Author John Kiriamiti is set to release a new book ‘The Abduction Squad’ more than 40 years since the release of his award-winning novel ‘My Life in Crime’.
Published by East African Educational Publishers, the book will be unveiled at the Nairobi International Book Fair 2024 happening at the Sarit Centre Expo Hall between September 25 and September 29.
Three of Kiriamiti’s past books – My Life in Crime, My Life with a Criminal and My Life in Prison – are among the most sought after literary works in Kenya.
The reformed author opens up in his new book and paints an ordinary person’s view of abductions, exposing the odds that come with abductions.
As he puts it in the book, “The abduction squad comprises of five hardcore criminals who are released from prison and are sent by the police commissioner on an abduction mission to a neighboring country to capture and bring back some government critics who went to exile in an effort to silence them.”
This comes as Kenya witnesses increased allegations of abductions following the Gen Z-led public protests across the country.
His first book was written in 1984 at a time when he was serving an 18-year jail term at Kamiti Maximum Prison.
In retrospect, having managed to evade the police for years, Kiriamiti was finally apprehended and sentenced to jail in 1971 with 44 strokes of the cane.
Meanwhile, East African Educational publishers will also be releasing new books by renowned authors like Dr. Dan Gikonyo, Dr. Chris Okemwa, Ken Kamoche and Waithira Protano at the Nairobi International Book Fair.
According to East Africa Educational Publisher’s CEO Kiarie Kamau, this year’s book fair is exceptionally special because the publisher will not only be unveiling new books but celebrating the publishing works of its Founder, the late Dr. Henry Chakava.
Further, the goal of the book fair for the publisher will also be to renew the interest in developing creative writing and ignite the book reading culture.
The Nairobi International Book Fair is organised annually by the Kenya Publishers Association and brings together publishers, authors, booksellers, print suppliers, media, and readers from Africa and worldwide since the first edition in 1996.
By Michael Omondi
