Stay With Me

You see, I always say,
There’s beauty in what’s clear,
In your smile bright as day,
A charm that’s very wonderful.
Your face, an amazing work of art,
The way you sit so calm and free,
Each time you look, you take my heart,
With grace, like a dancing tree.
I know you might feel tired,
Of hearing this now and then,
But please, don’t get sad,
Take in these words, my sincere poem.
And if you’re reading these lines,
Don’t leave, stay with me,
Though I’m not your top choice now,
Someday I’ll be greater than you realize.
I’m aware I don’t fit your preference ,
But soon, you’ll realize,
My value will pave the way,
For a love made together.
Your beauty stops my world,
A fact that’s clear and bright,
In every smile, every twist,
You’re as lovely as rain in summer

@okelododdychitchats

A letter to Daddy

Dear Dad,

I hope we could meet somewhere around Nyamasaria,

I long for you to breathe again, even if it’s just one more breath,

I want to hear your voice one last time, to have it echo in my mind like a cherished songbird,

I want to see your beards, perhaps fuller than mine that stubbornly refuse to grow,

I want to touch your hands and feel their warmth,

I want to look at your face and find the resemblances between us,

I’ll ask you what you love, and what you’re afraid of losing,

I want to see your sense of style,

I want to scrutinize your smile and understand how Mum fell for you so easily,

I want to check if Stella’s shortness comes from you,

I want to study the pigment of your skin to see if my own might inherit its flawlessness,

I’ll speak to you as a man, the kind of deep, honest conversations a father and son should have,

I’ll ask you what values I should hold dear,

I’ll ask your views on polygamy,

I’ll seek your wisdom on taking care of a woman,

I want to show you my girlfriend and hear you rate her on a scale of one to ten,

With this brief moment, Dad, I’ll strive to know you better,

Please, just breathe once more, Papa.

With all my love,
Rateng’

@okelododdychitchats

See You Soon

“The ambulance cannot transport your patient to Migori,” were the indifferent words spoken by the receptionist at the hospital where my mother had been admitted for two weeks without adequate care. While I refrain from mentioning the hospital’s name, I do so out of gratitude for the exceptional care provided by some of the nurses and two doctors. Accompanied by my brother-in-law and uncle, we were in the midst of arranging a transfer to a facility closer to home for proper care. Our home is in Rongo, Migori County, and all this time, we were in the cold, unfamiliar highlands of Kikuyu town.

I know you’re wondering why we were in Kikuyu when we’re from Rongo. Just give me one second to explain. My mother was attending a women’s conference in Kiambu town, and on a Thursday evening, while heading to their hotel with her fellow female believers, she was knocked down by a speeding motorist who was drunk and driving on the wrong side of the road. I wrote about the incident, but instead of directing you to a link, allow me to paste it here!

She Loves God,

Why am I shaking in town?
I thought I was okay.
Why do I feel like crying every time my mind switches to her?

She was just smiling.
I mean, I saw her smile on that phone call.

And you know, I hear she was very happy
while joking with her mates about how they’ll receive punishment if they don’t sing for God on Sunday.

She loves God, you know.
I often hear her say how God has moved her, and I see that too….

She was at the scene from the Lord’s house, the church, of course.
She had just received that good news that she shared with me before that heartbreaking call.

That call from Daktari wa Masomo, Dr. Bernard Alaka, forget that he’s called Bernard, ‘Boy’ sounds good on him…
He told me, “Prince, Mum amepata accident. Find a cab, and I’ll send you money to come.”

I was heartbroken.
I was like, “Didn’t she just finish praying to God, and even come here because of prayer?”

You know how sometimes you can question God, not blaming Him though…
I felt mad. I was really angry.

Anyways, I took a cab and went.
Everyone was there, all worried but happy because she was alive.

I went in to see her, and she said, “Baba, Bwana Asifiwe, Umekuja ?”
I saw that from her lips; she was not able to speak.

What I saw wasn’t pleasing, but I felt hope!
And the fact that members of the church were there with me till morning kept me strong.

