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Book summary

The village of Muciongai -the’ Home of God ‘emerges as an extraordinary village where a perfect balance of humanity, the animals, the land and the forest lived in harmony for many uncountable years, for the common benefit of all. The village was unique in many ways and nature seemed to offer almost everything perfectly to the contentment of everyone in the ecosystem. This is a true story of a real village in Meru, Kenya where the writer uses fictional characters to deliver a true story of the transformation of a village that exists even today. Everything seemed to be working well in the long history of the village, until human greed and influence from the outside world penetrated the village and caused a catastrophe of climate devastation. The story highlights the competing interests between generations and the wide diversity of values that see the conquering of traditional values by notions of modernity and new ways of economic liberation from profits gained from resources that the village has ignored for years. Everything changed in a short time and the balance that existed there was tilted, with conflicts, sufferings and pain emerging in the aftermath. A semi-educated young man called Musa who was talented differently, with support from elders namely Baabu and Maama proves to be the voice of transformation of the village from a near extinction to a long journey of healing and recovery. Through their leadership and with support from a few other elders, women and young people, Musa particularly endeavours to reverse the adverse effects of climate change in a relentless commitment that spanned for decades. The resilience of the villagers sees the return of animals and other near extinct trees after years of reafforestation, rehabilitation of the people and creation of new partnerships in conservation. The transformation is not just in the land but its people too with former poachers and loggers now embracing the work of conservation. The old glory of Muciongai is coming back at a paced rate and the village has got back to its old self. The lessons learnt remains a key factor in ensuring the survival of Muciongai and its ecosystem in the days to come.