MAKE CHAPATI IN THE VILLAGE AT YOUR PERIL.By Kipruto Lang’at
It is indubitable that most families –if not all families in the village- make chapatis once in a year; on Christmas season and the New Year’s Eve. The rest of the year is graced with the normal menu of mostly githeri (mixture of maize and a number of countable beans) and ugali. It is only on very rare- yes very rare- occasions that chapatis make it to the table outside the “designated” moments. As the saying goes, desperate moments call for desperate measures. Only when a faraway visitor such as the in-laws or a daughter who has been married but has not visited home for many years arrives, prompts the preparation of a special dish. In many instances, such visitors come with ‘full package’ for the meal which also doubles up as a thanks giving gift for a nice welcome. The so full package involves full course ingredients of making the bake – twosome packets of giant baking flour, a ‘rare’ tin of cooking oil (normally more than two liters), sugar as well as the other necessaries such as baking powder and food colors. When the host family is ‘unlucky’ to get the ingredients from their visitors, a hunt begins; to borrow from the no-nonsense village shopkeeper the necessaries( a tiny packet of flour and a handful of sugar) or sell the only remaining cock at throwaway price in order to do the shopping in hard cash. In this regard, there is less pomp associated because everything is done under careful rationing but care is taken not to disappoint the visitor. Whether the bake was sponsored by the host or the visitor, it does not matter much; both are rare cases which are also windows of opportunities for not only the household children but also those of neighbors. As soon as the ‘signs’ of preparing the bake are seen, there is a beehive of activities from all corners. Since the ‘tools’ mainly the frying pan had obviously been misplaced, the search begins. It is here that the activeness and appetites of the children are at their best high. Note that the appetite is specific; it is not towards the half boiled sweet potatoes or the much fought after ugali crumb left after cooking but to the “kings’ meal” in the making. Everyone (among the children) literally ‘save time’ by taking the shortest time possible in their assigned roles since each one wants to come close to the kitchen as soon as possible. Often than not, the utensils are not all in the house; that means some have to be borrowed from the neighbors. This is often where the rumor spreads across the village like the BUSHFIRE. As the Kalenjin saying goes; maingen komwa lembech lakwa (a child does not know how to lie) so it proves to be true. As they walk to every house where they are likely to get what they had been sent to get, they spread the rumor that a “party” is brewing at their home totally ignoring the aforementioned strict warning from the mother not to reveal anything about the visitor, or what is specifically being cooked. Soon, the children emerge from different directions carrying the required utensils. Coincidentally, all bring similar items forcing the mother to make another ‘order’ as the preparations take full gear. What is notable is the number of ‘friends’ accompanying the children; all hungry for a bite of the bread of life, most likely. There are the unlucky ones who soon are forced to go and check their cattle. They beg the remaining (lucky ones) to save them a piece and deliver it the next day in the classroom. For the hopeful pupils, the morning takes long to come by; if the promise has been fulfilled the ‘war’ is not yet fought. To get a bite literally employs the Darwin’s Theory of Species- Survival of the Fittest. It is not abnormal to see twenty or so boys speeding after a very transparent piece of chapati only to abandon the chase after sweating –and seeing no chance of making a glorious bite. The news about the home where the meal originated spreads to over half of the school before the 8.00a.m. assembly. It is at such times only when the villagers know how to keep time- just for convenience- such as weddings and rare celebrations. It is right after the last piece has been taken from the pan that the villagers troop in –everyone with a reason. Many use unreturned borrowed items as a reason for coming. From pangas, wheelbarrows and jembes to sewing needles and combs, the villagers never lack what to look for. “I have decided to bring your hair comb today since this is the only free time available for me.” One woman would say as she helps herself to any available bench.An old man on the other hand would carry a broken Knapsack Sprayer he borrowed years back which is as good as forgotten. Sunday school Bibles top the list as they make their way home- tattered like nonsense- unexpectedly. More often than not, these villagers wait to be welcomed to the meal in vain. They hang around the compound –playing with the home’s dog if any- so as to make themselves busy. Women find it easier to sweep the compound –free of charge. All these are done so as to maximize on the chances of being welcomed in and probably munch the ‘hallowed” chapati. As it turns out, the mother had long time ago noted the ‘strange visitors’ so she acts accordingly; she safely keeps the remainder –if any- in the Mzee’s bedroom and clears the table. Welcoming the villager who had deposited their items, she serves them watery tea –indeed very watery tea- in a giant kettle as she asks them to feel at home. Feeling ashamed, they slowly take the PLAIN tea wondering why they had bothered themselves to return what could have been theirs forever. “I will re-borrow the axe never to return it again.” A silently protesting young man decides as he sips the steaming sugarless beverage. -ENDS-
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Tribute to REX -a dog like none other.
