The name Koinange carries a certain weight in Kenya. It is a name synonymous with influence, power, and a legacy that precedes even the bearers themselves. So, when I picked up Jeff Koinange’s memoir, “Through My African Eyes,” I couldn’t help but approach it with a mix of curiosity and preconceived notions.
Growing up, I heard stories of the Koinange family’s prominence, their connections with Kenya’s elite, and their ability to navigate through life’s challenges with a certain grace. Naturally, I expected Jeff’s memoir to reflect this privileged existence. And in certain ways, it did. The early chapters paint a vivid picture of Jeff’s childhood and upbringing, where despite the struggles, rubbing shoulders with Kenya’s rich and powerful seemed almost commonplace. Yet, as I journeyed further into the narrative, my expectations were delightfully subverted.
It is when Jeff delved into his journalism career that the story truly came alive for me. His accounts of reporting from the frontlines of African countries, amidst the chaos and danger of conflict, are nothing short of gripping. Here is a man who has traversed our continent to bring the truth to light. In his memoir, Jeff seemingly embarks on a mission to redefine the narrative surrounding Africa’s war-torn states. He acknowledges that this narrative is not new; it’s a highly reported fact about the continent. However, he offers a fresh perspective about these stories, one seen through the eyes of an African journalist intimately acquainted with the realities on the ground.
What struck me most about Jeff’s storytelling was his ability to humanize the often dehumanized victims of war. Through his writing, I saw child soldiers forced to bear arms in wars they scarcely understand, women enduring unimaginable anguish as sexual violence becomes a weapon of war, and healthcare workers risking their lives amidst the chaos to provide aid to the sick and wounded. These are not merely stories; they are stark reminders of the human cost of conflict.
“Through My African Eyes” does not perpetuate stereotypes about Africa, neither does it sensationalize tragedy; rather, it gives names and faces to war victims and elevates their stories beyond mere statistics, ensuring that their humanity is not lost amidst the turmoil. In doing so, Jeff captures war stories seldom reported in mainstream media. He goes beyond the headlines, delving into the lives of those caught in the crossfire, offering a glimpse into their struggles, their hopes, and their resilience.
As I turned the pages, I felt myself drawn into Jeff’s world, experiencing firsthand the triumphs and tribulations of a continent on the brink of change. This is a memoir that challenges assumptions and defies expectations. Through the lens of one man’s experiences, “Through My African Eyes” becomes a mosaic of a thousand lives that left me with a deeper understanding of Jeff Koinange, of my continent, and of my continent’s other people.
About the Reviewer
Cheruto Rono is a passionate advocate for changing the narrative about Africa through storytelling. As the Lead Creative at Paukwa, she dedicates her time to researching and crafting compelling stories about Kenya. She is also an avid explorer who finds joy in discovering new places, whether through travel or literature.