Skip to main content

Family and Friends



By Ndugu

I envy the people in this city, that have relatives they intentionally see often. Living in this city erects a wedge between kin that is not easy to scale. Your brother lives in Kitengela. It is a general consensus that Kitengela is far from anything and anywhere and anyone. You seriously begin to question the wisdom behind the adage, damu ni nzito kuliko maji. Because as I have heard from time to time, even that maji is far from Kitengela. 

Anyway, because of the way the city is set, you bump into your relatives in town. Bump into your relatives. Yes! You take one pensive look at each other and in that mad dash the city delegates to you, you tap them on their shoulders and say, “kuna mtu nakimbiza hapa KICC, wewe tutafutane weekend hivi.” 

That's the rub!

Nobody in this city speaks with any clarity. “Tutafutane,” could mean anything including, tusitafutane which is its most prominent meaning. The people that tell you nitakutafuta are the masters of euphemism as a tool of city survival. “You are in the city to look for money and not people,”  a still small voice whispers to you. 

So you condense the meetings to WhatsApp chats. And adults being the adults they are, there will always be that one sibling that has left the family WhatsApp group so many times whenever they are added back you ask them, when are you leaving again? And they get mad and leave again. 

Then you see a Facebook post like this, one with details in fidelity to your kind of problems and you get affirmed that yours is a normal family in an abnormal city. And the default status of things in Nairobi is to have friends that became family and family that became friends or enemies. 


Shaka!


#nduguabisai

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Beyond the Boarders Episode 1: Luxembourg

HAPPY 2025!! Welcome to Beyond the Borders , your gateway to the wonders of global travel! In this column, we’ll take you on thrilling adventures across continents, diving into diverse cultures, hidden gems, and must-visit destinations. From bustling cityscapes to serene natural retreats, we’ll bring you stories, tips, and inspiration to fuel your wanderlust. Whether you’re an avid traveler or someone dreaming of their first big trip, this space is for you. Join us as we traverse the globe, uncovering what makes every corner of the world special. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to journey Beyond the Borders . Let’s explore the world - Together ! Beyond the Borders : Exploring the World, One Story at a Time For those who are interested in Luxembourg, check this; In Kenya, applying for a Luxembourg visa is straightforward if you follow the right steps. Here’s a simplified guide to help you get started: Determine the Visa Type Identify the purpose of your visit. Common visa types ...
2 comments
Read more

The Torque Talk Episode 9 (2025 Audi A6 E-Tron)

  2025 Audi A6 E-Tron: A Symphony of Luxury and Innovation By Byron Hill Image: Autotrader Audi has always been synonymous with cutting-edge technology, sophisticated design, and dynamic performance. The 2025 Audi A6 E-Tron upholds these values while steering the brand into an electrified future. With its stunning design, innovative technology, and electrifying performance, the A6 E-Tron represents Audi's commitment to a sustainable yet thrilling driving experience. Here's an in-depth look at what makes this luxury electric sedan stand out. Exterior Design: A Modern Masterpiece The A6 E-Tron’s exterior is a work of art, blending elegance and aerodynamic efficiency. The sleek silhouette, coupled with its sculpted body lines, delivers a commanding road presence. The front fascia features Audi's signature single-frame grille, reimagined for the electric era, with sleek LED headlights that incorporate Digital Matrix technology. These lights not only provide unparalleled illu...
Post a Comment
Read more

Major Ariel

Ariel studies Chemistry, but is also a footballer who retired prematurely because of a bad knee. A knee that chose chemistry over football. He is a farmer during long holidays. He keeps chicken and milk his father’s cow on a good day. On a bad day he goes to a nearby dusty arena to play football, to see if his knee could have possibly changed its idea about chemistry. Ten minutes into the  game he becomes a living testimony that his knees were actually meant to stand long hours in the chemistry lab doing tests and mixing chemicals to see colour changes, precipitates and what have you that don’t excite me. He is a vocabulary expert and a story teller. He is a fitness aficionado. He is a brother and a son. I can’t prove that he is a boyfriend but I can prove beyond any limits that in the past 7 days he has eaten chapatti at least thrice.  He's authored   THE FAMILY MAN ,   WHAT I WANT , GRIP REAPER ,  J'S COCUNUTS just to mention a handful. He is a huge...
24 comments
Read more