East Africa’s leading publishers, Longhorn Publishers Limited has today launched Elders of the Mace authored by renowned historian and culture activist, Mutu wa Gethoi.
The book which took 20 years to complete is a fictional story set in Watuland which reveals the Africans’ effort to address issues affecting them through an integration of modern education, technology and traditional culture.
While thanking the publisher, Author Mutu wa Gethoi noted that his experiences with his father during the colonial period inspired him to develop a thought-provoking novel, which sought to reel in African leaders to protect the continent’s rich heritage eroded by Western cultures.
“I am passionate about Africa and the priceless heritage which has rapidly been phased out by Western traditions. My personal experiences with my father and the humiliation he suffered in colonial Kenya inspired the storyline in Elders of the Mace. Africa’s immense wealth continues to be exploited by the West, yet they retire to our continent to explore the diverse cultures. I urge the youth who travel abroad for further education to pick the best of that knowledge and invest it at home, and still appreciate where they come from. It is our responsibility as elders to preserve the best of our traditions by passing them on to our children,” said Mutu.
Longhorn Chief Operations Officer Mr. Maxwell Wahome who was representing the Longhorn Group Managing Director Mr. Simon Ngigi commended the writer for his relentless pursuit of writing saying Mutu joins the higher order of elders who continue to inspire young writers who often excuse completion of a masterpiece with cliché writer’s block. He added that the publishing industry continues to grow, breaking the myth of a poor reading culture among Kenyans.
“The literary community which comprises writers, designers, cartoonists, artists among others is growing steadfastly, breaking the myth that Kenyans don’t read. On the contrary, more books are being converted to plays and other works of art which is promising for the publishing industry,” said Mr. Wahome.
On his part, Longhorn Chief Commercial Officer Maurice Kahara noted that the growth of the publishing industry is supported with the interest in digital media, which also contributed efforts towards curbing piracy.
“The digital space has created employment and wealth for audiovisual experts to ease consumption of knowledge. Digital literature has also helped manage the piracy crisis which last year saw the industry lose approximately KSh 7 billion,” said Hon. F.T. Nyammo.
Born in 1937 in Nyeri to Leonard Githui wa Kareithi, a teacher, and Millicent Mahiira Karungari, a nurse, Mutu holds a holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Michigan and an MA. His pursuit of a Law degree at University of Dar es Salaam ended prematurely due to illness.
Mutu has published six biographies, including the hugely successful From Charcoal to Gold, Njenga Karume’s biography, and that of Philip Gichuru Gitonga, Kitchen Toto To Ambassador in 2015.
His latest book published by Longhorn adds to the gallery of the synonymous works by Longhorn as a great publishing firm in East Africa with a mission to eradicate illiteracy and expand minds.
