I’m so tagged there was escaping this one. I hope I’m not late. Stone Cold Steve Austin, Val, Mama, Our Kid, Joyunspeakable, Random Observations, and all you other bloggers here we go.

I’m of mixed parentage. Half Central half Coast.

I joke and laugh a lot. In the right circumstances of course. Don’t be afraid to invite me to your high profile techo-babble cocktail party. I won’t laugh there. When it’s time to get serious I play the part to perfection.

I taste beverages for a living. Then market them based on the reports. Fibrous. Clean. Thick. Highfired. Underfired. Earthy. Brisk. Powdery. Aged. Smoky. True to grade, …... such like stuff. No it’s not a sweet and tasty job. Samples for tasting are not the same as what the consumer gets. They’re brewed differently and are often bitter so we don’t exactly sit and sip them lovingly. No we do not swallow. For those who think that my job can explain this, sorry to burst your bubble. The said beverages are not alcoholic.

The first time I ever seriously took the time to write it was politics on Kumekucha. That was when Kenya was hot. I'm still passionate about politics. But in a country where Simon Mbugua can beat PLO Lumumba, I'm no longer interested in elective politics. Elective is noisy and so it looks like that's what politics is all about. I'm intrigued by the more subtle aspects. Those that can push the country forward without so much hullabaloo.

I’m intrigued by the criminal mind. Not the petty muggers and pick pockets. Not even bank robbers. No. Guys like this one and this one. The ones that kill and dismember victims and stuff their body parts in suit cases. The ones that rape their dead victims or eat their hearts. No I will not try this at home but I’d like to know from them how their minds operate. I’d like to talk to one of those if they could promise not to kill me and make a shirt with my skin. At the height of the obsession, I watched countless programs about them and read countless copies of True Detective Magazines. I’ve read most books by Anne Rule and other numerous authors on the topic. I've read a collection of books on criminal psychology and profiling. At some point I started freaking out even at creaking doors. I’d start at the entry of a loved one into the room. It was time to slow down.

I’ve been car jacked once at gun point. That sound of a cocking gun did not leave me for a long time. I’ve since developed a few smalltime phobias. Fear of tailgaters. Fear of slowing down drivers. Our Kid please give us the scientific names for these if you may.

I come off as no nonsense and stand offish at first glance but nothing could be further from the truth. Of course I don’t like nonsense but standoffish I’m not. Maybe it looks so because I’m not good at small talk. I strongly believe in the positive power of silence.

I’m not very religious. I’m a Christian only as far as the naming, schooling and other formalities are concerned. I went to boarding school at an early age and it was prayers and recitals seemingly every other hour. Even at 6.00 am before porridge. It’s good to talk to the Lord but for me at that age that was too much of a good thing. I could hardly wait to complete school and give a break to all the prayers, recitals and Bible reading. So far it seems it was not just a break but a clean break. That was childhood but even now as an adult I don’t quite buy the beliefs and doctrines of organized religion anyway. Having said that, I have mad respect for other people and their religions of choice and I really don’t bother what deity one worships and how. In return, I also don’t expect to be judged.

I’m so laid back and carefree it hurts. For the unacquainted, it may look like I don’t get a good grasp of the bigness of things. But I do. As much as or maybe even more than the next person depending. I just don’t fret about stuff. I don’t know how to.

I’m very adventurous and sometimes wander into foreign markets asking what is this? How is it made? Give. I’ve discovered some great foods and others that leave me in fits of laughter wondering whether I got the recipe wrong or whether the guy was speaking Gujarati when he said it’s very tasty. To that end, my kitchen is a comedy of sorts. But the strange cooking is a once in a blue moon thing. My normal cooking style is mostly coastal.

I go home at every opportunity. Home upcountry to the farm. Friends often ask me why on earth I keep going to shags half the country away. Well, for one my mum lives there. The fresh air, the endless compound. And these cute calves that are born every other month. The ones my little nephew is always insisting we carry back to Mombasa. Auntie ni kadogo utakaweka kwa nyumba. Eish! The thought!

I’m very forthright. I say it as it is. It makes life so easy. I try to be sweet about it though.

I'm very loyal to my friends.

I recently stumbled on my high school farewell book and I’m shocked at what my friends remember me for. Tomboy. Cheeky. Mischievous. Punishments. Gosh. Me?!? Come on Kabarians! You got the wrong gal. But I think I'm a tomboy. But then sometimes I'm this lady. I don't know.

I don’t do suits and it has nothing to do with the Mombasa weather. It’s just me. I feel stiff and overdressed. I strut in casual chic mostly. Luckily my job does not require me to be in formal dressing.

