It has been the most traumatic time for so many countrymen, countrywomen and countrychildren (if it makes sense).
In the last many days, we have lost so many of our people and we still haven't come to a solution. People are being killed any direction you look. It has gotten out of hand and I wish and pray that they stop. I don't know what can be done to stop it anyway. I don't have an answer to questions any more.
I called a very good friend of mine this morning and for the first time is so many months, there was no long wait at the other end. But the news was baffling. It was so short and to the point for a moment I thought I'd heard wrong. I was left speechless until the guy at the other end of the line jolted me back to my senses. You see, when you talk to someone literally every other day or once a week, it becomes routine to check on each other to find out how life's been, how the families are doing, jobwise - what's cutting, when you are meeting for drinks, just about everything. Then make fun about just about everything in life.
It suddenly hits you. The things we all take forgranted, the unsaid words, the anger when you don't get what you want, the silence when you feel you don't want to talk to the other party, the secrecy when you don't feel like saying some things, the privacy when you feel your space is getting too crowded, its all meaningless. So I got to realize this fine morning.
As I was saying, when I called my buddy, I was transfered to his department (happens to write the business column in the Standard newspapers). The guy told me, 'we lost him yesterday on Mombasa Road.' Just that, plain and simple. No he asked where I was calling from and I said from Nairobi. Then the bomb was dropped. Ok, I thought I heard wrong but hell no. I was silent for quite a while till the voice on the other side decided I was too quiet. Well, I refused to believe it. He was quite clear though, 'do u mean so and so?'. I was like, 'yes, that's the one'. 'Then we are talking of the same person, he died in a road accident on Mombasa Road yesterday morning.' I was lost for words, took down his name and promised to give him a call back.
I told my colleague what had just happened and she told me she'd read in the Standard that they'd lost one of their own. I went to look for the paper and there it was, in black and white. I couldn't believe it. I was shaking, read and re-read, but it was all there, he was gone. Then it hit me, all I knew were the buddies we were with in school (we went to Primary school together), then met by chance last year. I didn't know any of his brothers or sisters as when we were in school he used to commute every single day from Athi River to a primary school in Eastlands. He was known as the boy from Athi River. The pain I feel now is not anything I can explain. To lose a dear friend is so sad, too painful.
He had called me Saturday evening at 5.30pm, of course drinking somewhere in Ololo (kaloleni) with his buddies. He was to call me back to tell me where he was but didn't. As I knew him I guess well, I decided to let him nurse his hangover, I didn't know he'd be nursing it forever! Its really sad, I still have to get details from his buddy that he was with who is till at the hospital. I don't know if I should call him or wait. But I still need answers.
I remember the last time we were together was some time in Dec. Just before I left for shags. As always he was a happy person. He only switched off when he was depressed. I knew when to keep my distance and he always came to and discussed anything that had been the bother, but at times I guess he just found it hard to talk about and I didn't push him.
All I can say is that life's a witch spelt with a capital 'B'.
RIP - ALARI ALARE
Monday, January 28, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The ghost town of Kisumu
The schools in Nyanza are yet to re-open. Both Primary and Secondary school kids are still at home, wondering whether they'll ever go back to school. Its a sad situation. Thousands of kids don't know what the future looks like for them.
My cousin who happens to be a bursar at a certain high school says that they cannot re-open as some of their schools were burnt down or looted. The chaos after the elections last year have affected kids who are not even old enough to vote. I'm sure during the campaigns, they must have been wondering what the beef was all about with politicians 'dissing' each other during their 'meet the people' tours.
As it is, they lack the basics to go back to school, their food stores were raided, books stolen, desks and chairs set on fire (you wonder why). Even as they are given an ultimatum to be back to school by Monday 28th, I wonder where they are going to start. Kids are traumatised and I'm sure they want to wish away everything that has happened so far. Watching the killings and the running battles, with looting and vandalizing of stores will remain embedded in their minds for a long, long time.
But I'm an angry woman. Angry at the the few residents who took part in vandalizing the town. They lack all the basics as it is. No food, water, airtime, houses, clothes, medication, the works! A bamba 50 is going for 90 bob, 100 bob airtime is being sold for 150, and so on. How will they survive like this. The people complaining are the same ones who burnt down the food stores and are now appealing to be fed, by who I ask. I feel bad that children and women are the most affected as the kids still look up to them for their daily meal. If I set the supermarket on fire, who do I expect to bring me food, to sell from where, I do not even have the money to buy the food in the first place. The only bank operating is Standard Chartered. Most of the locals bank with KCB. Barclays are yet to re-open (hope they have anyway-last time I checked they were still closed). The only supermarkets operating are the two Nakumatts, Yatin Supermarket has removed 90% of his stock from the shelves so even if you walked in you would not buy anything, but he he keeps the grill doors open for anyone daring to go there.
Kisumu resembles a bombed out town like Mogadishu. Who will save the luos from themselves, I hate to ask. How can anyone be so stupid as to do what they did to a place they call home. I wonder what they say everyday when they wake up in the morning. There are no offices to go to work, no restaurants to visit, no pubs to drink in, it is bad. Kisumu Travels has ceased operating, sending home tens of workers all because of this. This was the biggest travel company in the whole of Nyanza, and now its gone, God knows if there is going to be another one like it. It must be scary to live the way they do in Kisumu, I'd hate to be there, I know its on my way home but I still do not condone what they did.
