It's like I was always not quite sure even how to move in space somehow; I would watch people and then copy them. I found it really hard to walk straight. My brother was always on at me for walking off the pavement. I guess I always expected people to bring me back into line. Binyavanga Wainaina backbringbrother share on social
I love playing with words and texture. Binyavanga Wainaina loveplaytexture Change image and share on social
I like the idea of readers feeling a familiarity, whether it's with Africa or childhood. Binyavanga Wainaina africachildhoodfamiliarity Change image and share on social
I knew I didn't want to come out in the 'New Yorker'; it just felt wrong. It needed an African conversation. Binyavanga Wainaina africanconversationfelt Change image and share on social
We are a mixed up people. We have mixed up ways of naming, too... When my father's brothers and sisters first went to colonial schools, they had to produce a surname. They also had to show they were good Christians by adopting a western name. They adopted my grandfather's name as surname. Wainaina. Binyavanga Wainaina adoptbrotherchristian share on social
People reach an age... where somebody else's platform is no longer yours. Binyavanga Wainaina agelongpeople Change image and share on social
In kindergarten, we had this Irish Catholic headmistress called Sister Leonie, and I remember she would tell us, say, to put the crayons in the box. I remember thinking, 'Why is everyone finding this so easy? Why should the crayons be in the box?' Binyavanga Wainaina boxcallcatholic share on social
All people have dignity. There's nobody who was born without a soul and a spirit. Binyavanga Wainaina beardignitypeople Change image and share on social
I am quite excited that Moi is leaving. Kenyans have changed. We have a free press, and it is no longer a situation of 'follow in my footsteps.' Binyavanga Wainaina changeexcitefollow Change image and share on social
I want to be fighting for a society accountable towards its citizens. Binyavanga Wainaina accountablecitizenfight Change image and share on social