Test goth

I have a curious fascination for world cultures and today I’m all Goth. I recently came across an interesting article in the Mailonline site that sent my curiosity into the dark Gothic world. I’ve seen Goths in movies and other programs but never really taken an in-depth look at their fascinating lifestyle. The mailonline story is simple. Boy loves girl and he moves around with her on a lead, like you would a pet dog. Girl is a self confessed human pet and is comfortable with the circumstances. It’s the discrimination that irks the couple.

Goths have mostly received a bad rap. When people think Goth they think black, evil, blood and horror. They’re stereotyped and perceived to be witches, devil worshipers and vampires though that’s not always the case. But like in every other culture and religion, there are some rotten apples that give them a bad name.

I doubt there are any Goths in these parts of the world. Unless we’re thinking of that black nail polish that was the rave some time back. Bit in the unlikely event that you come across some in the streets of Nairobi, Mombasa or any other area, know the following:

They’re not to be feared. Beneath the black clothing, jet black hair, black eyeliner, black nail polish, black lipstick and whatever else they prefer to wear, they’re normal people like you and me. They’re actually nice intelligent people capable of being happy like every one else. They just prefer the darker side of life. In any case they don’t always wear black. They’re not schizophrenics. They don’t suck people’s blood. They’re not Satanists. A Goth can be from any religion. Some, like this writer are Christians.

More on Gothic Teens.

And in unrelated, repeat unrelated topic

Adios Pan Paper. Adios Pollution.

For those who have been following the story of Pan African Paper Mills, it’s closure comes as no surprise. For a long time it has been surviving on cash injections and other known and unknown favours from Treasury.

With a workforce of more than 2,000, Pan Paper is the economic engine of Webuye town. True there are other business ventures that the residents can engage in but many face imminent collapse with the fall of the giant paper manufacturer. We may very well be witnessing the death of the otherwise once vibrant town of Webuye.

Having said that, there is also the bright side to look at. Some residents feel that the closure is good riddance due to the high levels of pollution that the factory is known for. Webuye has the infamous distinction of being one of the most polluted places on the planet. For long term residents, chest and breathing problems are rife among children and adults alike. This is directly attributable to continual inhalation of highly corrosive hydrosulphuric acid and use of contaminated water from Nzoia River which the paper miller has equally polluted.

Pan paper is one company among many that should by now have been sued and made to pay millions in compensation for poor health among residents, poor crop output, sick livestock and the sheer stench that is the hallmark of the town and it’s environs. But then again this is Kenya and they could always talk to the mighty.

Take it from someone who has been there severally, even breathing is difficult in Webuye. The stench, akin to that of rotten eggs comes in sick wave after sick wave and you are constantly aware that every breath you take is laden with chemicals. The factory itself as far as I could see was always enveloped in a sinister plume of smoke. From my web travels for this article, I’ve learnt a few things I did not even know. For example, corrugated iron sheets on roofs are corroded within months. Snowstorms of foam droplets from Pan Paper’s waste ponds cloud the sky and burn the skin.

If ever the giant paper manufacturer re-opens, the first thing they should check is the high levels of pollution. Someone should reinforce the activists and advocates who have been trying to make a case for affected residents. Webuye needs Erin Brockovich.

And that is just one factory.

Kijabe Mission Town - Notepad

Following the debate that has been here for the last few days about Teenage Sex, I dug in my archives and found an article that I’d posted earlier in the year. Maybe we can borrow some ideas from Kijabe to help keep our youngsters in check. Here it is:


The story of Kijabe Mission Station as reported in the Standard this week reads like a Utopian dream. The town has very high moral standards dating back to colonial times when severe punishments were meted on anyone indulging in vices. There's no loud music either from shops or matatus like is common in most other towns. Commotion and disorder are unheard of.

Shops in this place are not allowed to stock cigarettes and alcohol and any new investor has to sign a code of conduct prohibiting him from selling the same and any other immoral products. Any shop keeper found breaching these rules could earn himself an expulsion from the town but if he's remorseful and apologizes, then he may be allowed to continue operating. This was easier to implement in the past than it is now because most shops were owned by church leaders anyway. The church now employs guards who go round and conduct inspections in shops in an attempt to uphold this rule. But generally these standards are getting more and more difficult to maintain especially with modern life, and employment of professionals from other areas.

Cohabiting, unwanted pregnancies and children born out of wed-lock are unacceptable. Of course they're unacceptable everywhere but in Kijabe Mission Station it actually works. Men are not expected to laze around with young women – in fact unmarried women are not allowed to be in the company of men after 7.00 pm.

