The book deals with the life of a young man, Msanifu Kombo (nicknamed Kongowea Mswahili) who is born in Tanga, Tanzania and who faces family hardships with his single mother, who is a talented singer of taarab.
When Kongowea's mother (named Zainabu) dies, he is left to fend for himself as he embarks on a Journey to Western Kenya to find his biological father.
In spite of being a famous poet, Amuj Isokum, who is terminally ill, lives a desolate life and is looked down upon by the entire neighbourhood.
The book ends with the protagonist, Kongowea Mswahili, in his house, which he inherited from his father Juma Mukosi, early in the morning in the town of Kitale.
He is writing a book, most possibly about his life, when his wife Vumilia binti Abdalla, who was Kongowea's childhood friend, comes from behind and gives him a bear hug.