Marjorie Oludhe Macgoye and the Quest for Freedom

Philo Ikonya wrote Kenya, will you marry me? Langaa, Cameroon, Leading the Night, Twaweza Communications, Kenya, 2010, Out of Prison: Love Songs (Aus dem Gefängnis Liebesgesänge), Loecker Austria, and This Bread of Peace (Lapwing, Belfast). Her readings in Nairobi, Frankfurt, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Oslo, Firenze, Vienna and Tokyo were marvelous.

Through her writing, Marjorie Oludhe Macgoye (MOM) reflects on the determination of Kenyan Afrikans to build a nation after dehumanisation under British colonialism. Barbed wire surrounds Nairobi. Tribal discrimination is sown by the British. The question of freedom remained pertinent after Kenya became independent in 1963. Lack of freedom turns into poverty and death. She stands with the oppressed. Freedom is critical. It is power. No 'god'is free to wrench it from humanity. On Freedom hinges our humanity. Homing In, Chira, The Present Moment, Street Life, Victoria and Murder in Majengo are more of her works. She helps up-coming authors in Kenya and inspires many. An undying desire to enhance the quality of human life is alive in her. Her message is against the poverty that divides people. She is there at the birth of hope. Ikonya was first in Kenya to critically study Macgoye at Masters level. A writer and human rights activist, Kenya's independence and the struggle for freedom, mass poverty and violence interest her. She explores diversity and other national issues passionately. She defends freedom of expression and volunteers for PEN International.