Meet John Rukono, A Form Three Student With An Ambition Of Becoming A Swahili Writer
The Mt Kenya Times 
John Rukuno
- Briefly tell us who you are and more about you
My names is John Rukuno. I am a student at Giakanja Boys High School. Currently living with my lovely family at Thika and Nyeri. Am currently i
n form Two but God willing come next year i will be going to be a pre-candidate that is form Three(3).
In addition to that I am also an upcoming swahili poet and writer. I am also working on how to become the better version of me by working hard and smart no matter the situation that I am in. I have always been determined to make sure that my tomorrow is greater than today. I am dedicated to keep on writing and leave a legacy.
- What motivated you to become who you are now.
What really motivated me of being a poet was my daddy(Wanjohi. P. Mugambi). My dream was always to just want to be like him. He was my good Swahili teacher. I would say this, he is a good teacher when it comes to teaching his favorite subject Swahili. The articulation of his Swahili will make you want to hear more from him. His books are just sweet as we usually say ‘mwaah!’. More so his swahili ‘shairi’ mostly made me want to write more. When I reached to him after completing my primary school and told him i want to write my first poem, he really made sure i made ut through and even made it published in Kenyan Swahili Gazette Taifa Le. Untill now he will forever be my mentor, my role model, my teacher, my friend and not forgetting my lovely daddy. I will always thank him for making my dream come true of being a poet.
- What does your ideal day look like.
My day begins with a morning prayer and looking at the sunrise. I then usually get very busy trying to create a better tomorrow. Being hard working has always been my core value. Putting laziness behind has kept myself busy in my books trying to get more into my mind. Swahili novels have now become my addiction. Like I have read more and more. I once read *NILITAMANI* by Phibbian Muthama in Mapambazuko ya Machweo. Truly I feel it is the Swahili for me.Having in mind that too much of something is poison i also take part in leisure activities. Playing badminton being part of it in the afternoon. Helping at home its what take much time. Despite having my day busy i don’t leave behind school work. School work may be the morning duty or call.
- What is the favorite aspect of your work
Its when am expressing my thoughts and emotions through my writings which makes me feel relaxed and relieved.It makes me feel like am in the right place to be. When I first wrote my first shairi ‘MPENZI MAMA YANGU’ I felt as i some rod had been removed for my back. I felt relaxed. I love my mum no matter what and writing my first poem for her was actually what I really wanted to make her feel that we are always grateful for what she does to us.
- What is the hardest part of what you do.
Hardest part come in when one is confused of emotions or have different thoughts on the mind which may led to lack of good flow of the poem. Mostly this is brought by lack of enough words to say whats on your mind.
- Have you ever incurred challenges in your work. Please tell us about it.
Yes. Challenges are always here and there. Most challenges come when trying to be creative and you lack what to say. Other major challenge in poet is about discouragement received from social media when people say negative things on your achievements. Those kind of people make one lose the energy and power and even the momentum of writing more. Most are those that one ignores and not read.
- How do you foster yourself to keep moving.
I aim higher than I am now. Never do I listen to what others are saying about me. I always have in mind that one day i will become what i always dream of and become the pillar of our family.Working together with a person of good help and of benefits ensures that one is on the right bath and never goes to waste.
- Do you advertise your work. If yes. Tell us how it has helped you
Yes i do advertise. Advertising has really helped me keep my mind open And be able to set higher goals to be achieved. Which by doing this has made me be able to receive more motivation from different people across the country and abroad.
- What advice would you like to give someone that wants to be you.
That when you want to get something or what to be something always go for it and never forget God in all your doings. Practice practice makes perfect. Keep tryung until you make iit through and never listen to what others are saying bad about you. Always take the bad things said as an encouragement.
- Given a chance what impact would you bring to the world, nation and to yourself.
To the world and nation I would make or maintain that thee main languages in different places are well used and encourage people to ensure that they atleast know three different languages.
Mostly on those countries that are full of tribalism to ensure that all languages are respected and well used.
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