Akal Mohan

On the night of February 14, 2026, one of the most celebrated voices in African speculative fiction nearly lost his life — and came within inches of permanent paralysis. Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki (@Penprince_) — the first African-born Black author ever to win a Nebula Award, and a winner of the World Fantasy Award, British Fantasy Award, and two Nommo Awards — was struck by an out-of-control delivery vehicle while walking near Reddington Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos. The rider slammed into him at full speed, launching him into the air and onto the pavement, then continued forward and struck the woman walking beside him before finally stopping. When doctors finally examined him — after a nine-hour ordeal without medical attention — they delivered alarming news: Ekpeki had sustained a spinal fracture. The orthopaedic surgeon told him plainly that had the injury been even slightly worse, he would have faced permanent paralysis, lifelong deformity, or chronic debilitating pain. Ekpeki’s publishers are currently raising are raising $3,000 to help cover his immediate medical expenses and support him through his recovery period. You, too, can help Ekpeki get better by donating. gofundme.com/f/help-oghenec…

Pleased to share my new essay, where, for @aLongHouse’s Homelessness issue, I write about a photography series by Damilare Adeyemi. Do read. alonghouse.com/a-placeholder-…

Yes. I am happy this is out. Get your copies. Friends.

Our poetry editor, @ErnestJesuyemi, weighs in on the book piracy conversation. New essay 👇 efikomag.com/what-we-talk-a…

JOE KOBUTHI - Kenya: On the Cusp of Great Change? @jkobuthi theelephant.info/op-eds/2023/04…

Read our @MohanAkal here - sarabamag.com/alice/

This February on Saraba, we have published a personal essay by Akal Mohan, two short stories by TJ Benson and Leye Adenle, and a poem by Michael Akuchie. Read here: sarabamag.com

My Failure Started in the Kitchen sarabamag.com/my-failure-sta…

My guy. You can't teargas people into loving you.

Again and again: You cannot teargas people into loving you. You can't shoot people into voting for you.

Usipopewa gift kumbuka you can always blame Ruto #RutoMustGo

Pegging your entire 5 year-tenure and legacy as a president on a sub-standard stadium that was conceptualized and planned for a decade ago… while education, health, infrastructure and agriculture have gone to sh* is audacity levels only Ruto is capable of.

The only valentine we have in Kenya is #RutoMustGo any other valentines is doesn't matter. Plus, this is the last valentine to find the current kenyan politicians in office.

This is the one that broke me completely because I could see all the students that have ever passed through my care on his face. Rex, Shieni all killed me, but thinking of Denzel drowning in that quarry...it broke me completely. Still does even now 😔😔😭😭😭.

I really HATE William Samoei Kipchirchir Arap Ruto!! I didn't think I could loathe a politician this much. He needs to die like seriously!!

Eleven years ago, schoolchildren as young as six years old confronted a powerful landgrabber and won. To celebrate the 11th anniversary of the Occupy Langata Road Primary School protest, we are meeting with those Gen Zs tomorrow for a hangout. One of the most volatile issues in Kenya is land. It is a key factor that regularly contributes to tribal clashes and political assassinations. In Kenya, powerful people have “grabbed” forests, land set aside for roads, cemeteries, and even public toilets. The greed for public land extended to public school lands. On Monday, January 19, 2015, the apparent stupidity of the Kenyan police was laid bare for the world to see when they tear-gassed schoolchildren in the name of “following orders.” The children had assumed the police with their dogs were present to protect them as they reclaimed their grabbed school playground. Nothing could have been further from the truth. Apart from the tear gas, the children were chased back to class but refused to stay there. Instead, they came out again, supported by their parents, teachers, and the community, and demolished the illegal wall on their school land. Despite the heavy police presence, the tear-gassing of minors, and threats to the school board, we were able to bring down the illegal wall. The success of this protest inspired many schools across the country to reclaim their playgrounds, and an order was eventually issued for all schools to be provided with title deeds.

WE SHALL NEVER FORGET Spotted along Waiyaki way #RutoMustGo

May his soul continue resting in peace🕊️

Yesterday, I had a dream. 2026: Ruto Must Go 2027: Ruto Will Go 2028: Ruto Has Gone 2029: Ruto On Trial 2030: Ruto Convicted 2031: Ruto Appeals 2032: Ruto Appeal Rejected Some dreams foreshadow reality. Wantam presidency. Tutams Kamiti.