TRIBUTE TO REX –A DOG ABOVE THE BEST.
I’m a degree student at a School of the Built Environment willing to be involved in the Urban Planning and Media industry. When I graduate –hopefully- next year, I will have to get into the profession and work. I want to get a home and one for the dog. Our ends of semester examinations are usually scaring. We just came back from break after UoN had been closed due to election crisis. Preparing for exams is a hard, hard task. It requires time. I cannot say dog, without using the name friend in the same line. Let’s just say I’m a friend of dogs, no, just one –Rex.
When I got a call at my rural home in Olenguruone that Rex had suddenly died, it seems that I forgot exams were just a week away. I took the next cab home, self-driven. I took the last three thousand shillings from my HELB account, the car-hire firm filled the tank and I hit the road. It was just unbelievable!
--------- ------ ------
Rex was a wonderful dog, since I met him six years ago as a puppy it has been wonderful being with this wonderful dog. Grey in color with black spots, you can confuse it with a young lion. Talking about confusion, all the other village dogs in Singorwet village didn’t just confuse Rex with a real lion, they fled at his sight. I had the monopoly of telling everyone that we had only one dog in the whole village, those who opposed would bring their rats, or rather, dogs for a contest. In a single day, another dog had sustained deep bruises on the back, while another was limping. Rex had taught them a lesson. On very rare occasions did people come home without confirming at the gate whether the dog was on chain. He was a humble dog; he didn’t bite without a reason. I had wanted to keep people secure –by having him on the chain daytime. All vaccinations were up to date. I kept him on the chain for the first day, he complained the whole day even after giving him all the meals. He wanted to be free; I saw mercy on him and set him free.
Cheeky boys got into great trouble with Rex. I had no part to play here because he was an unforgetful dog ever. Because of competition, the boys always approached Rex with sticks and their dogs. He marked all the dogs and the boys so that he could deal with them individually. Those dogs who survived the ordeal never crossed the road to our side, they couldn’t risk.
When I walked with him on the road, I felt proud just like a newlywed man who has a fast vehicle and a licensed gun. It was more than humbling to see dogs at a distance fade away into the bushes at the sight of him.
Those people who have not lived near natural forests cannot try and miss the sweetness of the rural setting. You can eat meat every day without spending a cent. In this case, we ate it and Rex never missed his share. In a place where antelopes and hares are many, we enjoy life. Due to the tight programme while on recess, I take Rex to outing on weekends. On a good day we get a big antelope and a hare. On a bad one, a hare comes to the table.
It appears we drafted an unwritten Memorandum of Understanding with Rex on how he got his share. Although hare’s meat is meat, there s a way I told people at home that there was ‘nothing’ today. Nothing referred to the hare. It was nothing truly because we have extended guys nearby. The whole thing would be roasted for the dog; I took my share of course. But these were on very rare occasions. When an antelope has landed on our side, the dog would eat up to his fill. In case of a male animal, the genitals are his appetizers. Wow!
----- ---- ----- ----- ----
We must have crossed with Rex only once during his lifetime, he started eating eggs. For the rural folk, eggs are the single most source of money. A remedy suggested by a friend to stop the dog was by giving it a hot boiled egg. I gave it by force. Man, didn’t the dog wail in pain? I rushed for some cold milk and gave it to him. I felt sorry for my hero, my dog. Being a Sunday, we hadn’t gone to the forest. I took a boda boda to the urban center five miles away, just to get a bone for him. I was sorry for my dog, I felt guilty having taken the bad advice from a friend. I didn’t want anything of my friend again.
