They move in the shadows, wrapped in authority,
their uniforms a disguise for something darker.
A badge and a gun, symbols of trust twisted into weapons.
On paper, they protect and serve; in reality, they haunt and harm.
Power courses through their veins,
but it’s not the kind that uplifts or safeguards.
It’s a corrosive kind, the kind that feeds on fear,
the kind that turns innocence into prey.
On the streets, they’re hunters,
eyes scanning for someone to corner, to crush.
False evidence is their craft, lies their currency.
They prey on the vulnerable, pushing them into shadows.
The weak, the forgotten, the ones who can’t fight back,
they bear the brunt of this corrupted force.
Bribes line their pockets, alliances with criminals keep them untouchable.
Justice isn’t blind here, it’s gagged and bound.
Protests ignite, voices rise, demanding change.
But the response? Tear gas. Batons. Intimidation.
They smother dissent, silence the brave.
Their version of order is built on control, not fairness.
Yet, amidst the suffocating darkness,
there’s a pulse, a defiance, a refusal to submit.
The people are waking up, shedding their fear,
realizing the strength in their numbers, their voices.
For every tear shed, every injustice endured,
a reckoning grows closer.
Their power is borrowed, fleeting.
The truth is louder. Justice is inevitable.
And to those cloaked in uniforms, wielding corruption,
your time is running out.
@okelododdychitchats
Tag: floods
Niskize
You don’t know the battles I’ve fought
The struggles I’ve faced !
You don’t realize the depth of my sorrow
So before you judge, just wait, niskize !
Don’t mock me with your words of scorn
Don’t criticize me from dusk till morn
Your harsh remarks don’t offer insight
They only push me further from the light
My pain runs deep, it’s a part of me
It’s only I who truly see
The struggles I endure day by day
So take a moment, niskize !
I may seem weak when tears fall down
But crying is my way, my sound
Of releasing the pain that weighs me down
Of letting go of the burdens I’ve found
Don’t label me as frail or meek
Just listen to the words I speak
I have a story that needs to be told
A tale of pain and courage bold
So before you pass judgment on me
Take a moment, niskize !
The strength it takes to face each day
To keep going despite the wear out
I am not defined by my tears
But by the battles fought through the years
So next time you see me cry
Remember, it’s not a sign of weakness, but of strength inside
Don’t underestimate the power of a tear
The release it brings, the healing near
So before you speak, just listen first
To the story of pain and hurt
I may not be what you expect
But my strength lies in the tears unchecked
So listen to my words, my plea
And see the true strength in me.
@okelododdychitchats
Black is Beautiful
I am a black kid, they say, a child of the night
With skin as dark as the ebony sky
But is black truly beautiful, or just a lie?
A lie told to comfort those who fear the unknown
I am rich in melanin, they say, but is it a gift or a curse?
My rough, hairy skin a canvas of deep brown hues
They say black ain’t good enough, sio rangi ya thao
That beauty lies in lighter tones, like vanilla or cream
But what about the beauty in diversity?
In the rich shade of colors that make up humanity
Should I be bold with my blackness, embrace it with pride?
Or hide in shame, letting their words pierce my fragile heart
I try to see beauty in my reflection, but all I see is darkness
Ugly thoughts creeping into my mind, telling me I’m less than
Forget my big ears, they say, it’s all about my skin
My skin that marks me as different, as other
They call me a monkey, comparing my hair to fur
As if my blackness makes me less than human
I walk the streets with my head held low
Feeling the weight of their stares, their judgment
They see a criminal in me, not a child
A child with dreams and hopes, just like any other
Do I not belong to this world, to this society?
Or am I destined to always be an outsider
But I refuse to let their words define me
I am more than just a shade of black
I am a child of the night, yes, but also a child of the sun
I am rich in melanin, my skin a testament to my roots
I am beautiful in my own right, in my own way
And I will walk with confidence, no matter what they say
So let them call me black, let them call me ugly
I will wear my darkness like a crown
For I am a black kid, proud and unapologetic
A reminder that beauty comes in all shades
And that true beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder
I am a black kid, and I am beautiful.
@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
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
okelododdychitchats 