Coded Ties by Joseph Situma is scathing commentary on the ills of misrule and how it impoverishes the masses. This is a fast paced story of love that is suffused with other weighty matters of the society

The struggle between modernism and traditionalism is quite evident with the main character struggling to come to terms with his chosen role in the community and his deep involvement with his father’s business enterprise. His relationship with Sela, intense, against all odds, paints the picture of a man who is torn between going the modern way but is being pulled by a powerful force to embrace the customs of his people.

The author is well read as exemplified by the many books, someclassical, while telling the story. There is also an element of philosophy in the book. Many a times, Mwambu ponders over weighty issues mentally debating on the merit or demerit of them.

This book is an indictment of inequality in the society. The author foregrounds the squalid conditions of the Shimoni slum against a background of unbelievable opulent life of Mwambu’s father and his family. It is even more saddening to note that those in positions of authority perpetuate and exacerbates this condition by exploiting those who work for them-paying them poorly and even mistreating them. The despicable character of Mwambu’s father up to the time he comes to his senses, depicts the greed that has deeply permeated the society.

Realism is an important thematic concern in this book. The way the author portrays the superstitious nature of the characters and situations is a demonstration of the fact that witchcraft and other practices did not disappear with the advent of modernity in Africa and it still influences people’s lives. Despite being a rich man, the fear with which Mwambu’s father regards Sela after their altercation points to a man who has deep rooted belief in the power of evil forces. Again, the idea that Mwambu and Sela are a reincarnation of the past buttresses the point that the cyclic nature of life is well appreciated within the African cultural matrix.
Mwambu’s marriage to a white woman and siring a son is a strong statement on racial tolerance in our society. In a world where there is so much racial tension and its attendant conflicts, the author’s portrayal of this positive trait is noteworthy.

The author brings out the palpable anger of the masses towards misrule. However, as demonstrated by Mangola’s disastrous end, his character presents a poignant lesson about the kind of leadership that is dangerous to the society. He ends up killing people while that is what he was fighting the ruling class about.
Corruption is a major theme in this book.Mwambu is at a crossroad because his father colludes with elements in the power circle to provide advantages to his business empire. Although Mwambu is committed to justice, the fact that he works to further the profits of his father’s business puts him in a quandary. The story of love between Mwambu and Sela shows the stubbornness of love against all odds. Their enduring relationship demonstrates that destiny stubbornly follows a certain path and it takes a super human effort to bend it.

There are certain incidents in the book that mirror the dark past of our nation. Renowned writer Ngugi wa Thiongo’s theatre was razed down in Kamirithu by the authorities in 1977 - the burning of Mwambu’s theatre mirrors that draconian act by the government of the time.

There are also incidents in the book that mirror some of the challenges we are grappling with at the present. The protest by the Gen Z sometime last year rings in the reader’s ear when they read about the protests that are described in the book. Furthermore, Mwambu’s tribulations at the hands of security forces is a chill reminder of what has been going on in our own society-abductions and disappearance of citizens by unknown people who are believed to be state agents. It is a powerful illumination of our society as it is.This indeed proves that literature is the mirror of the society.

The author’s ability to vividly describe opulence and penury in equal measure is striking. It demonstrates the author’s versatility when it comes to description, an important ingredient of storytelling.

Dictatorship and how it spawns autocracy is portrayed in this book. Leadership is a major theme in this story and ultimately it shows how bad leadership negatively impacts the masses.

Dr. Joseph Situma is a seasoned author with four other novels to his credit. He teaches philosophy at the University of Nairobi. This is his fifth book.
The book is available at Nuria bookstore, Moi Avenue.