Lodwar in a jiffy....

Residents we had gone to help!!

It has been ages since I last wrote here. This is because I chose to take time off and concentrate on settling at my new job. Oh,  I chose a job I love, and thus,not working a day in my life-Confucius.  This experience was born as a result of the new job, and though 3 weeks old, found it healthy to share so that you can understand my love for society...


NB: Lodwar is a small town located in Kenya's Turkana county. It is in the vast dry part of the country, and its main inhabitants are the Turkana people. The Turkana people form of greeting is: 'Ejok'-Hello; 'Ejoka'-Hello to you!!


We had gone there to offer food and medical assistance, having just witnessed a harsh drought that had doubled the misery of the residents of Lodwar. 


MY TALE:
23rd October gave birth to the longest road trip I have ever had. A two day journey to the 'hot' lands of Lodwar lay forth, and the atmosphere was buzzing with loud excitement. We were an army of 46, blended gender mix, driven by the sole-purpose of making hearts smile.

The journey was long and tedious, the road was rough and bumpy, and this is what sweetened the adventure. Our bus could not stand the pressure that it had been subjected to, and waved the white flag, in the vast wilderness. This was after we had seen a 12 year old boy, carrying a rifle, as he was guarding his camels. Oh yes, the night was fast approaching, there was no mechanic in sight and terror was taking charge. The closest police post was almost 2 hours away, and though we were a huge number, the only ammunitions at our mercy were our voices and arms-guess I can safely say then, that we were armed!! haha!...thus it was evident that we could not stand against any attack, were we to be subjected to one! Anhu, sadly, we encountered not an attack, thus managed to reach our destination in one peace.


Fatigue was reigning supreme, and all we were yearning for was rest, in readiness of the hot day that lay ahead. Upon arriving at our lodge, fear met fun, and the wild surroundings found their own way of welcoming us. Being almost 36 degrees, it was only logical to take a late night shower before going to bed. Upon reaching the bathroom, one was joined by an army of locusts, whom, for the strangest reasons, were keenly looking forward to join in the shower. This resulted in shouts and name calling in the bathrooms, battles between man and locust, that wholly complicated the showering process. Hehe. It was a major encounter indeed. Try it!!


During our one week stay we managed to interact with the locals, and provide counsel and comfort in what they were going through. I was part of a team that went to visit AIDS victims in the area, and was subjected to shock, dismay and sorrow. It was drawn to our attention that some of the residents of the area prefer to be HIV positive, rather than be negative, in order to get access to food donations, that often come hand-in-hand with the AIDS medication. Yep, you can read that again. This was a bombshell to our esteem also. Gloom took toll, and honestly, though 3 weeks down, I am yet to recover from it.


The flip-side of it all was when we toured the great Lake Turkana, which had its shores dressed in white sand, peacefully guiding the crocodile waters from surpassing their boundary. It was beautiful. Very beautiful. This site, and the one of the orchard we managed to visit, shone hope in our hearts, that all is not lost. 


I concentrated on the highlights of my encounter, as a detailed report of the experience would warrant much more space, and I think the blog isn't home to that. ANhu, it was and shall remain, to be one of the best weeks to have defined my 2011 experiences.

Quote of the year: “Little things are only little things, but to be faithful in little things is a big thing and that is how some people become extraordinary”. 

A Toast to Life!!

Life...sweetened heartbeats in the caged ribs of every man, that ascertain one is alive, and has a capacity to learn something new. Of the few things I took from my campus days, is a lesson shared by a lecturer I adored, "Always leave room in your mind to learn something new. You should know, that you can never know, all that is to be known." As each day awakens, my brain takes a jog in the Reality-stadium, so as to keep abreast with the man-eat-man society. As much as I may hate to call it so, this world has no room for sissies. Anhu, as we all take a step forth, kindly take a look at this prayer, found in the Alchemist book, written by Paulo Coelho. For those who have read the book, it won't hurt to read it again...if you never have...then say it with me....