Some bus companies have pulled out of the route for fear of being attacked or set ablaze for belonging to the 'wrong' tribe. And what tribe is 'right'? These so called hooligans have messed the city. I wonder how many years it will take to rebuild it to what it was. I don't envy the current MP who has to urge them to 'behave' as they are just hurting themselves and nobody else.
I rest my case..................
My cousin who happens to be a bursar at a certain high school says that they cannot re-open as some of their schools were burnt down or looted. The chaos after the elections last year have affected kids who are not even old enough to vote. I'm sure during the campaigns, they must have been wondering what the beef was all about with politicians 'dissing' each other during their 'meet the people' tours.
As it is, they lack the basics to go back to school, their food stores were raided, books stolen, desks and chairs set on fire (you wonder why). Even as they are given an ultimatum to be back to school by Monday 28th, I wonder where they are going to start. Kids are traumatised and I'm sure they want to wish away everything that has happened so far. Watching the killings and the running battles, with looting and vandalizing of stores will remain embedded in their minds for a long, long time.
But I'm an angry woman. Angry at the the few residents who took part in vandalizing the town. They lack all the basics as it is. No food, water, airtime, houses, clothes, medication, the works! A bamba 50 is going for 90 bob, 100 bob airtime is being sold for 150, and so on. How will they survive like this. The people complaining are the same ones who burnt down the food stores and are now appealing to be fed, by who I ask. I feel bad that children and women are the most affected as the kids still look up to them for their daily meal. If I set the supermarket on fire, who do I expect to bring me food, to sell from where, I do not even have the money to buy the food in the first place. The only bank operating is Standard Chartered. Most of the locals bank with KCB. Barclays are yet to re-open (hope they have anyway-last time I checked they were still closed). The only supermarkets operating are the two Nakumatts, Yatin Supermarket has removed 90% of his stock from the shelves so even if you walked in you would not buy anything, but he he keeps the grill doors open for anyone daring to go there.
Kisumu resembles a bombed out town like Mogadishu. Who will save the luos from themselves, I hate to ask. How can anyone be so stupid as to do what they did to a place they call home. I wonder what they say everyday when they wake up in the morning. There are no offices to go to work, no restaurants to visit, no pubs to drink in, it is bad. Kisumu Travels has ceased operating, sending home tens of workers all because of this. This was the biggest travel company in the whole of Nyanza, and now its gone, God knows if there is going to be another one like it. It must be scary to live the way they do in Kisumu, I'd hate to be there, I know its on my way home but I still do not condone what they did.
Some bus companies have pulled out of the route for fear of being attacked or set ablaze for belonging to the 'wrong' tribe. And what tribe is 'right'? These so called hooligans have messed the city. I wonder how many years it will take to rebuild it to what it was. I don't envy the current MP who has to urge them to 'behave' as they are just hurting themselves and nobody else.
I rest my case..................
Thursday, January 17, 2008
WHY, OH WHY?
Watching the clip on KTN on the murder of yet another innocent Kenyan left me in shock, angry and above all, full on HATE (yah, I know its a strong word), for the police force in this country.
Who is going to save us from ourselves? Who shall I run to if the person paid to do that is the same person killing me. And to rub it in, the so called police spokesman says its a Rambo movie. Rambo never died! for crying out loud. We do need to pray, and pray hard indeed for all the departed, the wounded, the hurting, the affected, those small kids who don't know why they feel cold at night as there is no shelter and nobody is explaining to them why they live in the open.
For three days last week, I did not go to the office. The management decided for the sake of the staff's security, we all needed to stay home and coming to the office was at one's own risk. Of course only 3 people worked on Wednesday 16th as they live close to the office. The rest of us (I know I can get to the office via some other route) but I did not want to take that chance. I didn't want to be caught up in all the madness that this country has come to. But a call came that same evening informing me that we all resume duty the next day. There hadn't been much anyway, apart from the trigger happy cops. I'm glad at times being that I do not work in town.
Come Thursday, its all system go! We have to cancel some of our flights. Business is damn slow.
The lunacy we saw the past week is over. I have nothing to say. I love the peace that's there currently. But there's a shortage of some supplies. I have to visit my 'loco' to buy what I can lay my hands on. Its going to be a long, long two weeks.
Ciao!
Who is going to save us from ourselves? Who shall I run to if the person paid to do that is the same person killing me. And to rub it in, the so called police spokesman says its a Rambo movie. Rambo never died! for crying out loud. We do need to pray, and pray hard indeed for all the departed, the wounded, the hurting, the affected, those small kids who don't know why they feel cold at night as there is no shelter and nobody is explaining to them why they live in the open.
For three days last week, I did not go to the office. The management decided for the sake of the staff's security, we all needed to stay home and coming to the office was at one's own risk. Of course only 3 people worked on Wednesday 16th as they live close to the office. The rest of us (I know I can get to the office via some other route) but I did not want to take that chance. I didn't want to be caught up in all the madness that this country has come to. But a call came that same evening informing me that we all resume duty the next day. There hadn't been much anyway, apart from the trigger happy cops. I'm glad at times being that I do not work in town.
Come Thursday, its all system go! We have to cancel some of our flights. Business is damn slow.
The lunacy we saw the past week is over. I have nothing to say. I love the peace that's there currently. But there's a shortage of some supplies. I have to visit my 'loco' to buy what I can lay my hands on. Its going to be a long, long two weeks.
Ciao!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
The journey back
I wake up on 2nd January knowing too well there is no way I'm coming back to this city. The mood is somber. Everyone is just existing. There is nothing much to do. Just watch your back.
