized them to their own.
More incomprehensible logic was to come. Having judged us as primitive, the white man proceeded to tell us, The reason I have killed and conquered you is not because I want to steal your land, minerals, timber and labour but because I want to civilize you (or turn you into what I am). In other words, I want to turn you into the one who kills you, transform you into your own enemy!"
Some people do not live for glory or power, but by the dictates of their consciences. Controversial human rights activist, Koigi Wa Wamwere is one of those people. This book is not just an autobiography, but a lesson in history and a manifesto against neocolonialism. Without self-aggrandizement, Koigi Wa Wamwere traces Kenya's history with his own life's work as a centrepiece. From British colonialism and the Mau Mau fighters to the corruption of Kenyatta and Moi we see Kenya's continuing struggle toward freedom.
The only problem I had with Wamwere's book was his position on female circumcision, which I strongly disagree with. Despite this, he relates his struggle passionately and well. Agree or disagree with Wamwere, he brings strong arguments and an undeniable commitment to human rights and democracy.
More incomprehensible logic was to come. Having judged us as primitive, the white man proceeded to tell us, The reason I have killed and conquered you is not because I want to steal your land, minerals, timber and labour but because I want to civilize you (or turn you into what I am). In other words, I want to turn you into the one who kills you, transform you into your own enemy!"
Some people do not live for glory or power, but by the dictates of their consciences. Controversial human rights activist, Koigi Wa Wamwere is one of those people. This book is not just an autobiography, but a lesson in history and a manifesto against neocolonialism. Without self-aggrandizement, Koigi Wa Wamwere traces Kenya's history with his own life's work as a centrepiece. From British colonialism and the Mau Mau fighters to the corruption of Kenyatta and Moi we see Kenya's continuing struggle toward freedom.
The only problem I had with Wamwere's book was his position on female circumcision, which I strongly disagree with. Despite this, he relates his struggle passionately and well. Agree or disagree with Wamwere, he brings strong arguments and an undeniable commitment to human rights and democracy.
June 17, 2019
A very good memoir of an African freedom fighter.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews