mzeiya
Elder Lister
Days after its release, Kasongo The “Wan-Tam” School Captain & Other Stories by Steve Biko Omondi has struck a powerful chord among Kenyan readers and critics alike.
The self-published collection of short stories is already attracting attention from major booksellers, including Nuria Bookstore and Text Book Centre, with early readers hailing it as a fearless critique of Kenya’s current political climate.
In the book, Omondi uses gripping storytelling and rich symbolism to mirror the country’s political struggles through relatable narratives.
While each story in the collection stands on its own, the themes of ethical governance, tribalism, activism, political betrayal, and youth disillusionment are all tightly interwoven.
Rise and Fall of a “Wan-Tam” leader
The book’s title story, Kasongo the “Wan-Tam” School Captain, is set in Unity Plains Secondary School, a symbol of national identity and supposed ethnic harmony.
But beneath the surface lies entrenched tribalism, power struggles, and manipulation.
Kasongo, a calm, humble, and religious newcomer, quickly finds himself a target after questioning the student leadership’s unfairness.
Ironically, this act of bravery propels him into the spotlight and eventually to the position of school captain. However, once in power, he slowly morphs into the very system he once opposed, a powerful metaphor for Kenya’s cycle of leadership betrayal.
The school, in the story, acts as a microcosm of Kenya, with the school captain as the president and students as ordinary citizens who repeatedly elect leaders full of promise, only to be oppressed once again.
Literary protest rooted in 2024 Finance Bill movement
Omondi reveals that the inspiration for the book came from his experience as a student leader at the University of Nairobi, but it evolved, especially during the widespread anti-Finance Bill protests in 2024.
These protests, driven largely by youth, paralysed the country and revealed a deep hunger for accountability and change.
“I saw a young generation fight for their space to be heard… but politicians misunderstood the objective of the demonstrations,” he says.
During a recent university visit, Omondi recalled students saying they felt politically suffocated, with little room to dream or grow in a space dominated by elite interests and systemic exclusion.
Symbolism, heritage, and the youth’s role
The book’s power lies not just in its political parallels but in literary craftsmanship. Stories like The Drum Beneath Got Naya highlight personal heritage and cultural pride.
In it, the protagonist Oyugi wuod Madoro turns down a prestigious foreign job to return to his rural village in Asego Kanyada and apply his knowledge for the community’s benefit.
“This story is dedicated to my father and grandfather, two of the most intellectually influential people in my life,” says Omondi.
From religious exploitation to public appointments based on nepotism, Omondi doesn’t shy away from controversial themes, yet he handles them with nuance and profound symbolism.
Wan Tam: Catchphrase
The book’s title strategically employs the trending catchphrases ‘Wan-Tam’ and ‘Kasongo,’ both of which have acquired symbolic meanings in contemporary political discourse.
While Kasongo was once just a name, it has evolved, carrying mixed connotations of hope, betrayal, and political theatre.
“I didn’t expect the traction,” Omondi admits. “To some, Kasongo is a badge of defiance. To others, a cautionary tale. I want readers to interrogate our nation’s reality and ask themselves where we are headed.”
Courage in the face of censorship
With increased crackdowns on dissent, Omondi remains undeterred—even as artists, coders, and activists face intimidation.
“I don’t fear anything because I don’t think I’m doing anything wrong. This is a literary piece. Anyone who loves this country should not have a problem with this book,” he states firmly.
Running his engineering firm by day, Omondi is also the author of the academic book The Principles of Software Engineering.
Kasongo is his creative debut and one that has undeniably positioned him as a vital literary voice for Kenya’s new generation.
~ Source