We have breakfast at 10am. As I ponder my next move, I look up to the sky and see a plane. What, a plane? It cannot be. I quickly get my fone, all the airport just to confirm that the airspace is open. 'Yes we are flying.' 'Please reconfirm my flight.' 'Names, dates, tkt nos, done.' 'Be at the airport an hour before the flight.' Excitement is an understatement. My heart was in another place.
I rush back inside, start packing, forgetting that I have to let the relevant authorities know that I'm flying back. Well, that can wait, I'll need a ride anyway to the airport. This morning I haven't heard any new developments. Kisumu is still under curfew, the airport is a few miles off so still accessible, I guess. We'll try our best. I still have 6 hours to check in time. Have lunch, relax, then remember to report. Its about 20mins tops to the airport but with the roadblocks, could take longer. We depart at 5pm, half an hour earlier. On the Bondo road, there are few roadblocks if any. Most of the boulders are lying by the sides of the road. I had never seen the lake from this far before. It looked lovely, there were no people blocking my view for the first time. There were no people. Everyone had stayed home, at this time of day. This is when they all come out to sell their wares but have kept off.
Reach the Kisian junction, the banana sellers are nowhere to be seen. Would have bought but too bad. Drive on the Busia-Kisumu road, its ghostly. No people there either. The destruction is evident. Raided coca cola retail outlets, broken soda bottles, drinking straws all over the place, burnt down kiosks, looted and then burnt down markets, it is bad. A few miles down the road we come across a police car with its full lights. We have to slow down for it to pass. Behind it are tanks and tanks of petrol heading for the border. They had been blocked when all this started and could not be released lest they went up in flames or were syphoned by hooligans. It was now or never. I stopped counting as they were just too many. I remember watching news that Uganda and other east african countries that rely on Kenya were all suffering because of all the chaos. I felt for them. Our own people could not get fuel because of all this, so imagine the neighbours. At least they were going to smile now. I prayed for the safe passage of the tankers.
We reached Kisumu airport and for a moment I thought the whole of Kisumu had moved to the airport. The mess at the Machakos bus station is nothing compared to what I saw, and I thought I was early. I later learnt that people had been camping there for days, flights had been cancelled, the restaurant had run out of food, there was no water, and the planes were not even coming, people were just waiting. It was the only means to come to Nairobi. The queue was winding forever. But I had to. Through security we went (my son was still in the car). To the check in counter, there's nobody. At the entrance to their office is where everyone was. Apparently they were so messed up passengers had started fighting them and they had to lock themselves in. Its survival for the fittest. I also struggle to get my tickets to them. A hand takes them and disappears. Its a cat and mouse chase now. Money talks at such a time, but I refused to pay. I had already and my ticket was there. They had overbooked the flight, not me, so too bad. At the last minute, another plane had to be chartered for everyone to go. I wished I owned a plane. I'd have made loads of cash.
The waiting began. Some passengers who had been put on the charter flight that was to come to Kisumu at 1600hrs were still waiting and no one at the office had and answer as to what was happening and what time it would land. The manifest is out now, calling names one by one. I happen to get the second flight (which I was originally booked on) for 1845hrs. It is now 1930hrs and none of the planes has landed. KQ/Jetlink keep landing and picking their passengers and none of the planes we are booked on has come. We just wait. Did I mention that there was no food? The canteens have run out of food. The indians were lucky, they chartered their own plane that came and picked them from Kisumu. My son is getting restless. He is hungry, how was I to know that by 8 I'd still be waiting for a 7pm flight. We have no choice. Tempers are rising. People start quarrelling over nothing. I know better than to get involved. I'm in the service industry. The first flight lands at 2015hrs. Unfortunately, I have to wait for mine. There was no checking in of bags and what saved me was the fact that I'd left my suitcase back home to be brought when Mr was coming back, whenever that would be. I dont like luggage.
The first lot is boarded (free sitting). It takes off at 2030hrs. 15 minutes later we see a plane approaching and overflies the airport. What the f***!!!!!!!! It cannot land as the runway lights are off. The runway lights have been switched off............. The control's time is up and he has to go home. So why not just switch off everything as he is not being paid overtime. I shed a tear or two. Everyone is up on their feet now. There is the last plane still on the tarmac that cannot take off. The runway lights are out!!!!
10 minutes later someone goes up there, sweet talks him and he switches the lights back on. The plane takes off and ours lands at 2100hrs. Boarding (I'm lucky as kids are boarded first with their parents). We take off at 2105 and are in Nairobi by 2140hrs.. I'm so glad to be back. My ride is waiting, I get home, my sister is nowhere to be seen, I book another cab for her place of work (she's working overtime) and pick my housekeys. At least there's food in the house!
We have breakfast at 10am. As I ponder my next move, I look up to the sky and see a plane. What, a plane? It cannot be. I quickly get my fone, all the airport just to confirm that the airspace is open. 'Yes we are flying.' 'Please reconfirm my flight.' 'Names, dates, tkt nos, done.' 'Be at the airport an hour before the flight.' Excitement is an understatement. My heart was in another place.
I rush back inside, start packing, forgetting that I have to let the relevant authorities know that I'm flying back. Well, that can wait, I'll need a ride anyway to the airport. This morning I haven't heard any new developments. Kisumu is still under curfew, the airport is a few miles off so still accessible, I guess. We'll try our best. I still have 6 hours to check in time. Have lunch, relax, then remember to report. Its about 20mins tops to the airport but with the roadblocks, could take longer. We depart at 5pm, half an hour earlier. On the Bondo road, there are few roadblocks if any. Most of the boulders are lying by the sides of the road. I had never seen the lake from this far before. It looked lovely, there were no people blocking my view for the first time. There were no people. Everyone had stayed home, at this time of day. This is when they all come out to sell their wares but have kept off.
