Decolonising Sex: Fifty Shades of Rape

Roseline K. Njogu

This article explores how ideas of patriarchy have shaped the nature and effect of rape law. It argues that rape law reinforces patriarchy, and because of the inherent inconsistencies between the male roles of aggressor and protector, it has remained ineffective. Taking Kenya as its springboard, it analyses how ideas of sexual relations within and outside marriage are transplanted through colonialism; and how they morph and merge with analogous indigenous conceptions to entrench and formalise the continued subjugation of the female body. It explores the unintended consequences of the internationalisation of English Monogamy; and rape law reform and its continuity/discontinuity with the Civilising Mission.

Commercial Bank of God? Islamic Banking and Law & Religion in Kenya

Roseline K. njogu

Commercial Bank of God? Islamic Banking and Law & Religion in Kenya introduces Islamic banking generally, a practice growing by leaps and bounds in East Africa. Besides explaining the nuances of Sharia compliant transactions, the book lays out the legal, social and religious context and framework that the (arguably) novel practice must navigate in order to flourish in the region. It explores the question of church (religion) and state relationship, in particular the place of Islamic law in Kenya. This is a good read for the law and business student and teacher, practitioner, banker, business person, and law and policy maker.

Terror, Power and the Legitimacy of the State

Roseline n. njogu & Makambo Makabila

Bodies. Cold bodies. We are still burying the bodies of some of the 147 students killed on 2 April at the Garissa University terror attack. We are a country in mourning…unfortunately; we seem to be in perpetual mourning. The flag is flying at half-mast too often. The Mpeketoni attack of July 2014 left 80 Kenyans dead. And the notorious West Gate Mall attack of September 2013 left at least 67 persons (including children) dead after a harrowing 80-hour hostage encounter. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that this was retaliation for Kenya’s offensive attack on it in Somalia.

Recognising come-we-stay marriage is the best way to protect our women

By Roseline Njogu​

While I was growing up, I didn’t have a clear picture of my dream wedding like many young girls do. But I always knew I would float down the aisle in cascades of lace, to meet my profusely sweating knight in shining armour at the altar.Two and something years ago, I did, sans the said perspiration on my Mr Right’s part.

I’m a hopeless romantic, who hasn’t been cured by marriage, and I believe the union between man and wife must be entered into with trepidation, and much soul-searching.

We Must Seek Ways To Pay The Family Its Dues As A Factor Of Economic Production​

Roseline K. Njogu

At a recent public lecture, Judy Thongori, family law mogul, claimed that the economy rests on the back of the family. From her experience, she narrated instances where executives, entrepreneurs, and bureaucrats failed to perform at  critical moments because of ongoing family problems. Linking productivity to  one’s family’s wellbeing is hardly news, but the linkage of that wellness to our macroeconomics gives me pause. It reconstitutes the family into a factor of production