In 1982 I fled the Kenyan dictatorship’s threats on my life. But I can never forget the feelings of hope and of mutual care that I experienced in my childhood villageI never chose exile; it was forced on me. In 1982 I had packed my suitcase to return domestic from a London book launch when I learnt that the then Moi dictatorship in Kenya planned to eliminate me,euphemistically described as giving me a red-carpet welcome at the airport. At first I would only use the word shipwrecked, not exile, and to refer to my situation; shipwrecks stop with rescue,right? I did not unpack the suitcase. Seven years later the suitcase was still packed. Related: Maya Jaggi interviews Ngugi wa Thiong'o Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com