I didn’t call any family member until morning.
They all came; people came.

And when she saw people she knew, I saw her feeling strong.
I know you’ll be fine, Mom, thanks to all for showing the love…

It’s made the two days that I have not slept completely feel like one minute.

***

I won’t dwell on it much, but let me say all is well. Today, we’re in an ambulance, headed to a facility of our choice in Migori County. In the back of the ambulance, I’m accompanied by a paramedic from Eagles Nursing Home, her name is Patricia. She’s calm, professional, appears to be around 21 years old, wearing grey Vans shoes, and she’s scrolling down her Samsung Galaxy Note “Something.” Beside my mother, who’s in a lot of pain and sweating profusely, sits my aunt, Nyar Seme, she looks worried. She hasn’t eaten anything since morning, and besides her concern for her sister-in-law, I bet she’s hungry and tired. I’m seated next to my mum and Patricia, the paramedic. Yes, remember her? I’m worried, asking myself when we’ll reach Rongo because I can feel my mum’s pain.

In the front, we have the driver, Jeff. I met Jeff at the hospital; he was from Garissa, bringing a patient, a police officer who was badly injured in an attack. We had just been informed that the facility ambulance couldn’t take us to Mashinani, and then God brought Jeff to us in the midst of our distress after calling several service providers whose fees we couldn’t afford. Jeff had the exact ambulance we were instructed to use. He’s a good man. He’s seated with my uncle, Uncle Oloo, the kind of man who can rescue you from anything, anytime. He loves sports, was a footballer, and enjoys doing handy jobs. Isn’t that enough with my humble descriptions?

The weather is unfriendly, Oh my God ! it’s raining heavily, I mean kunanyesha very bad, the kind of rain that I would describe as “it was raining cats and dogs” in my lower primary composition. What we’re witnessing is quite threatening; soil has been swept onto the tarmac by the waters, the road is resembling a farm where vehicles are stuck and unable to move. There’s traffic, and it’s in the middle of nowhere. Thank God, we have been given way because we are in an ambulance and we’re just utilizing one of those favors of riding in an ambulance. Anyway, we need to get to the next facility, which is almost a 4-hour drive away, real quick!

My ink is depleted, as well as my creativity for now. I can’t promise to keep you posted, but we’ll catch up on my next piece, and let me give some hope that Mum will be all right. See you soon!

@okelododdychitchats

Wheel of Time

My car has been through a lot, driven by many hands,
Traveling diverse routes, facing potholes and deathly bends.
It’s been tough, surviving punctures and rough rides,
But now, it’s showing signs, secrets it no longer hides.

The steering wheel, once so familiar and warm,
Now feels distant, like facing a brewing storm.
The engine, once steady, now leaks strange oil,
A metaphor, maybe, for a love spoiled.

I’ve loved this car, but it’s failed me in a way,
It’s become a wreck, like a love gone astray.
I fear driving it, scared it might fail,
So, sadly, I must say goodbye, hit the trail.

It’s time for a change, a new start, a new lane,
Where loyalty is strong, and trust doesn’t wane.
So, with a heavy heart, I’ll let go of this ride,
And find a new one, where love will abide.

@okelododdychitchats

Rain, Go Away !

Rain, rain,
it’s not mother’s washing day,
But,
please hold off for now.

Maybe return another day,
but when you do,
come gently.

We need your nourishing touch
to keep our crops healthy
and our roads clear.

But please, be gentle,
don’t flood our homes
or harm our families.

Let us go about our business in peace,
let your presence be a blessing, not a curse.

For now,
it’s best you go away
and give the soil a chance to breathe.

Our feet need relief from the mud,
our floors from the stagnant water,
and our roofs from the constant drumming of your drops.

Let us take a moment
to recover from the losses we’ve already endured as a country.
Just Go away for now !

@okelododdychitchats

Those Days

On bad days, when my heart feels heavy and my mind is clouded by shadows,
I turn to my pen.
Each word, each line becomes a lifeline,
a way to find my path through the fog of my emotions.