Reach the Kisian junction, the banana sellers are nowhere to be seen. Would have bought but too bad. Drive on the Busia-Kisumu road, its ghostly. No people there either. The destruction is evident. Raided coca cola retail outlets, broken soda bottles, drinking straws all over the place, burnt down kiosks, looted and then burnt down markets, it is bad. A few miles down the road we come across a police car with its full lights. We have to slow down for it to pass. Behind it are tanks and tanks of petrol heading for the border. They had been blocked when all this started and could not be released lest they went up in flames or were syphoned by hooligans. It was now or never. I stopped counting as they were just too many. I remember watching news that Uganda and other east african countries that rely on Kenya were all suffering because of all the chaos. I felt for them. Our own people could not get fuel because of all this, so imagine the neighbours. At least they were going to smile now. I prayed for the safe passage of the tankers.
We reached Kisumu airport and for a moment I thought the whole of Kisumu had moved to the airport. The mess at the Machakos bus station is nothing compared to what I saw, and I thought I was early. I later learnt that people had been camping there for days, flights had been cancelled, the restaurant had run out of food, there was no water, and the planes were not even coming, people were just waiting. It was the only means to come to Nairobi. The queue was winding forever. But I had to. Through security we went (my son was still in the car). To the check in counter, there's nobody. At the entrance to their office is where everyone was. Apparently they were so messed up passengers had started fighting them and they had to lock themselves in. Its survival for the fittest. I also struggle to get my tickets to them. A hand takes them and disappears. Its a cat and mouse chase now. Money talks at such a time, but I refused to pay. I had already and my ticket was there. They had overbooked the flight, not me, so too bad. At the last minute, another plane had to be chartered for everyone to go. I wished I owned a plane. I'd have made loads of cash.
The waiting began. Some passengers who had been put on the charter flight that was to come to Kisumu at 1600hrs were still waiting and no one at the office had and answer as to what was happening and what time it would land. The manifest is out now, calling names one by one. I happen to get the second flight (which I was originally booked on) for 1845hrs. It is now 1930hrs and none of the planes has landed. KQ/Jetlink keep landing and picking their passengers and none of the planes we are booked on has come. We just wait. Did I mention that there was no food? The canteens have run out of food. The indians were lucky, they chartered their own plane that came and picked them from Kisumu. My son is getting restless. He is hungry, how was I to know that by 8 I'd still be waiting for a 7pm flight. We have no choice. Tempers are rising. People start quarrelling over nothing. I know better than to get involved. I'm in the service industry. The first flight lands at 2015hrs. Unfortunately, I have to wait for mine. There was no checking in of bags and what saved me was the fact that I'd left my suitcase back home to be brought when Mr was coming back, whenever that would be. I dont like luggage.
The first lot is boarded (free sitting). It takes off at 2030hrs. 15 minutes later we see a plane approaching and overflies the airport. What the f***!!!!!!!! It cannot land as the runway lights are off. The runway lights have been switched off............. The control's time is up and he has to go home. So why not just switch off everything as he is not being paid overtime. I shed a tear or two. Everyone is up on their feet now. There is the last plane still on the tarmac that cannot take off. The runway lights are out!!!!
10 minutes later someone goes up there, sweet talks him and he switches the lights back on. The plane takes off and ours lands at 2100hrs. Boarding (I'm lucky as kids are boarded first with their parents). We take off at 2105 and are in Nairobi by 2140hrs.. I'm so glad to be back. My ride is waiting, I get home, my sister is nowhere to be seen, I book another cab for her place of work (she's working overtime) and pick my housekeys. At least there's food in the house!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
The aftermath
On 28th Morning, wake up early. Watch news, results are trickling in from different constituencies. Its interested how the big fall. I'm in shock, Kenyans truly do need a new look 10th parliament. I hate to imagine the shocked looks on their faces when they heard that they'd lost.
They continue to fall harder, even the Moillets (ex-president Moi's three sons). I'm happy.
I'm late taking breakfast as I watch news. I get hungry and decide to go have some bitings. They day is spend just watching, watching and watching news as results are announced. By evening I know our next president, so I thought. The guy had even led in Nairobi of all the provinces. Of course Nyanza, Rift Valley, Coast and Western there was no question about it. What amazed me was North Eastern. Well, Eastern we had no chance and Central was out of the question. By evening we are yet to get results from Central, wonder why.
Anyway, with a lead of close to 1 million votes, even if they rigged, they would not reach that. In the evening, I sense tension. Text messages are coming in quick succession. I'm scared, I hate what I'm reading. Looks like the whole country is holding its breath. Could it be true? Well, lets wait and see. I get a call at 11pm. Things are thick, and there is nobody willing to say anything more but its written in bold. There is no way Emilio is going to leave office, lose or win (no he already won). And the ECK commissioners (from one of the texts) were divided over a State House directive to make sure the lead between him and RAO is at least by over 200,000 votes. (we saw that). But Central Province is not releasing its results. The returning offices have switched off their phones and those are the only results we are waiting for. I go to bed knowing the country is not going to be the same again. Deep down the whole country knows that even with everybody voting, there is no way in heaven and earth that the master planner was going to catch up with that lead.
More shock. Some constituencies record 115% voter turnout! Some only voted for the presidency did not vote for an MP or Councillor in Central Province. What a shame. Kisumu gets chaotic, the riots have began, you can cut the tension with a knife. I'm saddened by the turn of events. Why is it so hard to accept defeat?
Early the next morning, KICC is filled to capacity. The ECK chairman is still not at the press conference. The ODM chairman declares RAO the winner but he is not the ECK chairman. I leave for my shags. We still don't have a president 2 days later, has never happened before. Reach home, see my sisters, nephews, nieces, the shamba looks bad. It hasn't rained in a while and the effects are evident. I'd planned to have some roast fresh maize from the shamba, roasted on the 'kendo' (three stones - firewood). Too bad and its also not the harvest season. One of my mum's chickens loses its life because I'm in the hood.
The following events take place too fast. First the press are banned from being at the press conference by the police commissioner (who does he think he is?) but he is working on orders from you know who. Just before the results are announced, there is a power black out at KICC and when it comes back, we have a new president and only KBC were allowed into the hall. We had international observers who were not even allowed into the hall, why? Its right there infront of you. I don't need to say anything. Emilio wins by a margin of over 200,000. Did I mention that I knew this would be the case. So why did we have elections in the first place. The looting has started. The whole country is in tears (except the small clique that wanted it to stay that way). Police are ordered to shoot to kill in Kisumu, because they are very bitter and have been lied to even after voting. The rampage continues, every business premise and house belonging to a Kikuyu is looted, flattened, set on fire, the hatred is all over. Roads are barricaded, stores are burnt, food is looted, this is Sudan, or Somaliland. This is not the Kenya I grew to love with all my heart. What do we do now? who is the cause of all these? We all know and there is nothing we can do about it.
In record time Emilio is sworn in at State house. How did he get to state house so fast unless he had been living there all the time? He knew what would happen. He knew he was not going to leave the throne whatever you said or did. So again, why did we vote? Ok, I didn't myself.
Anyway, my sister is so angered she refuses to eat, which she doesn't do. I'm in pain. The 'government' orders that no station broadcasts anything live. The press freedom notwithstanding. There is nothing they can do. There are chaos all over the country. How will I get back to Nairobi. I'm deep in the village. At night I can hear gunshots, I don't know how close they are but in the morning when I wake up, some butcher had been shot but not killed, phew!
There is more chaos. No leader is coming out to say anything. Sit at home and relax, watch movies on telly as there is no live broadcasts (while the country burns and people die). I get a running tummy, I cannot sit still.
The New Year comes without much celebrations. I had called for my ride and they were going to TRY and see how the situation is. There's a curfew in Kisumu. There are roadblocks everywhere so how do you even get from your home to your destination? Well they manage to make it home late afternoon. Its a race against time. As we drive from home, we meet these roudy mob of small boys (yes), barricading the path (not road) from home. A few minutes ago they were not there. They ask for money. You don't question, you give because you want to be away from there. We meet two more in a space of less than 100 metres, 'leta pesa ya mafuta'. You only wonder mafuta for what. Is it petrol, paraffin, what? You give. The boy who asks me for money is not more than 13 years. For sure. I tell him to grow up as I'm annoyed. How dare he. Just heard that they looted the cereals bank where all the surplus harvest is stored. All boarding schools in the area are supplied from here. They burnt down the market too. These are not protesters, these are hooligans. Where do they expect their mothers to buy food, where do they expect the food to come from being that the stores have been looted. It is very annoying. I'm seething with anger inside. How dare they!
This is what we have come to. This is what the country has come to. This is what our leaders have made us turn to. Violence. Looting. Rape. Since there is a curfew, our ride is uneventful though we have to use a shortcut as we dont know how further ahead the road is. We drive past a few smouldering tyres on the road, boulders, tree trunks (these people are strong), bill boards, anything that can be used to block the road. There is no traffic. I only count at most 2 cars. Not usual on this road. All we meet are the boda bodas carrying families (its the only means of transport available). And people are not moving around anyway, unless you really have to move. We get home safe.
I forgot, the only reason we managed to manouver one of the barriers is because I pretended to know one of the 'hooligans' who was holding us hostage. They had placed big stones under the tyres such that we couldn't move either way. Carrying big ones to smash the car if we refused to hand over money. Two went to the trunk of the car to peep inside, tried to unlock and found it locked. My bag was in the trunk and I don't know why I put it there in the first place. I don't normally do that. They got angry. They wanted money. They opened the dashboard and took out cash from there, but just coins, it was not even enough if they shared among themselves. (you are not allowed to drive with your window down to ease communication between you and the negotiator or you have them smashed) As I pleaded my case, I picked on one who looked a bit educated. I asked him why he was harassing us and we came from the same place (I didn't even recognise him), and asked if his folks knew what he was doing. I told him he should be ashamed of himself (don't know where the courage came from), and that should anything happen to us, I would personally hold him responsible and will haunt him for the rest of his life. He ordered to road unblocked and the stones at the tyres removed. We went on our way. I have never been so scared in my life. Meeting eye to eye with the abusers of the law.
Reached my destination in one piece and relaxed as I contemplated leaving Kisumu for Nairobi. I was with my son and I didn't want to be caught up in the middle of all that was happening. The 'president' has said nothing as yet, not even RAO.
I go to bed in the evening praying that there is no more bloodshed. I'd seen enough. Don't know what tomorrow holds for us. My flight was booked for tomorrow and at this rate, I have no idea how I will get to the airport but anyway, flights are all cancelled until further notice. My fate is sealed. I'm stuck in the village till the country comes to its senses. What a start to the new year. And why did it have to come to this. I hate the people who have brought us to this.