The Forgotten Prayer by Paulo Coelho
"Lord protect our doubts, because Doubt is a way of praying. It is Doubt that makes us grow because it forces us to look fearlessly at the many answers that exist to that one question. And in order for this to be possible...
Lord protect our decisions, because making Decisions is a way of praying. Give us the courage, after our doubts, to be able to choose between one road and another. May our YES always be a YES, and our NO always be a NO. Once we have chosen our road, may we never look back, nor allow our soul to be eaten away by remorse. And in order for this to be possible...
Lord protect our actions, because Action is a way of praying. May our daily bread be the result of the very best that we carry within us. May we, through work and Action, share a little of the love we receive. And in order for this to be possible...
Lord protect our dreams, because to Dream is a way of praying. Make sure that, regardless of our age or our circumstances, we are capable of keeping alight in our heart the sacred flame of hope and perseverance. And in order for this to be possible...
Lord give us enthusiasm, because Enthusiasm is a way of praying. It is what binds us to the heavens and to Earth, to grown-ups, and to children; it is what tells us that our desires are important and deserve our best efforts. It is Enthusiasm that re-affirms to us that everything is possible, as long as we are totally committed to what we are doing. And in order for this to be possible...

Lord protect us, because Life is the only way we have of making manifest of Your miracle. May the earth continue to transform seeds into wheat, may we continue to transmute wheat into bread. And this is only possible if we have Love; therefore, do not leave us solitude. Always give us Your company, and the company of men and women have doubts, who act and dream and feel enthusiasm, and who live each day as if it were totally dedicated to your glory. Amen"


TRUTH: Mr.Coelho summarized it all, I can't top it up. Life is what we choose to make of it. God, for those who believe in a Supreme being, avails us with the circumstances, but we, we are the ones who have the mandate to make the choices and decisions.
Live smart!!

MALE RETARDS

STARK NAKED!! oh yes, stark naked she stood at the bus station, totally bemused and confused by what had just happened. Sadly, unlike men, women have 'more' private parts to cover from the eye of the public, thus with two hands available, it does prove to be  a tasking ordeal. This was a scene at Nairobi's Bus station, on the 29th of September, 9.30am. My colleague had passed by the matatu and bus terminus, and witnessed the sight of a lady, a foreigner, being strangled with fear, shock and shame, all in the name of being scantily dressed. Fast Forward-October 2nd, one of our local broadcasters, KTN Kenya, highlighted the issue, attesting that 3 women, had fallen victim to the idle male youth. Strangely so, as I was watching the interview, I realized that the guy being interviewed, is someone I knew-SHAME ON HIM!!


REALITY: What amazes me, is that this 'moral' chaps, have no issue with young men who sag. Recalling my stand-up comedy research, sagging is an act that started in the American gaols. It was a move picked up by gay jail-mates, who wanted to draw attention from their male counterparts. Bearing this in mind, judging not people for their different preferences, I wonder why the scoundrels don't act on this. I believe, whether scanty or not, a lady who has chosen to dress so, is doing so, out of her own comfort. Many a times, I may wonder why a lady can opt to dress in a certain way, yet again, I never picked the dress, so, who am I to deny her freedom. Let it be known, that strangely, in a non-racial way, that if the sort of scanty outfit, was worn by an Asian or White lady, the chaps would hardly make a move. Yet they declare morality on all women, yet its our sisters who bare the shame.


The fact that I have two sisters, and  that I may not want them to dress scantily, in honor of their own dignity, I cannot tell them what to wear, or undress them, should they choose otherwise. Double standards should simply not be applied--trying to pretend to uphold tradition in one, and embracing #westernization in the other. Circumstances are availed to all by life, but choices are for the self. A woman who dresses scantily will make men OGLE, but many men shall luck the thirst, her to GOOGLE, because there will be no need to search for information, as it would have already been availed. hehe. That is my view. Fresh, don't you think!! Fact remains though, who are we to judge. I have previously said that, men are naturally, solving beings, and allured by mystery. Knowing so, then a lady who wants to draw attention, yet uphold her dignity, should learn how to make men's visual impair-ness work for her.

