Sierra Leonean Lawyer Kemeh Kamara has officially unveiled her debut book titled ‘True Patriots in Sierra Leone,’ a thought-provoking literary work that blends storytelling with a powerful message of patriotism and good governance.
The book was officially released on June 26, 2025, during an exclusive interview at her Freetown office, where Kamara, both a lawyer and emerging author, shared insights into her journey, inspirations, and the core message behind her first publication.
Kamara’s passion for writing began at an early age. A former student of Services Children’s School and St. Joseph’s Secondary School, she credits her upbringing and cultural heritage for shaping her storytelling ability.
Belonging to the Misa Kule clan, known as the “voice of the sovereign,” she described her people as traditional custodians of knowledge, praise singers, and storytellers.
“My father used to tell me stories in our native Koranko, then translate them into Krio,” she recalled. “That process didn’t just teach me language. It grounded me in my identity.”
The idea for True Patriots in Sierra Leone was born out of Kamara’s final year law research at Fourah Bay College. As she dug through historical documents and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report, she uncovered untold stories that challenged her assumptions about Sierra Leone’s governance and democratic evolution.
“These stories were a wake-up call,” Kamara said. “They revealed how we’ve repeated our past mistakes and how urgently we need to invest in civic education, especially for young people.”
In the book is a fictional police officer whose small, consistent acts of integrity influence those around him. Through characters like Baba Sewa, Mama Hawa, and Gor J, some inspired by real-life figures, Kamara paints a compelling picture of patriotism rooted in quiet action rather than public display.
“True patriotism isn’t loud,” Kamara told Abu Bakarr Jalloh of The African Dream. “It’s the everyday sacrifices that build a better nation. It’s refusing to compromise values for personal gain.”
One standout chapter, When True Patriots Meet, features a dramatic encounter between a judge, a police officer, and a politically powerful figure seeking to manipulate the justice system for revenge. The firm stand taken by the judge and officer reflects the book’s overarching message: patriotism is tested in moments of moral choice.
True Patriots in Sierra Leone tackles national issues such as waste management, environmental protection, girl-child education, and institutional corruption. Kamara hopes the book will spark community discussions and introspection across generations.
“This isn’t just a book to read, it’s a tool for dialogue,” she said. “Talk about it at home, in schools, at workplaces. Ask yourselves: what does patriotism look like in action?”
Kamara’s journey to publish her first book was not without challenges. She spent over two years writing and refining the manuscript, grappling with self-doubt and concerns about the declining reading culture in Sierra Leone.
“I nearly gave up,” she said. “But I knew I had something important to say, and I couldn’t abandon that mission.”
Early reviews of True Patriots in Sierra Leone have been overwhelmingly positive. Some readers have called for its inclusion in the national school curriculum. The foreword is written by respected educator, Lawyer and advocate Madam Basita Michael, whose endorsement gave Kamara confidence that her work carries weight.
Looking ahead, Kamara intends to write more books and mentor aspiring authors, particularly young women. Her advice: “Start where you are. Don’t wait for permission to tell your story. Your voice matters.”
“Patriotism is not a slogan, it’s a commitment,” Kamara concluded. “We can all contribute in our own way. I chose writing. What will you do for Sierra Leone?”
True Patriots in Sierra Leone is available for purchase on Amazon, with order links also accessible via Kamara’s Facebook and TikTok platforms (@TalkOnPatriotism). Physical copies can be found at the National Museum on Siaka Stevens Street and SMART LINK Bookshop at Congo Cross Roundabout in Freetown.
