The heart wants what it wants.

The perks of young love are known, to those who have loved, to those who still love and a sensational feeling to those who love awaits. Having a boyfriend or girlfriend is not love, having someone who sees eyes closed, feels deep from the strongest part of the heart, speaks no universal language but which the lover and the loved hear. Loving is not in any way compared to infatuation, its more of a sound of swift feelings and beautiful surprises. Love dilutes many injured souls, opens many closed doors and drives out hate in the hardest of hearts. Its a basic need to a human's sanity and an animals wellbeing. Love cuts through lines and space, gender and race, it comforts and relieves. It is never wrong, unless done wrongly. Love robes us of meanness, strange attitudes and behaviour. Its where humility begins. Always misunderstood by those who don't know its basis, its golden sparks and shiny days. Love makes the poorest of men feel rich, not in material but from the heart, love shadows life, makes life live.

In one of the calmest areas in the Coast, tranquility resided as a person. The neighbours full of content and utmost goodwill to each other. You would feel it from the welcoming, the serenity and everlasting smiles. I was privileged to be a guest. In the middle of The Old Town area of Mombasa was where I chose for my vacation after a tough year as a bank cashier in one of the most busiest banks in the country. From the start, I knew it would be worth a stay. I loved the people around here, guests were more of angels. Each day counted. Each second was worth a lifetime. I would watch how the cute and rosy swahili ladies cooked, with great precision and admirable passion. The delicacies were worth appreciating. The spiced kind of fish and sweet pishori rice. I would live to remember.

I set to stroll, at around 4.30 in the evening, needed to toss myself in the sea, or rather pick shells and play with the white sand. The path to the sea was empty, maybe one or two fishermen set from fishing. From a distance, I could see a deserted bungalow. It was plastered very well, painted lilac. It looked like a small castle. I got to take the whole view, or maybe say hi to whoever resided there. It was just magnificent, the sight was very pleasing. An old man, not very old, probably in his early sixties, the white beard and cold eyes made him look much older than he was. Hospitality is the thing here, he quickly pasted a smile and welcomed me in. It was quite strange, there was no lady in the house. But a very big frame of one cute, slender bottle shaped woman. We exchanged pleasantries, at least, for now, we were quite familiar with each other.

He noticed my keenness on the big picture of the lady. She was a beauty. His sharp voice quickly addressed;

"That's my Queen. Malikiye is her name.....the picture was taken on our twentieth anniversary, fifteen years ago.."

The big curve of a smile on his face was first noticeable when he talked about Malikiye. But she was his Queen, who could say otherwise? He then left for a big album of pictures, his three energetic sons, and the cute wife. They looked so good. Such a happy family, I thought. With all the explaining about all pictures, he sounded nostalgic and quite sad. I got uneasy. He would stare at Malikiye's pictures for so long. Caressing the picture like it felt. I interrupted,

"So where is Malikiye..?"

He looked at me with such dispirited eyes, then he closed all albums and kept them aside, those were just memories with him, he said.

"Love happens, between two promising souls, never interfered with, its the language of feelings. Love is never love again, when other people come in, not even kin, they broke an eternal bond, they did, they cut short a hearts yearning and they brought a tough ending."

They lived a royal life with Malikiye, not around but abroad, from the moment they were in primary level, they knew their bond would be as strong. Romeo and Juliet was just but a play, compared to what they had. It was a love of more "mores" and less "less"..It didn't take very long time luring Malikiye, the heart is never wrong. It was mutual. All got stable and alas! the most permanent of bonds was created. The wedding was not so big, but love declaration on the great day mattered most. A palace was built. Royalty at its peak. Life was different now, each day counted. They had a basis for a successful life, their love. They got very successful, from lowest of ranks to managerial. A good day at work starts very well at home.

After years of a very successful marriage, a misunderstanding happened. In such countries where they lived, a woman had more say than a man, Malikiye, not thinking of necessary consequences, quickly reported him to the police and his passport taken, his movement was limited now, he could not travel back home. Even in the hardest of circumstances, he tried understanding his love. He took the blame to himself. Family, down here, grew impatient, sixteen years of not being home, his father passed away and he did not make it for his last rights. He had only one sister, who on seeing this, tried very hard getting her brother's access back. Moved from one embassy to another, she did make it in the end. She succeeded in getting her brother back home. With all this, came conditions, that he should divorce his wife, his Queen, his life, his Malikiye. It was very tough, how would he start? He never wanted all this. The mother, on her side, insisted on the same. Life was all twists. He would suffer mother's wrath. He jotted down the divorce papers. He could never imagine his Queen's reaction. She never replied. She never got back. Each time he calls it gets disconnected.

My face all sympathetic by now, how I wish I could help, we tried calling using my line, but she disconnected all local calls.

"All I want now, is to hear her voice...not saying much, but calling my name." He said with a shaky tone.

He was suffering from diabetes and kidney disease. This all seemed unbelievable. Love existed beyond the confines of movies and fictional stories. Someone could actually get sick out of love that was. He insisted that their candle would never go off. Not when they both existed in royalty. That the wax it had was ever living, ever burning. Even when Malikiye refuses to pick up, some guiltiness gushes in her sweet soul. It was getting late and quite dangerous for me, I didn't want to leave, I wished I could help. All way through I thought of them, I formulated a plan, I would try and talk to the elder son, and assist his parents through. It was so sad. I fast sounded asleep. I didn't watch sop operas today, that was more of one.