Blogger's Stand: I believe women have the right to dress how they want. Call me westernized or brainwashed, and all I will say to that is #bullshit. Why pretend to take a higher moral ground, yet we all have our flaws. Oh, and for crying out loud, the lady left the house so, because she was comfortable in the outfit. I know, I would not do well in a miniskirt and such, but since I have never worn, neither do I intend to, I cannot tell, whether the bearer of the outfit, feels most comfortable in it, or not. Its loads of crap, to pretend to uphold dignity in specific matters, and scorn it in another. 


NB: October is here with us, thus for those who have managed to see it come to birth, kindly thank the Heavens. Ladies and gentlemen, let us not forget, that this is the CANCER MONTH.....create awareness, and let your loved ones get tested. Prevention shall always reign supreme!!

Logical Nonsense-Kenyanized!!

Yep. That headline makes no sense to me either; basically highlighting the entire logic behind this piece. Have you ever questioned why somethings are being done the way they are? The question why, apparently, is the hardest question one can ever ask? Hmm, ponder about it for a minute or so?


It is true, isn't it? Now, marry the question to some of the norms in our society, and you will see that a lot people are in need of some rude awakening. Tag along.......
1. Visitor's utensils

I know this happens in many homes in Kenya. I am really astounded, (my mom being a major victim) when parents order that some utensils should not be used by family members, as they are reserved for occasions or visitors. Majority go unused, and gather dust, as the family is forced to limit usage of what is available. This is one of the few things, unknowingly passed through generations. For example, I ask: why can't one choose to train a child, how to value and be careful with a glass, instead of limiting the child's scope of responsibility, by forcing the child to use plastic. This offers a simple avenue to teach a child responsibility, make the family feel special enough by using the utensils, and fact remains, the guest shall never know whether the glasses were reserved for him/her. 

2. Sunday-best outfit

Okay, take a look at your wardrobe, and tell me you don't own an outfit that you have not worn more than 5 times. If you do, well, you are nuts. What is the essence of purchasing an expensive outfit, one that you look jaw-dropping in, and limit people having the chance to see you in it, to specific occassions. Most of the time, you end up outgrowing the outfit, and end up hardly wearing it. If you have an amazing outfit, wear it whenever your mood tells you to. Each day is special, make it count. Don't await somebody else's occasion to look great. Makes no sense for you to buy a suit, only to be buried in it. In fact, upon one's death, one should be buried with his favorite outfit: a pair of jeans, and favorite team jersey, as for ladies, whatever made you look amazing-don't you think? Unless its an outfit meant to spice bedroom affairs, dress in all you can, when you can!! Look sharp, and await no reason to do so!!

3. Wedding gift-utensils overdose

I am yet to walk down the aisle, and when that day shall come to pass, I hope it shall a healthy package of bliss. Anhu, I wonder why people always insist on purchasing utensils as wedding gifts-as if its an obligation. We all know that definitely, the newly weds shall be doing some cooking, but yikes, if you seek not to buy a worthy gift, get the couple a gift voucher and let them do the shopping, or just don't buy. Let us come clean, I am certain, on your D-day you would be dreading to have an overdose of utensils for gifts. Therefore, act it!!

4. Can't sleep without eating ugali

I recall my dad attesting to this, claiming he cannot sleep well without a heavy meal, thus always informed my mum, to prepare ugali, whenever she had made pilau, rice or spaghetti for supper. I tried seeking the logic behind this, knowing that supper is meant to be the lightest meal, as recommended by doctors and health nutrition, and found none. Being a bachelor, I have had french-fries for supper, on days I could fry-eggs not; if I am the only one whose fallen victim to laziness related to cooking, then I am in my own world. Anhu, why, would one, all of sudden, lack the capacity to stomach a light meal for a night, and force the lady to bear the burden of cooking more. Should the MRS find it appropriate,  then let her will be done. Personally though, I find this attribute, passed on through generations, as a load of sheer crap!!

Let it be known, that I hold no war against utensils. I own some. It is saddening that we choose to underrate ourselves, and deny us many blissful moments, all in the name of doing things because they are a norm. I know that there are many more things we are accustomed to, but we are not sheep, aren't we!!! Stand out, and treat each day with the special attention it deserves. Oh, and as for my Mrs. to be, I make this contract with you-I shall eat what is availed without grumbling, because I know the value of having a meal to soothe the stomach!!