But there are days when inspiration eludes me,
when sadness grips me tightly and refuses to let go.
On those days, I find myself crying out into the darkness,
my tears soaking into the woven knitted material of my pillows,
the only witnesses to my silent suffering.

I long for someone to understand,
to share the burden that weighs so heavily on my soul.
Yet, in the silence of my solitude,
I am left to wrestle with my demons alone.

Hope becomes a distant memory,
a flickering flame struggling to survive in the midst of an endless night.
Sleep escapes me, leaving me to wander through the darkness of my thoughts,
haunted by the specter of despair.

But even in my darkest moments, I cling to the belief
that somewhere, somehow, there is light to be found.
And so, I continue to write,
to pour out my heart onto the page,
in the hope that one day, the shadows will recede
and the sun will shine again.

@okelododdychitchats

She Loves God

Why am I shaking in town?
I thought I was okay.
Why do I feel like crying every time my mind switches to her?

She was just smiling.
I mean, I saw her smile on that phone call.

And you know, I hear she was very happy
while joking with her mates about how they’ll receive punishment if they don’t sing for God on Sunday.

She loves God, you know.
I often hear her say how God has moved her, and I see that too….

She was at the scene from the Lord’s house, the church, of course.
She had just received that good news that she shared with me before that heartbreaking call.

That call from Daktari wa Masomo, Dr. Bernard Alaka, forget that he’s called Bernard, ‘Boy’ sounds good on him…
He told me, “Prince, Mum amepata accident. Find a cab, and I’ll send you money to come.”

I was heartbroken.
I was like, “Didn’t she just finish praying to God, and even come here because of prayer?”

You know how sometimes you can question God, not blaming Him though…
I felt mad. I was really angry.

Anyways, I took a cab and went.
Everyone was there, all worried but happy because she was alive.

I went in to see her, and she said, “Baba, Bwana Asifiwe, Umekuja ?”
I saw that from her lips; she was not able to speak.

What I saw wasn’t pleasing, but I felt hope!
And the fact that members of the church were there with me till morning kept me strong.

I didn’t call any family member until morning.
They all came; people came.

And when she saw people she knew, I saw her feeling strong.
I know you’ll be fine, Mom, thanks to all for showing the love…

It’s made the two days that I have not slept completely feel like one minute.

@okelododdychitchats

Bikram Yoga

I won’t name this story after the person it’s about, Laura Kabaara, just as the Joluo people name their children according to the season and time of their birth. I admit I’m not great at coming up with titles, but trust me, this will be different from the rest. I promise to do my best, my people.

We’re finally here. I’ve been pursuing Laura for two weeks, eager to get to know her and perhaps use my pen to brush the dust off my notebook and write about her. We’re seated in the office lounge, a tastefully decorated space behind the Little App Board room. The view is stunning; we can see the neatly parked cars, the scene resembling a beautifully crafted artwork.

Laura is the cheerful one, always radiating happiness. She has the knack for turning your mood from gloomy to jubilant in an instant; she’s simply good at it. She’s exceptionally intelligent and incredibly stylish. She effortlessly elevates braids to a level of elegance that surpasses even human hair. And before I forget, please don’t judge me; I’m just appreciating one of God’s creations, and I won’t dwell on it to avoid raising suspicion, even if there isn’t any. She possesses captivating eyes, accentuated by her natural eyelashes, and a slender face that’s simply flawless. I know my girlfriend might be furious when she reads this, but “Kufa dereva, kufa abiria” let me say it: Laura is beautiful.

She sips water from her unique water bottle. It’s not just any water bottle; it exudes class. Everything about Laura is exceptional. Her lip gloss looks expensive, her hand lotion is a rare find, and unlike most Kenyan girls, she’s unfamiliar with the “Wajesus Family,” Milly Wa Chebby, and the famous Terrence Creative. I think she’s a cool kid. She’s Luhya, but you wouldn’t know unless she tells you. Her English is not only well-spoken but also fluent. Laura is simply Laura.