They continue to fall harder, even the Moillets (ex-president Moi's three sons). I'm happy.
I'm late taking breakfast as I watch news. I get hungry and decide to go have some bitings. They day is spend just watching, watching and watching news as results are announced. By evening I know our next president, so I thought. The guy had even led in Nairobi of all the provinces. Of course Nyanza, Rift Valley, Coast and Western there was no question about it. What amazed me was North Eastern. Well, Eastern we had no chance and Central was out of the question. By evening we are yet to get results from Central, wonder why.
Anyway, with a lead of close to 1 million votes, even if they rigged, they would not reach that. In the evening, I sense tension. Text messages are coming in quick succession. I'm scared, I hate what I'm reading. Looks like the whole country is holding its breath. Could it be true? Well, lets wait and see. I get a call at 11pm. Things are thick, and there is nobody willing to say anything more but its written in bold. There is no way Emilio is going to leave office, lose or win (no he already won). And the ECK commissioners (from one of the texts) were divided over a State House directive to make sure the lead between him and RAO is at least by over 200,000 votes. (we saw that). But Central Province is not releasing its results. The returning offices have switched off their phones and those are the only results we are waiting for. I go to bed knowing the country is not going to be the same again. Deep down the whole country knows that even with everybody voting, there is no way in heaven and earth that the master planner was going to catch up with that lead.
More shock. Some constituencies record 115% voter turnout! Some only voted for the presidency did not vote for an MP or Councillor in Central Province. What a shame. Kisumu gets chaotic, the riots have began, you can cut the tension with a knife. I'm saddened by the turn of events. Why is it so hard to accept defeat?
Early the next morning, KICC is filled to capacity. The ECK chairman is still not at the press conference. The ODM chairman declares RAO the winner but he is not the ECK chairman. I leave for my shags. We still don't have a president 2 days later, has never happened before. Reach home, see my sisters, nephews, nieces, the shamba looks bad. It hasn't rained in a while and the effects are evident. I'd planned to have some roast fresh maize from the shamba, roasted on the 'kendo' (three stones - firewood). Too bad and its also not the harvest season. One of my mum's chickens loses its life because I'm in the hood.
The following events take place too fast. First the press are banned from being at the press conference by the police commissioner (who does he think he is?) but he is working on orders from you know who. Just before the results are announced, there is a power black out at KICC and when it comes back, we have a new president and only KBC were allowed into the hall. We had international observers who were not even allowed into the hall, why? Its right there infront of you. I don't need to say anything. Emilio wins by a margin of over 200,000. Did I mention that I knew this would be the case. So why did we have elections in the first place. The looting has started. The whole country is in tears (except the small clique that wanted it to stay that way). Police are ordered to shoot to kill in Kisumu, because they are very bitter and have been lied to even after voting. The rampage continues, every business premise and house belonging to a Kikuyu is looted, flattened, set on fire, the hatred is all over. Roads are barricaded, stores are burnt, food is looted, this is Sudan, or Somaliland. This is not the Kenya I grew to love with all my heart. What do we do now? who is the cause of all these? We all know and there is nothing we can do about it.
In record time Emilio is sworn in at State house. How did he get to state house so fast unless he had been living there all the time? He knew what would happen. He knew he was not going to leave the throne whatever you said or did. So again, why did we vote? Ok, I didn't myself.
Anyway, my sister is so angered she refuses to eat, which she doesn't do. I'm in pain. The 'government' orders that no station broadcasts anything live. The press freedom notwithstanding. There is nothing they can do. There are chaos all over the country. How will I get back to Nairobi. I'm deep in the village. At night I can hear gunshots, I don't know how close they are but in the morning when I wake up, some butcher had been shot but not killed, phew!
There is more chaos. No leader is coming out to say anything. Sit at home and relax, watch movies on telly as there is no live broadcasts (while the country burns and people die). I get a running tummy, I cannot sit still.
The New Year comes without much celebrations. I had called for my ride and they were going to TRY and see how the situation is. There's a curfew in Kisumu. There are roadblocks everywhere so how do you even get from your home to your destination? Well they manage to make it home late afternoon. Its a race against time. As we drive from home, we meet these roudy mob of small boys (yes), barricading the path (not road) from home. A few minutes ago they were not there. They ask for money. You don't question, you give because you want to be away from there. We meet two more in a space of less than 100 metres, 'leta pesa ya mafuta'. You only wonder mafuta for what. Is it petrol, paraffin, what? You give. The boy who asks me for money is not more than 13 years. For sure. I tell him to grow up as I'm annoyed. How dare he. Just heard that they looted the cereals bank where all the surplus harvest is stored. All boarding schools in the area are supplied from here. They burnt down the market too. These are not protesters, these are hooligans. Where do they expect their mothers to buy food, where do they expect the food to come from being that the stores have been looted. It is very annoying. I'm seething with anger inside. How dare they!
This is what we have come to. This is what the country has come to. This is what our leaders have made us turn to. Violence. Looting. Rape. Since there is a curfew, our ride is uneventful though we have to use a shortcut as we dont know how further ahead the road is. We drive past a few smouldering tyres on the road, boulders, tree trunks (these people are strong), bill boards, anything that can be used to block the road. There is no traffic. I only count at most 2 cars. Not usual on this road. All we meet are the boda bodas carrying families (its the only means of transport available). And people are not moving around anyway, unless you really have to move. We get home safe.