BLACK SEPTEMBER-the flipside

TGIM- Thank God Its Monday. I guess, I may just find myself sued for stating so...yet again, I shall attest, my sheer love for Mondays, simply because they confirm that I have seen another weekend to completion. Anhu, woke up to another bleak Monday morning of September 2011-Legendary and re-known environmental activist, Nobel Laureate winner, and loving daughter to Kenya and Africa, Honorable Wangari Maathai passed on. She succumbed to cancer, and waves of her death, has rocked all corners of the globe, and sadness engulfed the hearts of environment lovers, because it is evident Mother Nature has lost one of her most devoted daughters. #MayHerSoulRestInEternalPeace (okay, must confess, twitter is getting deeper into my skin) @utamhaliss


As a nation, we have been rocked with murky news, day in-day out, in this month of September. This type of atmosphere, was generally reserved for August, but guess, in line with the changing weather partners, likewise has Grim Reaper's altered his hunting time. The Hell Hounds have been let loose, and my, oh my, they are siphoning life, right through our heavy bones. Tales of deaths caused by illicit brews, road carnage, murder (Kenyan lady slayed by husband who stabbed her more than 60 times, cut her throat), fire-furry and many more. In tandem with all this, the big blow came through to K.O all alcohol lovers. 
1. Alcoblow is back, with a bang. Now, marry this with the Mututho laws, and I can see married women having more time with their husbands at home. Oh yes, its back!!
A drive through Langata Road on a Friday or Saturday night, and you witness Tow-trucks celebrating a windfall. Damaged cars take the runway, auditioning for the most wrecked car galore. With the Alcoblow back, I can see the dampened faces of Kenya drunks. With limited drinking hours, the re-introduction of the Alcoblow, has been a major hit, below the belt. With respect to all catastrophes, I think this saga, shall be on the topics of many more, and for a longer duration.
2.HIV testing is bound to be made compulsory, whenever one goes for treatment for ailments such as malaria and typhoid. Yep, oh blimey!! Spiced with the current rate of inflation, the shilling being battered senselessly by the dollar, I must attest, this September got a huge dose of gloom right through it. No more hanky-panky stuff, with a Miss who aint your own, and ladies, yep, your database, may just have to be short-listed. 
3. No more traffic police-must confess, most Kenyans know not of what they want. The cops were ordered to stay clear of round-abouts, so that drivers would work with traffic lights, and mayhem has taken over. In a days time, and drivers were crying out loud to have them back. Yep, all this happened in the month of September.


In summary, men and women, are being warned off too much drink, late night driving, random sex-ventures, all courted with harsher economic times. Yep. Liken this to Nakumatt Supermarket..."Welcome to September-all gloom under one roof". 
Anhu, let us count our blessings, stop whining, and learn to soothe our circumstances. I also choose to stand tall, giving a standing ovation to Phillip Makau, for breaking the marathon record in Berlin-finally, the record is right where it belongs...Kenya!! Let us make merry, when the sun is shining on your yard!!
Therefore, as we mourn, let us not forget to rejoice and celebrate those around us. Let them know they are special, if and when you have the chance, both in words and action. I know at times, it kind of feels odd, when you pass gratitude to someone, for being important to you, but its alot better, then saying sweet things to a corpse!! FACT!!

Yokozuna K.O

No Mercy!!

I was meant to post this yesterday, but I had other commitments to address. As I looked forward to a great week, calamity seems to have embraced the month of September by the neck. The past week, was filled with sheer gloom and guttering life-snatching events. Death and murky stories, engulfed our media houses whole, stifling them off any good news that may have taken up center stage. The Sinai tragedy, illicit-brew encounters, road carnage, police shootings etc. My oh my, the horror. Kenya marked 2 days of mourning, in honor of the lost lives, and I top that, with a prayer to the Heavens, their souls are resting in eternal peace. Sadly, the tales continue: 13 people died in a road accident yesterday, and as of this morning, a man has reportedly killed the wife in a family feud. #GodblessourNation


