Monday, January 29, 2007

Of descriptions and roles.

I came across a newspaper article that described Kamlesh Pattni as a "billionaire businessman, evangelist and philanthropist". Businessman, I understand. Evangelist, maybe. But philanthropist? Last time I checked, this word was used to describe people who demonstrate great love for others, who make efforts to alleviate the suffering of others. People like mother Theresa come to mind.

Now this dude Kamlesh, everyone knows he got into a scam that fleeced this country of billions of shillings, sparking off runaway inflation and the general rundown of the economy causing millions untold suffering. Philanthropist my foot!

Onto other matters, I pity Maoka Maore. He's the one who first enlightened us on the Anglo Leasing scandal. But does anyone today talk about him and Anglo Leasing? No. Its always John Githongo this, John Githongo that. He (Githongo) is hogging all the glory and credit for exposing the scandal. Mutuma Mathiu, in an article in yesterday's Nation, called him the whistle blower(wish I knew how to put links). Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought Githongo exposed the cover up attempts, not the scandal itself.

Friday, January 26, 2007

It's shags weekend.

It's Friday and I am travelling upcountry kesho. I'm sure the phrase on everybody's lips this last week huko has been "Aizoh's coming" so I can expect quite a reception. Never mind that I was there over Christmas and I thought I was loaded.Now, it's become quite a drag to travel nowadays cos of the costs involved. Apart from the fuel, I have to shop. And the days upcountry folks would be content to receive that humoungous loaf of bread we used to buy at Pangani are long gone. (Haiya, Ive not seen that loaf in ages. It was mandatory for matatus to make that Pangani stop.)

And the car boot may be full of goodies but they'll still want to see some colour. And then I've got to see each and every rela in turn leaving a trail of cash handouts in my wake. Sometimes by the time I get back home I hardly have anything for my own mum! And then there is of course the "drink for the boys" later. All this time I am saying hi to folks these buddies of ocha are just hanging around like vultures waiting for me to finish the niceties then they descend on me. Some are waiting at the local. Ordering drinks. The sheer audacity! Ati "What's your problem Nyakio? Si Aiz is coming? Lete kiruru wacha ufala wewe!" Of course nowadays I dont allow such behavior. Dudes would end up doing potatoes or some such menial task.

It's not all bad though. Most upcountry folks are genuinely happy to see me. They beam. Especially my aunties. I feel some warmth envelope me when I see the happiness. And of course I've hardly settled and there's already a chicken clucking out there going like 40 kph with a young boy in hot pursuit. That's my dinner. And it's not the chicken per se. Hell, I can eat chicken any time. It's their eagerness to please. Upcountry folk really treat you nice.

Cant wait to get there kesho. Hope y'all enjoy yours too.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

First Post!

I have opened a page
Many more will come
Dont know yet what they will contain
Sometimes musings, maybe ramblings
But all will be my thoughts
I am Aizoh
Listen to me
Tega sikio. Nikuambie.