Unlike many other dogs, Rex was a close friend to the cat – as long as food wasn’t in the picture. They couldn’t share a piece of meat in any conditions under the sun. Luckily he stopped eating the eggs. I was so happy. The hawks [those birds of prey that take away chicks] were kept at bay as long as Rex was in the compound. He would chase them just beyond the boundary [I don’t know who showed him our boundary with the neighbor]. I felt like telling him to look down on the barbed wire fences for him not to be hurt. Since he would be looking at the flying bird as he runs, he knocked the sharp barbed wires and only came back with wounds. He was happy to have chased the enemy.
------ ------ ----- ----- ------
I arrived at out trading center early, took some bones for Rex. I didn’t want to believe it wasn’t there again. Luckily it had not rained; I drove smoothly through the earthened road. I didn’t hear any barking in the compound. Whistling louder for it to hear me didn’t help matters. I needed not to be told [again] that the only dog in the village was lifeless. As I wondered what to do, I couldn’t take in allegations that a man was seen handing to Rex a piece of meat that contained poison that killed him. Vets contacted said the dog could have been saved if it was realized earlier. My dog! Why would someone kill my hero? Why? I drove around the village [many people didn’t know I could drive] asking for anyone with information to tell me. A reward leading to the identity of the person was five thousand shillings. I betted I would chuck out the amount from next semester’s disbursement. It was worth, for my dog. I told the people that the car I had wasn’t mine –since I was still in school.
----- --- ---- ----
It was so amazing being with Rex. Leaving all the stress of Nairobi madness and the class work, it was relieving being with him. How I wish he could talk? I talked to him believing he heard what I said but he just couldn’t answer. He was very happy all the time. I could imagine he had no stress in life –school, exams, taxes, HIV/AIDS and relationships. How I wish life in reality could be that simple.
When I received my KCSE results in 2006 I was with Rex. In all the jubilations [of scoring an A minus] he was there with the whole family. He posed for photos with me. God had blessed me to join a public university, he was there to celebrate. He knew to pose for photos so well. I don’t know what to do to the cute photos of Rex I have posted on Facebook. While going for far flung journeys we usually wake up at dawn so as to trek to the center to catch the earliest matatu. Rex usually escorted us till the way. One day he came to us till the stage at the centre, I thought he had gone back. Five miles away. When we arrived in the evening, he was at home.
For the six years he lived, I have been building dreams for my dog. When I get First Class Honors, the dog would celebrate with me again. I dreamt of buying a designer made kernel so that he couldn’t feel the cold again. I had a dream that I would buy a pick-up well designed to carry a dog. That time he would get out of the countryside for the first time. I would stock a sackful of the processed dog meal. I wanted him to be having breakfast everyday –just like the dogs in the city that never knew how to hunt.
Unfortunately this was just a dream, Rex has gone away. I don’t know what I can do to the person who gave poison to my dog. I can shoot him if I want. We spent more time with Rex than we did with girls. Girls don’t like going to the forest, Rex knew the benefits. We raced with him downhill, played hide-and-seek. If wishes were horses, I would wish to see Rex in the afterlife.
---- ---- ---- --- ---
I got back to Nairobi safely but feeling so empty. This is life where we should feel good being with our loved ones. We can do only that which is possible for our affection. It is good to be with one another. Those people dear to us are precious, too precious. Life is wonderful, with little or big things. My friends, you will see me today and again you will not see me for good. Rex has taught me many lessons –in six years flat. I cannot pretend that I will get a duplicate of Rex –it’s pointless. I will not try because he’s gone for good. I had many plans for Rex; he just went away at a critical time. I will cram for these exams, for this is the way of life.