There’s a quiet pause between us, where neither of us speaks or stirs. It’s as if we’re both lost in our own thoughts., I break the silence and inquire, “Who is Laura?” I’m curious to hear her describe herself, not in the rehearsed manner of a job interview, but in a more engaging, casual, and honest way. After a brief pause, during which she fidgets with her nails, searching for the right words, she begins to speak.

“I see myself as someone who possesses a keen sense of self-awareness,” she begins. “I would describe myself as lively, self-aware, and confident.” She goes on to explain that her journey towards self-awareness began during a period of meditation, where her spirituality took on new significance. There was a time when she was not religious, when she did not believe in God. However, certain events in her life led her to embrace spirituality in a different form. From 2016 to 2023, she believed in a higher power represented by the universe rather than a specific deity. She believed that the collective energy of humanity contributed to this higher power.

This journey, which I am tempted to inquire further about, led her to profound reflections and a newfound perspective on life. It required deep introspection, ultimately shaping her into the self-aware person she is today.

I mentioned this earlier, Laura is consistently cheerful and lively, spreading joy to those around her. Her happiness and bubbly nature seem to have no particular trigger; they’re simply a part of her, evident even early in the morning. I’m curious about what fuels her mood.

Honestly, Laura doesn’t fully understand what happens. When she returns home, she retreats to her room and her energy changes. She becomes quieter, and she doesn’t actively control this shift; it’s like a switch that flicks on and off. She only knows that she loves life and mostly maintains a positive attitude at work. Oh, I forgot to mention, she’s my colleague in the Corporate Sales Department. I was drawn to her because of her vast knowledge, sense of style, and love for books-things that resonate with me. Interestingly, her energy at work differs from elsewhere. She feels a sense of worthiness and believes her hard work has led her to this point, subconsciously triggering her brain to think positively. Laura’s liveliness is appreciated by everyone in the department; it rejuvenates and lightens the atmosphere. It’s just her vibe, you know?

Let’s talk about her style… At first, I thought she might have OCD because of how meticulous she is with her arrangements, especially at her desk. However, that’s just a passing thought. Laura’s style is truly distinctive and unique. It exudes a strong sense of fashion. Her style is inspired by her belief that art is a form of self-expression.

One notable aspect of her style is her stance against the objectification of her curvy body. She’s adamant that her fashion choices should not invite unwanted attention or reduce her to a mere object of desire. She prefers clothing that is both fashionable and comfortable. She seems to have mastered the art of dressing for her body type. In fact, in 2023, she even won the Best Dressed Employee award at Llittle. She strives to represent the ideal black woman in the corporate world through her clothing and hairstyle, she says…

Sales is undeniably one of the most challenging jobs out there, a form of rocket science in its own right. However, Laura excels at it. She not only performs well but also enjoys the challenge it presents. She finds it intellectually stimulating, pushing her to think creatively. While she may not immediately admit to loving sales, she believes it’s an essential aspect of every business, one that cannot be hated because it underpins every industry.

For Laura, sales keeps her on her toes, and its quantitative nature allows her to measure her contributions concretely. She acknowledges its importance, even if she doesn’t particularly like it. When we discuss sales, we also touch on passion, which she sees as both an art form and a means of self-expression, much like fashion.

She dreams of pursuing something in the fashion industry in the future. However, she worries that she might lose motivation if she doesn’t see instant results, as patience isn’t one of her strongest virtues. I encourage her to pursue her fashion-related aspirations and to trust the process, even if it requires a bit of patience.

When it comes to the desire for a family, Laura speaks from the heart. She longs for companionship and envisions having a family of her own. Despite her concerns about finding love again and occasionally falling into the trap of trying to change herself to fit someone else’s expectations, she remains steadfast in her desire to marry and start a family. Yet, she sometimes worries about becoming the proverbial “aunty wa madoo” to her nieces and nephews based on a few past experiences.

