Peculiarly Kenyan Short Story Winner

We are pleased to announce the winner of the Peculiarly Kenyan Short Story Contest. In declaring the winner, the contest judge Sunny Bindra, author of The Peculiar Kenyan said:

“What Did He Steal? is a harrowing little tale that packs quite a punch in just two pages and is difficult to forget.  It is sad reflection of modern Kenyan life where ordinary people seem all-too-willing to assault children, in the throes of demented self-righteous rage. Patrick Ochieng Ochieng managed to depict a lynching at breakneck speed, leaving you fearful about the ending.  It should be widely read, as more people need to feel the shame it evokes, and end this insane practice of instant justice, which is not just peculiar, but unacceptable.  Ochieng brought home the horror in just a few words.”

P Ochieng Ochieng

Patrick Ochieng Ochieng practices law in the lakeside town of Kisumu, where he also resides with his lovely wife and two sons.  His work has been published in StoryTime, Storymoja and The Munyori Literary Journal. He was short listed for the 2010 Golden Baobab Writing Prize for his story Neighbours.

Sunny Bindra, Kenya’s renowed author and business advisor, has been regaling Kenyans since 2003 in his famous Sunday Nation Column, A Sunny Day. His bold and contrarian writing has created much discussion and debate across the country and beyond. Storymoja presents a collection of selected articles, all written with a light touch and with a twist of his trademark edgy humour. These pieces skewer all that is peculiar about Kenyans.

“Sunny’s light-hearted and humorous rendition is a profound take on the peculiarities that make us what we are.” Tom Mshindi, Managing Director, Nation Newspapers

“Reading this book is like looking in the mirror everyday. This is our nation, our strengths, our weaknesses.” Michael Joseph, CEO, Safaricom 

Read the IvoryPunk’s more critical review of the book.

This month is the red month; tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, love and romance. Unfortunately not all of us have rosy red lovey-dovey dates on Valentine’s Day or any other day for that matter.Do you have a Worst Date Ever story that you would like to share with us? Send it to blogs@storymojaafrica.co.ke as a Word 97-2003 attachment by 17th February 2012. The word limit is 600-1600 words. It shall be entered into the Worst Date Ever! Short Story Contest and the winner will get Dr.Chris Hart’s book, Single and Searching and Kshs. 1000 worth of airtime.