Africa, My Conscience and I

Abstract

There is a massive contradiction underlying James N. Karioki's denunciation of my work (Transition 45, 1974). On the one hand, there is the allegation that my writings lack commitment and relevance; on the other hand, there is ample evidence in Dr Karioki's article that my work has provoked passionate discussions in Africa and has sometimes resulted in profound cleavages. It seems to me incredible that writings which are irrelevant should at the same time generate so much passion and concern among the readers. Dr Karioki cannot have it both ways. Either my work is so distant from the realities in Africa that most of the readers are, at best, indifferent, or the work does touch upon fundamental issues on which Africans feel deeply. If the latter is the case, clearly Dr Karioki is confronting an author relevant enough to be controversial.