Life in Kijabe Mission Station is not easy for the youth although it works out well for them in the long run. Many are known to take a sabbatical from their constraining hometown to go to other areas and indulge. Others go to colleges in other urban areas and have their big break but when they go back home they have to follow the rules again. Others sneak into the forest to indulge in a puff here and there. Or maybe some other sins.

Now if only all urban centers could be like this place.

Kijabe Mission Town - Test Post

Following the debate that has been here for the last few days about Teenage Sex, I dug in my archives and found an article that I’d posted earlier in the year. Maybe we can borrow some ideas from Kijabe to help keep our youngsters in check. Here it is:

The story of Kijabe Mission Station as reported in the Standard this week reads like a Utopian dream. The town has very high moral standards dating back to colonial times when severe punishments were meted on anyone indulging in vices. There's no loud music either from shops or matatus like is common in most other towns. Commotion and disorder are unheard of.

Shops in this place are not allowed to stock cigarettes and alcohol and any new investor has to sign a code of conduct prohibiting him from selling the same and any other immoral products. Any shop keeper found breaching these rules could earn himself an expulsion from the town but if he's remorseful and apologizes, then he may be allowed to continue operating. This was easier to implement in the past than it is now because most shops were owned by church leaders anyway. The church now employs guards who go round and conduct inspections in shops in an attempt to uphold this rule. But generally these standards are getting more and more difficult to maintain especially with modern life, and employment of professionals from other areas.

Cohabiting, unwanted pregnancies and children born out of wed-lock are unacceptable. Of course they're unacceptable everywhere but in Kijabe Mission Station it actually works. Men are not expected to laze around with young women – in fact unmarried women are not allowed to be in the company of men after 7.00 pm.

Life in Kijabe Mission Station is not easy for the youth although it works out well for them in the long run. Many are known to take a sabbatical from their constraining hometown to go to other areas and indulge. Others go to colleges in other urban areas and have their big break but when they go back home they have to follow the rules again. Others sneak into the forest to indulge in a puff here and there. Or maybe some other sins.

Now if only all urban centers could be like this place.

Leave Cancellation Note Pad

Recently a friend of mine was castigated by her employer for not being available on mobile phone when she was on leave. The employer was seeking to cancel her leave because the colleague who was sitting in for her fell suddenly ill. But she had switched off her phone and gone upcountry and the company could not reach her. The company did not collapse either. In fact nothing stopped. It turned out that there were other ways available to ensure that work continued even in the absence of her and her sick colleague.

But when she reported back to work there was a case awaiting her. The employer quoted a part of her employment letter that read thus: The normal working hours of the company are from 8.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday, but as a senior member of staff it may be necessary from time to time for you to extend these hours or even work over the weekends. That is the bit the company used against her. But nowhere in the letter is being on mobile alert or cancellation of leave mentioned. Apparently that fell under extend these hours. But she does not consider herself senior anyway.

The question is, how much does your employer have to do with your private mobile phone? Should an employer call you any time they feel like it? According to about.com, your boss should only be calling you during normal operating hours and not after hours. If your boss or other co-workers are calling you after hours or on weekends, you must bring this up to a higher supervisor. In order to maintain smooth relationships with co-workers you should work within the "normal" operating hours of the office.

Some people are under the mistaken impression that because you work at home, you are available whenever they feel that it is convenient. To avoid problems from the beginning of a telecommuting arrangement, have it specified in your Agreement exactly when you can be called.

Freelancers should also set limits on when they can be reached and what the methods of contact are.

My friend’s case ended with just a verbal reminder that she can be required to avail herself at work on short notice but this just shows the complications that come about with the whole mobile phone thing.

Leave Cancellation.doc

Recently a friend of mine was castigated by her employer for not being available on mobile phone when she was on leave. The employer was seeking to cancel her leave because the colleague who was sitting in for her fell suddenly ill. But she had switched off her phone and gone upcountry and the company could not reach her. The company did not collapse either. In fact nothing stopped. It turned out that there were other ways available to ensure that work continued even in the absence of her and her sick colleague.

But when she reported back to work there was a case awaiting her. The employer quoted a part of her employment letter that read thus: The normal working hours of the company are from 8.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday, but as a senior member of staff it may be necessary from time to time for you to extend these hours or even work over the weekends. That is the bit the company used against her. But nowhere in the letter is being on mobile alert or cancellation of leave mentioned. Apparently that fell under extend these hours. But she does not consider herself senior anyway.