My phone rings, it’s my sister calling, I text her to call after 30 minutes. Meanwhile, we find ourselves grappling with questions of morality as members of Generation Z. Laura and I often discuss the state of our society and our shared belief in the importance of doing what is right, even when it seems that immorality is becoming normalized. Despite our youth, we are firm in our conviction that our actions have consequences, and we strive to act in a way that will make us proud in the future. We understand that the choices we make today will shape the legacy we leave behind, standing as a testament to our values.

Our conversation swiftly transitions from morality to cars. Laura has a soft spot for cars, particularly the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Interestingly, her first boyfriend owned this car and sparked her interest in automobiles. Her dream, however, is to one day own a Mercedes G-Wagon G63. I share her enthusiasm for this vehicle; just thinking about it keeps me up at night.

As the clock ticks toward 5 PM, we all start feeling the pull to head home. In our final moments together, Laura shares that she doesn’t have a single hobby per se; she enjoys a variety of activities, from reading to listening to music, depending on her mood. I nod in agreement, admitting that I, too, don’t have a specific hobby for the same reason—I love trying out different things.

It’s fascinating to learn that Laura and her best friend are planning to venture into activities typically associated with the affluent. They’re considering starting Bikram yoga. I had no clue what that was until she mentioned it! Honestly, I haven’t looked it up yet, but from what she’s described, it seems like one of those things that won’t appeal to everyone, much like rap music or rhumba. What’s Bikram Yoga Anyway ?

@okelododdychitchats

Who Owns Your Heart ?

Tell me, how many souls are graced with the tender name “babe” upon your lips?
How many hearts beat to the rhythm of your love songs?
Do you truly hold us all, all eight of us, in your heart ?
Does fear not grip you, knowing the potential storms of entwined destinies?

I tremble.
Do Kemunto’s confessions, laid bare on her Instagram stories, not sow seeds of doubt and fear within your own heart?
How do you define love amidst the thorns of suffering that line your path?
Your love seems a storm, lacking in solace, a relentless force that scars the soul. It could be that your love is but a riddle, a confusion of torment.

I ask again, to whom among us do you pledge your eternal troth?
Am I but a pawn in your daily theater, a recipient of hollow promises and veiled deceits?
Your justifications ring hollow in my ears.
Who reigns supreme in the kingdom of your affections, and what pleasure do you glean from this complex dance of emotions?
Does guilt not weigh heavy upon your soul?
How do you go about this hammer-and-tongs sea of passion?
In the end, I concede; it is your prerogative to chart your course as you see fit. My role in this drama reaches its final act.
Who claims dominion over your heart?

@okelododdychitchats

Value Hub Kenya

We find ourselves at Mint and Salt, a charmingly decorated yet cozy restaurant tucked away behind Kenya Cinema. The youthful ambiance suggests that they serve up some delicious eats. The music sets a lively tone, though a tad loud for conversation, prompting us to opt for outdoor seating. Outside, the scene is bustling yet relaxed, with hawkers, shoppers, and passersby going about their business.

I order a crisp, cold white cup while Mutuma opts for a mocktail, chilled to perfection. My acquaintance with Mutuma dates back to our days at Multimedia University of Kenya, where we shared mutual friends in the Bachelor of Commerce program. You know how university students always stick together, whether it’s heading to the cafeteria or back to the hostel after class? Well, that was the Bachelor of Commerce Class of 2020 for you. In those communal journeys to Chafua, the Multimedia University equivalent of a cafeteria, I got to know Mutuma and some of his classmates.

However, it wasn’t until a stroke of luck led me to a fantastic deal on a screen protector and phone cover that I truly connected with Mutuma. At a time when a screen protector alone cost as much as Ksh. 300 and a phone cover went for Ksh. 500 if you didn’t have the right connections, stumbling upon someone offering both for Ksh. 300 seemed too good to be true. Intrigued, I dialed the number on those modestly designed posters, and to my surprise, it was Peter Mutuma on the other end.

Our business transaction proved fruitful, as Mutuma delivered top-notch quality in both the screen protector and phone cover. From that moment on, I knew I had found “a guy.” Our bond grew stronger over time, cementing a friendship that began with a simple transaction but evolved into something much more meaningful. And that’s how I came to know Mutuma.