I forgot, the only reason we managed to manouver one of the barriers is because I pretended to know one of the 'hooligans' who was holding us hostage. They had placed big stones under the tyres such that we couldn't move either way. Carrying big ones to smash the car if we refused to hand over money. Two went to the trunk of the car to peep inside, tried to unlock and found it locked. My bag was in the trunk and I don't know why I put it there in the first place. I don't normally do that. They got angry. They wanted money. They opened the dashboard and took out cash from there, but just coins, it was not even enough if they shared among themselves. (you are not allowed to drive with your window down to ease communication between you and the negotiator or you have them smashed) As I pleaded my case, I picked on one who looked a bit educated. I asked him why he was harassing us and we came from the same place (I didn't even recognise him), and asked if his folks knew what he was doing. I told him he should be ashamed of himself (don't know where the courage came from), and that should anything happen to us, I would personally hold him responsible and will haunt him for the rest of his life. He ordered to road unblocked and the stones at the tyres removed. We went on our way. I have never been so scared in my life. Meeting eye to eye with the abusers of the law.
Reached my destination in one piece and relaxed as I contemplated leaving Kisumu for Nairobi. I was with my son and I didn't want to be caught up in the middle of all that was happening. The 'president' has said nothing as yet, not even RAO.
I go to bed in the evening praying that there is no more bloodshed. I'd seen enough. Don't know what tomorrow holds for us. My flight was booked for tomorrow and at this rate, I have no idea how I will get to the airport but anyway, flights are all cancelled until further notice. My fate is sealed. I'm stuck in the village till the country comes to its senses. What a start to the new year. And why did it have to come to this. I hate the people who have brought us to this.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
My x-mas holiday
A not so happy new year to all out there. Though I still tend to say its a happy one for me. I am alive and I made it from Kisumu to Nairobi in the midst of all the chaos and confusion.
Well, I am glad to be back (to work too). Having spend the x-mas holidays and the new year in the village, it is reassuring to finally be back behind my desk doing what I love most.
My son and I did a flight to Mombasa on 13th December, Air Kenya. Never flown them before and was kinda jittery knowing they operate a 25 seater, my son being claustrophobic. Was a crying game till we arrived over an hour later! Anyway the first thing that hit me was the heat, not the normal coast heat but a different kind of heat, one I have never experienced in Mombasa before. My ride was waiting so home we went.
Day 1 was indoors, where can you go in that heat anyway, and nights are worse! Survived the inferno for 5 days, and back home on 18th evening. I was so glad to be back to the normal temperatures. Reach home and the person I left in the house is still away at work, she didn't understand my message that I'd be arriving at 8.30pm, so look for a cab, go to her office and collect the house keys as she is in the middle of counting bundles of cash and cannot leave. I'm so hungry and angry at not being able to rest my aching feet. The rounds I did in Mombasa were not amusing. If you thought nairobi had a hawker's problem, please wait till you visit Mombasa. I had never witnessed traffic in the coastal town and it is bad! Worse than Nairobi by far and being that it is small and congested, block one side and its Kosovo! Well, I lived through that.
Ok, back to planning my shags trip. Confirmed 23rd. Being a Sunday, flight is at 1420hrs, make it just in time to get a very long queue. I'm early! Left the house by 1300hrs so that I'd be at the airport by 1310hrs, enough time for the one hour before flight check in rule. Shock on me. Gates are still closed. I notice so many new airlines operating out of Nairobi, its amazing. Flights to South Sudan, Eritrea and even Somaliland! More revenue for the gava.
Reach Kisumu at 3, my ride left me as there was a bash in Raila's backyard and I was keeping the car waiting so bye bye! Sawa tu. The other option was to wait for my cousin who 'left Kericho at 3' and is coming home so 'don't move.' With the absence of the road network and driving a small car, 2 hours at least. And I'm with the baby. There's no milk at the canteen! Well I call my very reliable cousin. He is leaving town for the house to pick his wife and kid before proceeding to Kisumu. This is just great. Call baba, explain the situation, of course quarrel enough for being kept waiting, but there's nothing much I can do. Either pick a cab to town and get a mat home which I'm not ready to do, or wait. Well, another cousin just lives across from the airport. Call him, comes and keeps me company as we talk about our relas. Time really flies. Its getting dark, no sign of these guys. Finally arrive at around 1830hrs, and we head home.
Less than half an hour later and we are home, safe. Everyone is in an upbeat mood. Its families and families. Others had arrived earlier. Had dinner and went to bed. I'm exhausted. I sleep alone in the house as the bash is extended to the next day. Ok.
Early morning, make breakfast, sit with the rest of the clan together, talk, gossip, eat, and the day starts. He's finally back so we head to Kisumu for shopping in the afternoon. Its crazy how everyone does their shopping at the last minute, us included. Should have done this at least the previous day, and that had been my plan. So here we are and the shopping malls are not the best place to be at this time. Everyone is in town. The late arrivees are also here on their way home. Finish shopping and head home.
Next day is x-mas, up early to start cooking. I buy time as I hate this part. I want to be called when all is ready and being the eldest, I have no choice but to lead by example. I can't feign sickness, it time for merry making. Lunch is late, at 3, but it was worth the wait. I love the way the boys have been trained to assist. They know their duties so well, one clears the clutter, one cleans, one dries, one stores! Then afternoon at leisure. I dont eat dinner as I had a lovely lunch. So I sleep early ready for the next day. It is normal as we all wait for the elections tomorrow (27th Dec). Everyone is looking forward to that and I too hoped to vote but unfortunately I did not get a flight back in time (don't kill me). I know I didn't like anyone who claimed not to have a voter's card or wasn't going to vote. I made enough enemies and just the thought that I wasn't going to vote made me wish none on them found this out.
