09. Nov 2009

Kenyan writer Philo Ikonya is ICORN guest writer in Oslo, Norway.

Two weeks ago the internationally known writer, journalist and human rights campaigner Philo Ikonya arrived in Oslo to take up residence as ICORN guest writer. She will be the city's fourth guest writer.

Philo Ikonya is a poet and fiction writer, but is also well known for her numerous articles commenting on the social and political situation in Kenya.  From 2008 she has been president of Kenyan PEN, and has lately been working as a lecturer at Tangaza College of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, and as a socio-political radio and TV-commentator.  She has been subject to threats and harassment, including beating and arrest, because of her writing and non-violent protests in favour of social and human rights.

Oslo has been city of refuge since 2001, and the guest writer programme is organised by Deichmanske library .

Philo Ikonya's first public appearance in Oslo will be at Norwegian PEN's event to mark the Day of the Imprisoned Writer on Monday 16th November.