I’m a degree student at a School of the Built Environment willing to be involved in the Urban Planning and Media industry. When I graduate –hopefully- next year, I will have to get into the profession and work. I want to get a home and one for the dog. Our ends of semester examinations are usually scaring. We just came back from break after UoN had been closed due to election crisis. Preparing for exams is a hard, hard task. It requires time. I cannot say dog, without using the name friend in the same line. Let’s just say I’m a friend of dogs, no, just one –Rex.
When I got a call at my rural home in Olenguruone that Rex had suddenly died, it seems that I forgot exams were just a week away. I took the next cab home, self-driven. I took the last three thousand shillings from my HELB account, the car-hire firm filled the tank and I hit the road. It was just unbelievable!
--------- ------ ------
Rex was a wonderful dog, since I met him six years ago as a puppy it has been wonderful being with this wonderful dog. Grey in color with black spots, you can confuse it with a young lion. Talking about confusion, all the other village dogs in Singorwet village didn’t just confuse Rex with a real lion, they fled at his sight. I had the monopoly of telling everyone that we had only one dog in the whole village, those who opposed would bring their rats, or rather, dogs for a contest. In a single day, another dog had sustained deep bruises on the back, while another was limping. Rex had taught them a lesson. On very rare occasions did people come home without confirming at the gate whether the dog was on chain. He was a humble dog; he didn’t bite without a reason. I had wanted to keep people secure –by having him on the chain daytime. All vaccinations were up to date. I kept him on the chain for the first day, he complained the whole day even after giving him all the meals. He wanted to be free; I saw mercy on him and set him free.
Cheeky boys got into great trouble with Rex. I had no part to play here because he was an unforgetful dog ever. Because of competition, the boys always approached Rex with sticks and their dogs. He marked all the dogs and the boys so that he could deal with them individually. Those dogs who survived the ordeal never crossed the road to our side, they couldn’t risk.
When I walked with him on the road, I felt proud just like a newlywed man who has a fast vehicle and a licensed gun. It was more than humbling to see dogs at a distance fade away into the bushes at the sight of him.
Those people who have not lived near natural forests cannot try and miss the sweetness of the rural setting. You can eat meat every day without spending a cent. In this case, we ate it and Rex never missed his share. In a place where antelopes and hares are many, we enjoy life. Due to the tight programme while on recess, I take Rex to outing on weekends. On a good day we get a big antelope and a hare. On a bad one, a hare comes to the table.
It appears we drafted an unwritten Memorandum of Understanding with Rex on how he got his share. Although hare’s meat is meat, there s a way I told people at home that there was ‘nothing’ today. Nothing referred to the hare. It was nothing truly because we have extended guys nearby. The whole thing would be roasted for the dog; I took my share of course. But these were on very rare occasions. When an antelope has landed on our side, the dog would eat up to his fill. In case of a male animal, the genitals are his appetizers. Wow!
----- ---- ----- ----- ----
We must have crossed with Rex only once during his lifetime, he started eating eggs. For the rural folk, eggs are the single most source of money. A remedy suggested by a friend to stop the dog was by giving it a hot boiled egg. I gave it by force. Man, didn’t the dog wail in pain? I rushed for some cold milk and gave it to him. I felt sorry for my hero, my dog. Being a Sunday, we hadn’t gone to the forest. I took a boda boda to the urban center five miles away, just to get a bone for him. I was sorry for my dog, I felt guilty having taken the bad advice from a friend. I didn’t want anything of my friend again.
Unlike many other dogs, Rex was a close friend to the cat – as long as food wasn’t in the picture. They couldn’t share a piece of meat in any conditions under the sun. Luckily he stopped eating the eggs. I was so happy. The hawks [those birds of prey that take away chicks] were kept at bay as long as Rex was in the compound. He would chase them just beyond the boundary [I don’t know who showed him our boundary with the neighbor]. I felt like telling him to look down on the barbed wire fences for him not to be hurt. Since he would be looking at the flying bird as he runs, he knocked the sharp barbed wires and only came back with wounds. He was happy to have chased the enemy.
