September 14,

For decades, humourist, playwright, actor, columnist and activist Wahome Mutahi ruled the humour columns and theatre halls. His witty satire in the Sunday Nation introduced us to memorable characters like Thatcher, the Investment, Appep among others – characters who are still as vivid and as real as their antics were.

Wahome a.k.a Whispers, a.k.a Son of the Soil met his untimely death after a minor operation gone wrong. Till this date, the big void he left in the humour genre is yet to be filled. In the words of his partner of many years, Paul ‘Maddo’ Kelemba, Whispers is a man you find once in a century.

The Whispers Book Den is an entertainment spot that is inspired by and dedicated to the works of Wahome. Situated at Chiromo Court on Waiyaki Way, the Den is run by the late playwright’s daughter and seeks to provide an avenue for all Kenyans to appreciate books, art and culture in an informal setting.

Apart from the variety of books stocked, the management has tried to serve a “mixed grill” that includes book lending, book sales, and reading zones. The management has creatively segmented the membership categories along Whisper’s fictional characters – Appep, Thatcher, Whispers Junior, Pajero and Investment. Perhaps they should have gotten in Uncle Jethro as well!

In addition, the Den will be hosting monthly open Mic events to promote theatre and art, book launches, book readings and book signings, and children activities. A further addition to this menu is training and membership programmes for upcoming authors and artists.

The den serves African specialty meals and offers office deliveries as well.

For more information – http://www.whispersden.com