Feigning Heart — Rod McCormick

Feigning Heart is not for the faint of heart. Looking forward to Kenyan Independence, bureaucrat Tom Odhuno is willing to do anything to climb the ladder of power in his new nation. In the Kenya highlands a roadside robbery brings three people together. Odhuno and his young wife Eve Wakimu are set upon by thieves and Odhuno is robbed of everything. Jude Muigai, a student and farmer's son, comes to their rescue earning Odhuno's gratitude, but it is love at first sight for Eve and Muigai. Eve claims she is Odhuno's slave because Odhuno paid "bride price" to her father for an arranged marriage. Odhuno claims Eve is bad luck for his career and wants return of the bride price. Odhuno who also has a city wife Viki divorces country wife Eve, separating their son Dhano and daughter Rose Waridi. Despite her love for Muigai, Eve seeking security for her and Rose marries British teacher Thomas Tatton. As consolation Muigai marries Eve's sister. Odhuno as a corrupt bureaucrat accrues power and becomes wealthy poaching wildlife. Pursued by an undercover investigation, Odhuno attempts to keep his little empire afloat while maintaining connections with family.