------ ------ ----- ----- ------
I arrived at out trading center early, took some bones for Rex. I didn’t want to believe it wasn’t there again. Luckily it had not rained; I drove smoothly through the earthened road. I didn’t hear any barking in the compound. Whistling louder for it to hear me didn’t help matters. I needed not to be told [again] that the only dog in the village was lifeless. As I wondered what to do, I couldn’t take in allegations that a man was seen handing to Rex a piece of meat that contained poison that killed him. Vets contacted said the dog could have been saved if it was realized earlier. My dog! Why would someone kill my hero? Why? I drove around the village [many people didn’t know I could drive] asking for anyone with information to tell me. A reward leading to the identity of the person was five thousand shillings. I betted I would chuck out the amount from next semester’s disbursement. It was worth, for my dog. I told the people that the car I had wasn’t mine –since I was still in school.
----- --- ---- ----
It was so amazing being with Rex. Leaving all the stress of Nairobi madness and the class work, it was relieving being with him. How I wish he could talk? I talked to him believing he heard what I said but he just couldn’t answer. He was very happy all the time. I could imagine he had no stress in life –school, exams, taxes, HIV/AIDS and relationships. How I wish life in reality could be that simple.
When I received my KCSE results in 2006 I was with Rex. In all the jubilations [of scoring an A minus] he was there with the whole family. He posed for photos with me. God had blessed me to join a public university, he was there to celebrate. He knew to pose for photos so well. I don’t know what to do to the cute photos of Rex I have posted on Facebook. While going for far flung journeys we usually wake up at dawn so as to trek to the center to catch the earliest matatu. Rex usually escorted us till the way. One day he came to us till the stage at the centre, I thought he had gone back. Five miles away. When we arrived in the evening, he was at home.
For the six years he lived, I have been building dreams for my dog. When I get First Class Honors, the dog would celebrate with me again. I dreamt of buying a designer made kernel so that he couldn’t feel the cold again. I had a dream that I would buy a pick-up well designed to carry a dog. That time he would get out of the countryside for the first time. I would stock a sackful of the processed dog meal. I wanted him to be having breakfast everyday –just like the dogs in the city that never knew how to hunt.
Unfortunately this was just a dream, Rex has gone away. I don’t know what I can do to the person who gave poison to my dog. I can shoot him if I want. We spent more time with Rex than we did with girls. Girls don’t like going to the forest, Rex knew the benefits. We raced with him downhill, played hide-and-seek. If wishes were horses, I would wish to see Rex in the afterlife.
---- ---- ---- --- ---
I got back to Nairobi safely but feeling so empty. This is life where we should feel good being with our loved ones. We can do only that which is possible for our affection. It is good to be with one another. Those people dear to us are precious, too precious. Life is wonderful, with little or big things. My friends, you will see me today and again you will not see me for good. Rex has taught me many lessons –in six years flat. I cannot pretend that I will get a duplicate of Rex –it’s pointless. I will not try because he’s gone for good. I had many plans for Rex; he just went away at a critical time. I will cram for these exams, for this is the way of life.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Laying Foundations of Corruption.....?
Andromela is a galaxy that is 2,500,000 light years or so away from us. One light year is equivalent to close to 10 trillion kilometres. I have come to realise that we can send a CHAMELEONE to take a petition by foot to an alien in Andromela, and come back before our politicians can rise to the ocassion - and think for the many masses that elected them.
Look at the recent payrise by the Parliamentarians, the mega corruption scandals. These are the guys that can hire an OBSOLETE chopper to go and hide in Andromela [or its atmosphere] when the corridors of justice are after them.
They will take all the effort and resources to lay down the Firm Foundations of corruption....
So what is the problem, the politicians or we {the electorate}?
Look at the recent payrise by the Parliamentarians, the mega corruption scandals. These are the guys that can hire an OBSOLETE chopper to go and hide in Andromela [or its atmosphere] when the corridors of justice are after them.
They will take all the effort and resources to lay down the Firm Foundations of corruption....
So what is the problem, the politicians or we {the electorate}?
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