Queer: As I was buzzing around this weekend, catching up with footy and friends, we recalled the Yokozuna saga and start to bust out laughing. Kindly do not get me wrong here, I do mourn the death of those slayed by the illicit brews, yet again, seriously, YOKOZUNA!! The name of that brew, must be alarming by itself.  As far as my memory goes, in the supreme days of wrestling, Yokozuna was one mean-ass, who had his ass all over the other wrestlers faces: and had no remorse for it. I recall his killer move-putting an opponent on the corner ropes, as he planned on running from the alter-corner, straight into the unlucky chap. The impact would exhaust all the air, life and strength from the opponent, making him fall down, face-up. And there, was his best moment. He would go up the corner ropes, bounce a couple of times and ******** (lacked a sound-effect to describe it) and he would rub it on, until the opponent tapped out. It was not a pleasing sight, and he would always make my mum rant and rave about how it made no sense to her, why we, my father included, would cheer and go hysterical over old men dressed in underwear. (as she liked to put it, highlighting her disgust).


Worrying: Back to Kenya, and News-headlines are hijacked by piratical-news of young men being held ransom by illicit brews. Deaths and blindness courting every sip they take of the so much, "I am hustling" drink. I think, 'hustle' has been the most misused word to-date. From what I have gathered and researched as per the word, I think 90% of the people who use it, hardly know what hustling is all about, and have fallen victim to verbal-peer-pressure. Aha, back to the illicit drinks, well, being a teetotaler myself (I am naturally high and the doctors have confirmed it), I wonder what actually draws these young men to the brew. I believe, majority can spend at least Ksh.20 on a cup, and at the same time, seek to borrow money to buy food, which would be purchased by the misused cash.On that note, I have always wondered why it is easier, for a friend to buy someone alcohol to wipe out misery, than actually loan the friend some money, to help sort out more important issues. Personally, I would feel insulted, whether done out of good gesture or not, if a friend, instead of seeking to address my problems, upon his willingness, chooses to buy me a drink to wipe it down. As far as I know, he would not be worth being called a friend, and I would be better off alone. 

MUST: I believe, we need to be personally responsible, in order to sustain lives in our beloved nation. That we should stand up and draw caution, when a driver is being reckless, radio stations, to highlight on the importance of personal responsibility with regards to alcohol consumption, that sex should be a topic freely discussed in families, highlighting the fact that it is not a vice, but the circumstance surrounding the act, define its morality or not. The more we ignore reality, and batter words of matters that are beyond our control, the more lives we shall loose, and mourning shall become a norm. For example: complaining about time, yet 24hours is all we will ever get.


Hope: The beauty of Kenya as a Nation, is our malleability. Our love for self, is our weakness, yet our greatest strength. I believe, learning from KenyansforKenya; with constant and consistent sharing of real-information, would aid our ailing nation. AIDS provides a great learning curve, with people being more receptive to victims, and shunning stigmatization. People are scared of the truth, and thank God it hurts-it is high time people shun cocoons, stop hiding in the 'We are aping the Western world excuse' and stick to the gun, and call it as it is. Should we not address these issues-the plight and sight of women crying over 'dead' men who are alive in the villages, shall wipe our schools clean of children to attend the classes. As we ponder on what to do: let us not forget, LIFE HAS NO REHEARSALS!! lest we stop....we shall be hammered with YOKOZUNA K.Os

70's Romance Evolution

Fact: Guys in the 70s were not more smooth and sleek than us---they simply paid more personalized attention to the ladies, than is currently done. They never had mobile phones, internet etc., thus for one to get a hold of a woman, one had to sweat to impress. Letters, are more personalized in times of effort than texts. A flower picked up by a hedge, is more affectionate than a plastic one. A walk by the river, is better than chatting all night via the phone. Simply put, personalized affection is deeper than technologized lovey-duvy. I choose to believe that when ladies compare us with the fore-fathers, it is the simple matters that make the huge difference. I know we have to work, and so did they. 24 hours shall never be topped up. MAKE TIME!! and stop whining. 