The question is, how much does your employer have to do with your private mobile phone? Should an employer call you any time they feel like it? According to about.com, your boss should only be calling you during normal operating hours and not after hours. If your boss or other co-workers are calling you after hours or on weekends, you must bring this up to a higher supervisor. In order to maintain smooth relationships with co-workers you should work within the "normal" operating hours of the office.

Some people are under the mistaken impression that because you work at home, you are available whenever they feel that it is convenient. To avoid problems from the beginning of a telecommuting arrangement, have it specified in your Agreement exactly when you can be called.

Freelancers should also set limits on when they can be reached and what the methods of contact are.

My friend’s case ended with just a verbal reminder that she can be required to avail herself at work on short notice but this just shows the complications that come about with the whole mobile phone thing.

Muasya Notepad

One Nairobi lawyer John Chigiti has a unique case in his hands. His client Richard Mwanzia Muasya is a confirmed hermaphrodite. He is also a convicted criminal incarcerated at Kamiti Maximum Prison for robbery with violence. Muasya, through his lawyer is asking to be set free because the law is discriminatory against him. According to him, being locked up in an exclusively male prison whereas biologically he’s not totally a man amounts to human and constitutional rights abuse. He’s suffering degrading exposure to male convicts and prison warders. On November 6 last year Justice Roselyn Wendo ordered that he be accorded separate accommodation in Kamiti Prison but that has not been done so far. He is asking to be set free unconditionally.

But isolating an intersexual in our correctional facilities or anywhere else for that matter is just the beginning. In prisons there is the issue of other shared amenities like washrooms, dining area, recreational facilities and indeed the whole compound as a whole. If isolation will work in Muasya’s case at all, it would mean making physical changes to the buildings or putting up a separate prison all together. Quite a long shot considering that hermaphrodites are few and how many of them end up in prisons?

Cases like Muasya’s are rare but not entirely unheard of. In 2004 for example, intersexual Jonothon Featherstone managed to avoid a prison sentence in Jamaica because the Jamaican penal code had no provisions for those bearing both male and female genitalia. That was even after he admitted trying to smuggle drugs out of Jamaica.

One cannot ignore the tribulations Muasya has probably been through. For one the whole intersexual thing must be heavy on his psyche. I imagine he grew up grappling with excruciating social stigma and psychological effects of his mixed gender – all in an unforgiving culture. Secondly sexual abuse in our penal institutions is no secret. If he has not already been put through some of that, it’s just a question of when and not if and he must be spending all his waking hours fretting about it.

Surprisingly, hermaphrodites are not as rare as one may think. There are quite a number around the world and in some countries there are support groups just for them. In other countries, some incidences are surgically corrected when the child is still young. But this medical intervention on hermaphrodite infants is meeting with more and more resistance as people with the condition come forth with claims that these surgeries immerse subjects into worse psychological, medical, and sexual damage. They’re encouraging parents to let their children develop into themselves and enjoy the gift of being unique.

So should Muasya be set free?
Should he be jailed in isolation?

Related Article: Oregon Man Gives Birth To Baby Girl

Muasya Notepad

One Nairobi lawyer John Chigiti and indeed the Kenyan judiciary as a whole has a unique case in their hands. Richard Mwanzia Muasya is a confirmed hermaphrodite. He is also a convicted criminal incarcerated at Kamiti Maximum Prison for robbery with violence. Muasya, through his lawyer, says that the law is discriminatory against him

he’s undergoing human and constitutional rights violations at the Prison and would like the law changed to accommodate the likes of him who do not fall under either the male of female category. He is also asking to be set free because there are no provisions of his kind in our Kenyan constitution and penal institutions.

One cannot ignore the tribulations Muasya has probably been through. For one the whole intersexual thing must be heavy on his psyche. I imagine he grew up grappling with the psychological effects of his mixed gender – all in an unforgiving culture. Secondly sexual abuse in our penal institutions is no secret. If he has not already been put through some of that, it’s just a question of when and not if and he must be spending all his waking hours fretting about it. But then again if he did not commit the robbery, nobody would have put him in Kamiti in the first place. If it’s a question of human rights, the person he robbed has his own right to his property.

Cases like Muasya’s are rare but not entirely unheard of. In 2004 for example, intersexual Jonothon Featherstone managed to escape a prison sentence in Jamaica because the Jamaican penal code had no provisions for those bearing both male and female genitalia. That was even after he admitted trying to smuggle drugs out of Jamaica. That is what Muasya is hoping to do.

For one, just having medical examinations to determine his must have been humiliating enough. Having been thrown into Kamiti, he says he’s suffering inhuman and degrading exposure to the male convicts, prison warders and the general public.