His phone has been ringing constantly since we met, a testament to either his busy schedule, the thriving nature of his business, or the high level of customer satisfaction. I’m not quite sure which it is. This time, it’s a call from Martha, ordering camping chairs in anticipation of the KCB Sponsored WRC 2024 rally. Mutuma efficiently takes her order and dispatches his delivery guy to drop off three sets of chairs at Martha’s chosen pickup location in Nairobi West.

With the business momentarily settled, I seize the opportunity to inquire about Mutuma’s entrepreneurial journey. He now owns a shop located at Kenya Cinema, 4th Floor, Shop B5, Moi Avenue. Taking a sip of his mocktail, he pauses before recounting the story of how it all began.

In 2017, his parents gave him Ksh. 13,000 to buy a phone. Eager to make the most of this opportunity, he ventured to town one Saturday and purchased a Sony Ericsson for Ksh. 10,000 from a seller in Luthuli. Pleased with his purchase, he returned to the green monkey and warthog-infested grounds of Multimedia University, thinking he had not only acquired a good phone but also saved Ksh. 3,000.

However, upon showing off the phone to his friend Karanja, who had a knack for distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit phones, he discovered that he had been sold a fake. Karanja advised him to return the phone, but when Mutuma went back to the shop, he found that the seller was nowhere to be found. Disappointed but determined, he realized he needed a new plan to get a phone. With only Ksh. 3,000 remaining, he decided to sell items that everyone in school could afford: phone covers and screen protectors. These accessories were in high demand among smartphone owners looking to protect their devices and add a touch of style.

His first customer was his then-girlfriend, who willingly paid double the price for the goods, impressed by his initiative. Word spread quickly, and soon, he was making more sales than he had ever imagined. With the help of Karanja, he created posters and strategically placed them around the school, further boosting his sales.

As demand grew, so did Mutuma’s ambition. He began thinking of ways to expand his business, even venturing into selling phones after ensuring they were legitimate and fit for sale. By 2020, his business was flourishing. However, like many others, he faced a setback when the nation was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He pauses to take a puff from his apple-flavored vape before expressing his concern about the impact of Covid-19 on his business. Like a soldier strategizing on the battlefield, he knew he had to regroup and adapt. At that time, his business was called “DnD Tech Africa,” initially standing for “deals and deliveries,” although many mistook it for “Do not Disturb.” Sensing the need for a more relatable name, he rebranded it as “Value Hub Kenya,” reflecting the quality and variety of tech products available at his one-stop shop.

He turned to platforms like Jiji, initially paying a monthly fee of Ksh. 3,000 to showcase his products. However, due to increased demand and the effectiveness of the platform, he now pays Ksh. 16,000 monthly. Additionally, he rented a shelf in town to give his business a physical presence and enhance its legitimacy. This move proved to be a turning point, as he diversified his offerings, ranging from cutting-edge tech gadgets to unique items that seemed ahead of their time.

When asked about taxes and the economy, Mutuma emphasized the importance of understanding buyer behavior. He believes that customers prioritize quality over price and value sellers who are knowledgeable about their products. Despite high taxes and economic challenges, he remains optimistic, noting that people’s addiction to technology ensures a steady demand for his products.

Mutuma’s commitment to quality and compliance is evident in his business philosophy: “Mpeni Kaisari mali ya kaisari” (“Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s”). Customers swear by the value they receive from Value Hub Kenya, often referring others to the shop. Mutuma, a true entrepreneur, has never been employed by someone else. While he doesn’t close the door on traditional employment opportunities, he finds fulfillment and achieves financial success through his entrepreneurial ventures.

As Lil Mama by Sauti Sol fills the air, we transition to discussing Mutuma’s other endeavors, including interior design, e-commerce systems, and digital marketing. His diverse skill set and entrepreneurial spirit make him a jack of all trades in the business world.

Check Value Hub Kenyas’s Website https://valuehubkenya.co.ke/ .

@okelododdychitchats.