With devils on the cross, vote to save our nation

Kenyans line up on a queue to cast their vote in the 2017 General Election. [File, Standard]

This might sound stranger than fiction - the sort that our esteemed author, Ngugi wa Thiong'o envisions in his 1980 book, Devil on the Cross. And since writers belong to the prophetic tradition of yore, Ngugi appears to have anticipated the 2022 elections, 42 years ago.

The crux of his allegory is that guests assemble for a feast whose highlight is "to choose the seven cleverest thieves and robbers in Ilmorog." In about 72 hours, Kenyans will pick leaders in seven tiers of government: Members of County Assembly, Members of Parliament, Women Representatives, Senators, Governors and President.