It’s a rare condition and in developed countries, some incidences are surgically corrected when the child is still young. But this medical intervention on hermaphrodite infants is meeting with resistance as more and more people more and more people with the condition are coming forward with claims that immerses subjects into worse psychological, medical, and sexual damage. They’re encouraging parents to let their children develop into themselves and enjoy the gift of being unique.

Muasya Notepad

One Nairobi lawyer John Chigiti and indeed the Kenyan judiciary as a whole has a unique case in their hands. Richard Mwanzia Muasya is a confirmed hermaphrodite. He is also a convicted criminal incarcerated at Kamiti Maximum Prison for robbery with violence. Muasya, through his lawyer, says that the law is discriminatory against him

he’s undergoing human and constitutional rights violations at the Prison and would like the law changed to accommodate the likes of him who do not fall under either the male of female category. He is also asking to be set free because there are no provisions of his kind in our Kenyan constitution and penal institutions.

One cannot ignore the tribulations Muasya has probably been through. For one the whole intersexual thing must be heavy on his psyche. I imagine he grew up grappling with the psychological effects of his mixed gender – all in an unforgiving culture. Secondly sexual abuse in our penal institutions is no secret. If he has not already been put through some of that, it’s just a question of when and not if and he must be spending all his waking hours fretting about it. But then again if he did not commit the robbery, nobody would have put him in Kamiti in the first place. If it’s a question of human rights, the person he robbed has his own right to his property.

Cases like Muasya’s are rare but not entirely unheard of. In 2004 for example, intersexual Jonothon Featherstone managed to escape a prison sentence in Jamaica because the Jamaican penal code had no provisions for those bearing both male and female genitalia. That was even after he admitted trying to smuggle drugs out of Jamaica. That is what Muasya is hoping to do.

For one, just having medical examinations to determine his must have been humiliating enough. Having been thrown into Kamiti, he says he’s suffering inhuman and degrading exposure to the male convicts, prison warders and the general public.

It’s a rare condition and in developed countries, some incidences are surgically corrected when the child is still young. But this medical intervention on hermaphrodite infants is meeting with resistance as more and more people more and more people with the condition are coming forward with claims that immerses subjects into worse psychological, medical, and sexual damage. They’re encouraging parents to let their children develop into themselves and enjoy the gift of being unique.

Justified

One Nairobi lawyer John Chigiti and indeed the Kenyan judiciary as a whole has a unique case in their hands. Richard Mwanzia Muasya is a confirmed hermaphrodite. He is also a convicted criminal incarcerated at Kamiti Maximum Prison for robbery with violence. Muasya, through his lawyer, says that the law is discriminatory against him

he’s undergoing human and constitutional rights violations at the Prison and would like the law changed to accommodate the likes of him who do not fall under either the male of female category. He is also asking to be set free because there are no provisions of his kind in our Kenyan constitution and penal institutions.

One cannot ignore the tribulations Muasya has probably been through. For one the whole intersexual thing must be heavy on his psyche. I imagine he grew up grappling with the psychological effects of his mixed gender – all in an unforgiving culture. Secondly sexual abuse in our penal institutions is no secret. If he has not already been put through some of that, it’s just a question of when and not if and he must be spending all his waking hours fretting about it. But then again if he did not commit the robbery, nobody would have put him in Kamiti in the first place. If it’s a question of human rights, the person he robbed has his own right to his property.

Cases like Muasya’s are rare but not entirely unheard of. In 2004 for example, intersexual Jonothon Featherstone managed to escape a prison sentence in Jamaica because the Jamaican penal code had no provisions for those bearing both male and female genitalia. That was even after he admitted trying to smuggle drugs out of Jamaica. That is what Muasya is hoping to do.

For one, just having medical examinations to determine his must have been humiliating enough. Having been thrown into Kamiti, he says he’s suffering inhuman and degrading exposure to the male convicts, prison warders and the general public.

It’s a rare condition and in developed countries, some incidences are surgically corrected when the child is still young. But this medical intervention on hermaphrodite infants is meeting with resistance as more and more people more and more people with the condition are coming forward with claims that immerses subjects into worse psychological, medical, and sexual damage. They’re encouraging parents to let their children develop into themselves and enjoy the gift of being unique.

Tuk Tuk Invasion - Notepad

There’s a lot of good that can be said about the Tuk Tuk, the little three wheeled car that has been threatening the livelihoods of taxi drivers. In most areas the concept of Tuk Tuks has been embraced wholeheartedly. In Mombasa for example where the punishing heat and high humidity can make it quite a task to walk a few blocks, the tuk tuk is quite welcome for short rides. Their advantages cannot be underestimated. They have created thousands of jobs and enabled people to go to hard to reach places with their door to door services. With some models covering upto 35 Kilometers for just a liter of petrol, they can afford to charge very low fares.

