Title: It’s Our Turn to Eat

‘The Story of a Kenyan Whistleblower’

Author: Michela Wrong

Review by: Angel Musinguzi

It’s Our Turn to Eat is perhaps by far the best writing on how the monster of corruption continues to devour African nations.

In the novel, Michela Wrong, primarily captures the mood surrounding the regime of Kenya’s third post-colonial president Mwai Kibaki – initially, seen as a government of the sidelined tribes or masses that had grown to distaste the rampant corruption that characterised former president Arap Moi’s government. Kibaki’s new government seemed to provide a new ray of hope in a country characterized by ‘rot’ at all levels, as was the case in many other African states then, and maybe now.

So, when the new National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) government assumes office in 2002, and with it brings on board renowned anti-corruption and human rights crusader John Githongo, to the naïve masses it’s an indication of Kibaki’s readiness to behead the monster of corruption. Unknown to many, the Kibaki government turns out to be a new set of politicians who see this as an opportunity to also ‘eat’.

Barely two years in office, the new anti-corruption csar and the novels protagonist Githongo, find himself on the run having to live in exile. Reason? He has, to his consternation, discovered and documented an exposé on how the regime is ripping off his country through mainly a foreign-based company - Anglo Leasing.

What is even more shocking is how the Western powers he hopes would intervene to bring the culprits to book do little or nothing about his cause.

The whistleblower finds himself admired by many in Kenya and away as a hero for exposing the rot in public administration, but also a villain by mainly his tribesmen in government positions who had thought he would join them on the ‘eating table’.

It’s Our Turn to Eat is a true tale of the significance of ‘tribe’ in most African governments. It’s by far one of the best writings on the how deeply entrenched the evils of corruption and ethnic favouritism are, but also an account of the double standards by western donors in their dealings with Africa.

Importantly, It’s Our Turn to Eat is a call on all of us in Africa to join hands to redefine our world by taking on the challenges that continue to inhibit our development.