Going Down River Road

Cashiered soldier Ben Wakira seeks oblivion from his struggles in the seedy bars and clubs of Nairobi's River Road, living a life of low-wage construction work and constant financial stress. His transient existence is interrupted by a relationship with Wini, a working girl and single mother, only for her to abandon their son, "Baby," to his reluctant care. This poignant novel is an unflinching, yet often humorous, portrait of the working poor in post-independence Kenya, highlighting themes of urban exploitation, corruption, and the relentless struggle for survival and dignity amidst the city's grim realities. Mwangi's colorful realism and empathetic character portrayal make for an unforgettable impact.