But like every good thing, Tuk Tuks have their downside. The hitherto quiet and serene atmosphere of most streets and other parts of town has been shattered by the characteristic and oh so relentless tok tok tok tok of tuk tuks as they make their rounds. Hardly a minute passes by without one of these noisily zooming past and for those in ground floor offices right along the road, concentrating has become almost impossible.

That is just a problem people may have to evolve around because it seems the little motorbike/taxi hybrids are here to stay. What can and needs to be addressed ASAP is their road etiquette. Some drivers just hit the road with no inkling whatsoever about traffic rules, weaving and meandering through traffic with complete disregard of lane change rules. As long as one can ride a motorbike, he learns the rest on the job and sometimes it’s obvious the errant drivers are just not aware when they’re on the wrong. They’re nowhere near as mad or rude as matatu drivers, in fact majority of them are usually very apologetic when they mess on the road. But obstruction is obstruction. Dangerous lane change is dangerous lane change regardless of what size of vehicle is doing it.

The police don’t seem to pay as much attention to them as they do to Matatus but maybe it’s time they did.

From The Past: Of Holy Noise and Kenyan Churches.
From The Web: Photos of Spain Tomatina Festival.

Tuk Tuk Invasion - Notepad

There’s a lot of good that can be said about the Tuk Tuk, the little three wheeled car that has been threatening the livelihoods of taxi drivers. In most areas the concept of Tuk Tuks has been embraced wholeheartedly. In Mombasa for example where the punishing heat and high humidity can make it quite a task to walk a few blocks, the tuk tuk is quite welcome for short rides. Their advantages cannot be underestimated. They have created thousands of jobs and enabled people to go to hard to reach places with their door to door services. With some models covering upto 35 Kilometers for just a liter of petrol, they can afford to charge very low fares.

But like every good thing, Tuk Tuks have their downside. The hitherto quiet and serene atmosphere of most streets and other parts of town has been shattered by the characteristic and oh so relentless tok tok tok tok of tuk tuks as they make their rounds. Hardly a minute passes by without one of these noisily zooming past and for those in ground floor offices right along the road, concentrating has become almost impossible.

That is just a problem people may have to evolve around because it seems the little motorbike/taxi hybrids are here to stay. What can and needs to be addressed ASAP is their road etiquette. Some drivers just hit the road with no inkling whatsoever about traffic rules, weaving and meandering through traffic with complete disregard of lane change rules. As long as one can ride a motorbike, he learns the rest on the job and sometimes it’s obvious the errant drivers are just not aware when they’re on the wrong. They’re nowhere near as mad or rude as matatu drivers, in fact majority of them are usually very apologetic when they mess on the road. But obstruction is obstruction. Dangerous lane change is dangerous lane change regardless of what size of vehicle is doing it.

The police don’t seem to pay as much attention to them as they do to Matatus but maybe it’s time they did.

From The Past: Of Holy Noise and Kenyan Churches.
From The Web: Photos of Spain Tomatina Festival.

Post Via HTML or Compose

Got it!!!!!

You see here on the blogger page where you paste your article in readiness for posting? See on the right there is an Edit HTML Tab and then there is a Compose tab? Make sure every time you post it's on the compose tab and not html.

Sometimes for some reason it seems to go on HTML by default.

See on the post immediately below this one titled Test HTML? That one I've posted when it was on HTML tab.

See the one just before titled Matheri Test? That one I've sent through Compose.

And this one I'm sending via compose so we prove that for real.

Test - HTML

Kenya cannot claim to be any holier than the next country as far as crime is concerned. Car jackings bank robberies and home break-ins are so much in the news we are almost getting used to them. The removal and sale of human parts is not new either. These bizarre incidences have been around since the early 90s. But there’s a new breed of sick minds on the loose. Guys who kill just for the thrill of it. The kind we read about in True detective magazines and Anne Rule novels. Or watch them on true crime programs. Now we have our very own - Simon Matheri and the vampire Godfrey Matheri for example.

For now let’s look at Matheri the vampire. In his defense he says that he was sent for human blood by a local Bishop - Jeremiah Pallangyo of New Hope for all Nations. It would probably not be strange if indeed the bishop asked for blood. There are enough cults doing the rounds and Naivasha for some reason seems to have more than it’s fair share of them. But before implicating the Bishop Matheri should have a thorough psychiatric examination in the hands of qualified doctors because chances are he’s mentally sick and could very easily be lying. Furthermore, raping and keeping the victims’ underpants as trophies cannot possibly be what the Bishop ordered. That must be for his own twisted pleasure. His kind is well described in many Murder profile books.

