Candid Writers Series

06/07/2026

Why I Hate Luos:

I am a Luo, but sometimes my fellow Luos make life very difficult for the rest of us.

Yesterday, I boarded a matatu from the city to one of the estates around. I was going to deliver some books to a client who had published with us at Candid Publishers and Consultancy Ltd.

By good luck, I found myself seated next to a beautiful lady. We started chatting, and I liked everything about her. In fact, I suddenly remembered that I was single and, perhaps, still searching. (I'm not very sure though).

To improve my chances, I offered to pay her fare. It was only 30 bob, but I believed such a sacrifice could touch her heart and maybe make her fall in love with me.

Everything was moving well until another Luo man stopped the matatu and got in.

This man completely ignored my presence as if I did not exist. He sat there and immediately started seducing the lady. I watched in disbelief as my hard-earned 30 bob investment began losing value before my eyes.

I got worried. I gently nudged the lady and whispered to her to tell the man that we were together.

She refused.

I even tried reminding her that she was travelling courtesy of my 30 bob, but she ignored me completely and continued enjoying the man's jokes.

After about twenty minutes, the man reached his destination. Since the matatu showed no signs of stopping, he began shouting, "Dere, sukisa hapa! Sukisa! Sukisa mimi!"

The entire vehicle burst into laughter because of his Kiswahili. Even the lady laughed. I felt a little better. At least, I knew how to say 'shukisha' instead of 'sukisa'.

A few minutes later, I reached my destination and confidently said, "Naomba kushuka hapa."

Unfortunately, my excellent Kiswahili attracted no attention except that of the driver, who stopped the vehicle.

Before getting out, I decided to make one final attempt. I asked the lady for her number. She refused. I begged a little. She still refused.

As I continued negotiating, the driver finally lost patience and shouted, "Kijana, toka nje! Hatufanyi kazi yako hapa!"

I stepped out of the matatu trembling like an excommunicated member of a community.

People laughed. Some complained that I was wasting their time. The lady showed absolutely no remorse. Not even for the 30 bob I had paid for her.

I walked away a very embarrassed man.

© Sylvester Ochieng Juma

24/06/2026

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Candid Writers Series – Book 4 Update

Yesterday (Tuesday), I made a call for submissions to the 4th book under the Candid Writers Series, and the response has been very overwhelming. Thank you to everyone who has shown interest and support.

We are set to release our 3rd anthology this week, and preparations are already underway for the 4th anthology, which will be released in July.

At the moment, only three slots remain available for interested authors who would like to be part of this exciting literary journey.

If you would like to secure a slot, kindly reach out through:

+254843065059///[email protected]

© Sylvester Ochieng Juma

04/04/2026

This is Brillen Brittney, a Grade 8 student with a deep and growing passion for literature and creative writing.

Recently, she made a promise that greatly touched me. She said she will become a great writer. And you know, moments like these remind me why I teach.

To support her journey, I gifted her a copy of my short story anthology 'Wind of Justice and Other Stories', hoping it will inspire her, guide her, and challenge her to dream even bigger.

As my mentee, she carries not just her own dreams, but also my full support and belief in her potential. She has all my blessings to rise and become the writer she is meant to be.

The future of literature is bright, and it is already taking shape in young minds like hers.

© Sylvester Ochieng Juma

23/11/2025

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AI COVERS:

Before anything else, let me make this clear; I am not attacking anyone. This is just part of a conversation we are having about new technology and how it is changing the way we create. Today, let me talk about using AI to design book covers.

Right now, many authors are using AI to make their covers. Yes, the covers look nice, and they are cheap to produce. But there is a hidden danger that many people don't see.

Why do I say this?

Because some writers are truly talented. They write from the heart, and readers can feel that. But when a reader notices that the book cover is AI-generated, they may assume the whole book is also AI-generated. And in the future, people will really value writing that feels human, not something that looks or sounds like a machine.

My advice to my literature children is this: don't replace human cover designers with AI.

My friend Innocent Joel once told me, "Literature is about authenticity. Everything in it should feel authentic." I agree with him.

This is simply my view.

© Sylvester Ochieng Juma