27th morning I'm woken up by the school bell (the school is right next to the house). This is at 5am and I hear voices of everyone waking up everyone else. The bell rings for over half an hour non-stop. I later learn that its some chick who decided to wake up the whole village (she did not have a voter's card but wanted to make a change by summoning all). I wake up at 7 and there is no one at home, everyone went to vote. Make uji for the boy and when he's finished taking it the quorum start trickling in. They are so excited, especially the first time voters. I hear that they even got the sick in hospital to come vote and then take them back by ambulance to their hospital beds. I dont know how true this is but it came from the people back from voting.
So here we are, its evening and we have to wait for the results to start coming in as vote counting had to start at 6pm. That was the close of the voting. I cant wait for the end result of this all. I sleep with a smile on my face, ready to face another day.
Well, I am glad to be back (to work too). Having spend the x-mas holidays and the new year in the village, it is reassuring to finally be back behind my desk doing what I love most.
My son and I did a flight to Mombasa on 13th December, Air Kenya. Never flown them before and was kinda jittery knowing they operate a 25 seater, my son being claustrophobic. Was a crying game till we arrived over an hour later! Anyway the first thing that hit me was the heat, not the normal coast heat but a different kind of heat, one I have never experienced in Mombasa before. My ride was waiting so home we went.
Day 1 was indoors, where can you go in that heat anyway, and nights are worse! Survived the inferno for 5 days, and back home on 18th evening. I was so glad to be back to the normal temperatures. Reach home and the person I left in the house is still away at work, she didn't understand my message that I'd be arriving at 8.30pm, so look for a cab, go to her office and collect the house keys as she is in the middle of counting bundles of cash and cannot leave. I'm so hungry and angry at not being able to rest my aching feet. The rounds I did in Mombasa were not amusing. If you thought nairobi had a hawker's problem, please wait till you visit Mombasa. I had never witnessed traffic in the coastal town and it is bad! Worse than Nairobi by far and being that it is small and congested, block one side and its Kosovo! Well, I lived through that.
Ok, back to planning my shags trip. Confirmed 23rd. Being a Sunday, flight is at 1420hrs, make it just in time to get a very long queue. I'm early! Left the house by 1300hrs so that I'd be at the airport by 1310hrs, enough time for the one hour before flight check in rule. Shock on me. Gates are still closed. I notice so many new airlines operating out of Nairobi, its amazing. Flights to South Sudan, Eritrea and even Somaliland! More revenue for the gava.
Reach Kisumu at 3, my ride left me as there was a bash in Raila's backyard and I was keeping the car waiting so bye bye! Sawa tu. The other option was to wait for my cousin who 'left Kericho at 3' and is coming home so 'don't move.' With the absence of the road network and driving a small car, 2 hours at least. And I'm with the baby. There's no milk at the canteen! Well I call my very reliable cousin. He is leaving town for the house to pick his wife and kid before proceeding to Kisumu. This is just great. Call baba, explain the situation, of course quarrel enough for being kept waiting, but there's nothing much I can do. Either pick a cab to town and get a mat home which I'm not ready to do, or wait. Well, another cousin just lives across from the airport. Call him, comes and keeps me company as we talk about our relas. Time really flies. Its getting dark, no sign of these guys. Finally arrive at around 1830hrs, and we head home.
Less than half an hour later and we are home, safe. Everyone is in an upbeat mood. Its families and families. Others had arrived earlier. Had dinner and went to bed. I'm exhausted. I sleep alone in the house as the bash is extended to the next day. Ok.
Early morning, make breakfast, sit with the rest of the clan together, talk, gossip, eat, and the day starts. He's finally back so we head to Kisumu for shopping in the afternoon. Its crazy how everyone does their shopping at the last minute, us included. Should have done this at least the previous day, and that had been my plan. So here we are and the shopping malls are not the best place to be at this time. Everyone is in town. The late arrivees are also here on their way home. Finish shopping and head home.
Next day is x-mas, up early to start cooking. I buy time as I hate this part. I want to be called when all is ready and being the eldest, I have no choice but to lead by example. I can't feign sickness, it time for merry making. Lunch is late, at 3, but it was worth the wait. I love the way the boys have been trained to assist. They know their duties so well, one clears the clutter, one cleans, one dries, one stores! Then afternoon at leisure. I dont eat dinner as I had a lovely lunch. So I sleep early ready for the next day. It is normal as we all wait for the elections tomorrow (27th Dec). Everyone is looking forward to that and I too hoped to vote but unfortunately I did not get a flight back in time (don't kill me). I know I didn't like anyone who claimed not to have a voter's card or wasn't going to vote. I made enough enemies and just the thought that I wasn't going to vote made me wish none on them found this out.
27th morning I'm woken up by the school bell (the school is right next to the house). This is at 5am and I hear voices of everyone waking up everyone else. The bell rings for over half an hour non-stop. I later learn that its some chick who decided to wake up the whole village (she did not have a voter's card but wanted to make a change by summoning all). I wake up at 7 and there is no one at home, everyone went to vote. Make uji for the boy and when he's finished taking it the quorum start trickling in. They are so excited, especially the first time voters. I hear that they even got the sick in hospital to come vote and then take them back by ambulance to their hospital beds. I dont know how true this is but it came from the people back from voting.
So here we are, its evening and we have to wait for the results to start coming in as vote counting had to start at 6pm. That was the close of the voting. I cant wait for the end result of this all. I sleep with a smile on my face, ready to face another day.
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