Looking at the whole saga from the victims eyes, it’s difficult to fathom the absolute terror that they go through. One look at Matheri even on TV is enough to send shivers down the spines of viewers. Seeing him up close siphoning blood? Like the young victim who says he drew blood and when it was not enough he cut her up in some other place and drew more until he filled a cup. The he proceeded to drink it. It’s a good thing she survived. Such a person may require very intensive counseling.

Now for the residents of Kihoto. They seem to know the guy and what has been going on quite well. How come he survived to spread his terror for so long. And the police, I’m no detective but I see on CSI and other programs crime scenes getting sealed off for fine tooth combing. Did demolishing his house not probably bury some important clues that might have helped in further

Matheri Test

Kenya cannot claim to be any holier than the next country as far as crime is concerned. Car jackings bank robberies and home break-ins are so much in the news we are almost getting used to them. The removal and sale of human parts is not new either. These bizarre incidences have been around since the early 90s. But there’s a new breed of sick minds on the loose. Guys who kill just for the thrill of it. The kind we read about in True detective magazines and Anne Rule novels. Or watch them on true crime programs. Now we have our very own - Simon Matheri and the vampire Godfrey Matheri for example.

For now let’s look at Matheri the vampire. In his defense he says that he was sent for human blood by a local Bishop - Jeremiah Pallangyo of New Hope for all Nations. It would probably not be strange if indeed the bishop asked for blood. There are enough cults doing the rounds and Naivasha for some reason seems to have more than it’s fair share of them. But before implicating the Bishop Matheri should have a thorough psychiatric examination in the hands of qualified doctors because chances are he’s mentally sick and could very easily be lying. Furthermore, raping and keeping the victims’ underpants as trophies cannot possibly be what the Bishop ordered. That must be for his own twisted pleasure. His kind is well described in many Murder profile books.

Looking at the whole saga from the victims eyes, it’s difficult to fathom the absolute terror that they go through. One look at Matheri even on TV is enough to send shivers down the spines of viewers. Seeing him up close siphoning blood? Like the young victim who says he drew blood and when it was not enough he cut her up in some other place and drew more until he filled a cup. The he proceeded to drink it. It’s a good thing she survived. Such a person may require very intensive counseling.

Now for the residents of Kihoto. They seem to know the guy and what has been going on quite well. How come he survived to spread his terror for so long. And the police, I’m no detective but I see on CSI and other programs crime scenes getting sealed off for fine tooth combing. Did demolishing his house not probably bury some important clues that might have helped in further

Matheri Test

Kenya cannot claim to be any holier than the next country as far as crime is concerned. Car jackings bank robberies and home break-ins are so much in the news we are almost getting used to them. The removal and sale of human parts is not new either. These bizarre incidences have been around since the early 90s. But there’s a new breed of sick minds on the loose. Guys who kill just for the thrill of it. The kind we read about in True detective magazines and Anne Rule novels. Or watch them on true crime programs. Now we have our very own - Simon Matheri and the vampire Godfrey Matheri for example.

For now let’s look at Matheri the vampire. In his defense he says that he was sent for human blood by a local Bishop - Jeremiah Pallangyo of New Hope for all Nations. It would probably not be strange if indeed the bishop asked for blood. There are enough cults doing the rounds and Naivasha for some reason seems to have more than it’s fair share of them. But before implicating the Bishop Matheri should have a thorough psychiatric examination in the hands of qualified doctors because chances are he’s mentally sick and could very easily be lying. Furthermore, raping and keeping the victims’ underpants as trophies cannot possibly be what the Bishop ordered. That must be for his own twisted pleasure. His kind is well described in many Murder profile books.

Looking at the whole saga from the victims eyes, it’s difficult to fathom the absolute terror that they go through. One look at Matheri even on TV is enough to send shivers down the spines of viewers. Seeing him up close siphoning blood? Like the young victim who says he drew blood and when it was not enough he cut her up in some other place and drew more until he filled a cup. The he proceeded to drink it. It’s a good thing she survived. Such a person may require very intensive counseling.