Romance. "Yikes" . Most men get alarmed by the R-word, and when coined with the L-word in the same sentence, some even seek therapy sessions-alcohol. Yet again, really, is it so difficult to remain macho, and be smooth at the same time: be a man, but a smooth one to add to that!! Many times, I have heard of women wordy-riots, protesting against the lack of attention and creativity in relation to romance. I choose to look back at what used to happen in the 70s, the days of Afros and Bell-bottoms, Curl Kits, pleats and leather jackets, pen-to-paper love tales scented with perfume etc. In this day and age, this is cliche, and to some, simply stone-age. In this era of android, I-pad, I-phones, Mac-books and blackberry's one would be seen to be nuts to go and tell it, the 70s way. Factoring this in, what would happen, if one would wed the best from each era, and simply become a..........

1. A Digital Camera (Reputable phone can also work)

This is the most important item you can ever buy when it comes to a relationship-be it, marriage or courtship. To add some spice to a special day, and your lady is expectant of roses and chocolate-buy a digital camera. Should she grumble-tell her you bought it to play witness for the many happy moments you know you will have with her. Once she starts smiling, unleash the package you had set-up for the D-day. Reason:when days go cold, and you are in a stale-mate, you chuck the photos, hopefully, having burned them on a CD, and play. The hearty laughs captured, the special moments embossed in your memories, shall come to life, and well, you can start all over again.

2. Sticky Notes

If you are creative, naughty, bold and adventourous, these yellow papers would do you great. Know how to use them, and you may just end up taking the office with you home. Ladies are thrilled by adventure, adore creativity, and love attention, thus why not stick it to  her. Let us assume you are an early bird, and you always leave her napping...and she is the type who picks her next-day outfit the night before. As you leave, input a sticky note stating "Am Jealous" on it. Upon she finding it, and questioning why so; tell her that you wish you were the one embracing her so close for the better part of that day. Simple. Kinky. hehe. You can have one in her bag, and state, "Today's evening news: Adam and Eve found in our bedroom" haha. You can decide what that means. I can't keep on letting out my tips, I also have a Ms. to impress.

3. Keep The cards Old School-online doesn't count
If there is one thing, that you should never do in the name of romance, is send a soft-copy card. A card is meant to be something she can touch and show her pals how thoughtful you can be. Now, I know most of us are stuck to the special-day cards; valentines, birthdays, anniversaries etc. Well, you are living in the Pentium-one era. *Geeky*, I know!! You need to up your game to the next level. Simply have a 'It is a Tuesday', for example theme. Simply, do not await for special days, because your days should be special because you have with you. My close buddy, has embraced this close, and thus far, he is bound to walk down the aisle.

4. Roses- Keep them fresh
If you can not buy the real ones, simply avoid it, and stick to the ones available on cards. Here, I believe almost doesn't count, and as far as the cliche'; it is the thought that counts, show me when you will see thoughts counting, and I shall equally do the same. Therefore,  once you choose to walk this path let it be the real-deal. I know majority of us struggle with the act of carrying a flowers, (equally a victim), thus thank God, for delivery services. Send them to her offices, or wherever she is, and give her the chance to gloat. Remember: In the 70s, though plucked from fences and bushes, yet, not roses, they always kept them fresh!!

5. Communication-- try and keep it 70s-use the mobile, but let it not overshadow face to face moments. In the mornings, do not text her good morning-peck her so. Do not text her goodnight, call her. The voice has more conviction, than a shortened text-Nyt!! I know, as men, we usually bury ourselves in the conviction that the ratio of men to women stands at around 1:4, but what they never tell you, the ratio of good women to men! As far as good men are concerned, ladies know best. This marks the heart-beat of your relationship, the more quality time you avail, the higher the chances of staying steadfast, and burning. Thus always try, to uphold face-to-face. 


Blogger says: who am I to tell you how to play your tune. You know what you do best, thus stick to it. Anhu, the Nigerian pastor shall gather single women, in plenty, tomorrow at the Nyayo stadium.  I will be there, and share my insights if necessary. I know with this in mind, I will have me a keeper..hehe
Blessed weekend people!!-Misbehave!!