Now for the residents of Kihoto. They seem to know the guy and what has been going on quite well. How come he survived to spread his terror for so long. And the police, I’m no detective but I see on CSI and other programs crime scenes getting sealed off for fine tooth combing. Did demolishing his house not probably bury some important clues that might have helped in further

Matheri Test

Kenya cannot claim to be any holier than the next country as far as crime is concerned. Car jackings bank robberies and home break-ins are so much in the news we are almost getting used to them. The removal and sale of human parts is not new either. These bizarre incidences have been around since the early 90s. But there’s a new breed of sick minds on the loose. Guys who kill just for the thrill of it. The kind we read about in True detective magazines and Anne Rule novels. Or watch them on true crime programs. Now we have our very own - Simon Matheri and the vampire Godfrey Matheri for example.

For now let’s look at Matheri the vampire. In his defense he says that he was sent for human blood by a local Bishop - Jeremiah Pallangyo of New Hope for all Nations. It would probably not be strange if indeed the bishop asked for blood. There are enough cults doing the rounds and Naivasha for some reason seems to have more than it’s fair share of them. But before implicating the Bishop Matheri should have a thorough psychiatric examination in the hands of qualified doctors because chances are he’s mentally sick and could very easily be lying. Furthermore, raping and keeping the victims’ underpants as trophies cannot possibly be what the Bishop ordered. That must be for his own twisted pleasure. His kind is well described in many Murder profile books.

Looking at the whole saga from the victims eyes, it’s difficult to fathom the absolute terror that they go through. One look at Matheri even on TV is enough to send shivers down the spines of viewers. Seeing him up close siphoning blood? Like the young victim who says he drew blood and when it was not enough he cut her up in some other place and drew more until he filled a cup. The he proceeded to drink it. It’s a good thing she survived. Such a person may require very intensive counseling.

Now for the residents of Kihoto. They seem to know the guy and what has been going on quite well. How come he survived to spread his terror for so long. And the police, I’m no detective but I see on CSI and other programs crime scenes getting sealed off for fine tooth combing. Did demolishing his house not probably bury some important clues that might have helped in further

Draft

This is hardly surprising. The pictures were sickening. The kind you really don’t want to see and imagine that that is where your meat is coming from. The footage of the abattoirs on TV was gory and disturbing. It’s surprising nobody has fallen sick yet! This is a clear health hazard not just to the people consuming the meat but also to the workers themselves.even for the workers themselves

Kenyans too are facing a new phenomenon – following the law.

First of all is to celebrate the fact that the gooey almost non-existent Nairobi river could proudly host cleaner waters again – as it’s supposed to.

If the government and UNEP are pumping 150 Million into cleaning the Nairobi river, then everyone who can should also play an individual role in cleaning up the river and indeed the environment as a whole

Some time back, in an unrelated article, Police spokesman Kiraithe remarked that Kenyans do want the law to be followed but only when it does not apply to them. That statement rang true yesterday as the residents of Dagoretti took to the streets to protest the closure of the filthy abortours

There are set environmental regulations and it’s upto to every individual Kenyan to follow them.

he closure of the abbotours in

The filth and goo

Kenyans are a funny lot.

We expect every one else to follow the law except ourselves/

Loot at the Dagoretti slaughter house case for example.

The residents are taking police in running battles to as to have the slaughter houses re-opened

What is meat? Who cannot sacrifice a few days of nyama choma as a direct contribution to the cleaning of the Nairobi river? And eat healthier vegetables in the meantime?

The fact that these slaughter houses had been given notice by NEMA makes their case even more difficult to understand.

The bloody goo on the floor and the dirty counters on which they work is putting all their clients health at risk.

Dumping their live waste into Nairobi River is something they should have stopped doing out of their own conscience long before NEMA came calling.

As much as we want the government to streamline every aspect of our lives, we as the citizens also have our part to play.

Th butchers are not being asked to stop operating, they’re being asked to put their act together as far as cleanliness and waste management is concerned.

Even a brief meat shortage in Nairobi would be a small price to pay for the cleaning of Nairobi River.

The abbatoirs case compares very well to the tran

Like the matatu owners and drivers had been given a three month notice to get their act together. Only after the notice period erupted did they take to the streets citing mistreatment.

I remember when Michuki was streamlining the matatu industry, Kenyans were right behind him and were ready to become a walking nation for as long as it took in support of the proposed changes. We should apply the same spirit and if need be go meat free for as long as it takes. This for the sake of the environment and also for our own health. And how I wish John Njoroge Michuki had stuck at the Environment ministry for some more time.

Nema is most welcome to slaughterhouses in other towns too. Last I heard red meat is not healthy anyway. We shall be willing to eat vegetables for as long as it takes.

Take the case of the overloading matatus for example. Who are the passengers? Is it not the very wananchi who are vilifying Mwakwere for sleeping on the job? Are they not asleep on the job too? If you get into a matatu that is already full and you don’t fasten your seatbelt, what does Mwakwere have to do with it?