Morning dawned as soon, it was so silent. I gulped my tea hurriedly wanting to set out to the old mans house. The silence was too much. It was worrying. Where was everyone? Even coconut vendors could not be heard. I set out on my mission to be. I must re unite their royalty back. I thought. The small castle was not deserted today. People had crowded here. Everyone was around. He had passed away. My shoulders sagged, my eyes shrinked. I had never been heartbroken. The sight of his cold face made me so low. I could not explain to anyone, it was strange that he explained all this to me in the first place. I could never believe this happened. I was to leave on the following day. My sweet stay down here had to end with such a blue feeling. I don't think I will be back anytime soon. I will live to tell this world class tale.

I pray they re unite, in life after death. Where no one may be a reason for their separation. Their hearts were for each other, they still are, the heart always wants what it wants.

You for She

I inspired today. Inspired a little girl. A little empress. Tommorrows hope. Todays success. The little girl that smiled, from openness and ultimate innocence. She is the lass proud of her society. So proud that a peacock loses shape in her presence. Her smile repairs many broken hearts. It brings peace. A reason for unity.

She lit our hearts and brought smiles to our faces. She raised our esteem, it was through me, but from her, I felt boosted. She had some dash of shyness. Her eyes settled for that. She is not at all compared to drama queens. My little girl is an empress. Her own kind of wisdom is unknown.
I didn't interact with her much, but she made my day, she ignited a new part of me. If I had her for a lifetime, I would have much to live for, much more than enough.

I told her, that in this crude world, she should never expect anything from anyone, the beasts of people were once sinless and golden in character and behaviour. Expectations should never be taken on a hard note, they injure our innocent souls most. It takes a simple personality to pass such small tests easily. It never takes an enemy to betray the other, betrayal is always from a friend. Tough to say, but a spade better be called  a spade. Her friends should matter most, with close proximity, she ought to examine all, no one is to be trusted with delicate and heavy issues, the true ones maybe, but not all.

In our sharing, she whispered that she is hardworking, she loves school, but I made her powerful. Being an empress, she must do the undone and get to heights. She must read, research and do discoveries. No one was born walking, the best did the extra that others left. The best learnt tirelessly. Goal diggers. Its evident, they aren't lucky nor are they supernaturals. They did out of passion to steer to top notches. The success astounded all. As jealous ones whine, others shine. Richness in faith and passion, is what matters most. Wealth is just a measure, a sign to be precise, but she ought to know that if she keeps God first, she'll never be last.

My girl looks tired, lunch awaits I guess, but as we get done I let her know that she is privileged, a beautiful young girl like her somewhere doesn't know what her tomorrow calls, it got her emotional. Gratitude and thanksgiving should be an all time affair. Nothing has more power than appreciating what you have, what someone does for you and the efforts you make to remain the best. It doesn't take a cent nor a shilling. Its a clean mind and a beautiful heart. The beauty that she got from within, the one we cannot see but feel, its the best kind of beauty. A soul thing.

Hopefully, i'll still have my girl to talk to, she gives me the love, the admiration is endless. Someday, my girl will shine. As she shines, I glitter and shout. It all went in sucess.At the end.

The prince has come.

The most cute, handsome, sweet little lad I ever had. His rosy cheeks, very clear eyes and toothless smile. I love him. My prince. The prince that will make me proud in days to come, the one I look on to. From his first cry, I knew a hero had come. Very fragile but all smiled on the grand appearance. My new arrival. My latest of favourites.

He knows he has a Queen. At any time, she would be on its support. Our sleepless nights with my prince are memorable. Such value and such great love between us two. The jealous King wouldnt say much, but he is proud too, isnt he? Its the symbol of us two. Such great happiness when our prince sleeps and smiles with ever admiring angels. Much joy bound, the mix of a soul mate and you. Am not to say, am to thank, am to appreciate that am blessed. My joy is their joy. They are upto my service, anytime, anyday. The small, not really recognized but love based royal family.

Little prince is glad to be the first, probably more coming, our King would assure but he is handsomely the best. His eyes promise of strength. His little heart beats of a never ending kind of hope, the protective stern look to his younger ones is evident, even when its a day old. A good day is definitely seen in the morning, conversely, a beautiful life is seen on day one. Its not promised it will be easy for him, we will be there, the well shaped head, a sign of a good leader and steadfastness in religion. We would quarrel on it, with my King, but who doesnt know that all good qualities are paternal? This stereotype must go to the woods. I say.

The pride of our bricked castle, the light of our kingdom, its name ought to be based on all this. Its not the seventh day, he is just a prince for now. Its all ecstatic. Name suggestions coming in plenty. In deep sleep, the King calls out a name, obsession cannot be defined any better than this. All around eager to see him, am not yet in my castle but I can feel the heat. The neighbours and villagers are my cool, I cant wait to get to my royal home. I would be washed with all kinds of good gifts on the baby shower. They would sing, young girls would plait my hair, amazed by the softness, a sign of a strong prince coming they would tease and giggle all out. Its united us all. The old man who would pass each day break.

"Mama! I got you pawpaws, so our grandson can be rosy and light."

He would say this each and every day he brought the orange and sweet pawpaws, insisting I eat before he lives, then he sings and blows his flute. My prince dances in joy when he was in. He was magical and alas! his pawpaws never let him down. Very rosy and very light his grandson is! Am very eager waiting for the van, so my son can smell the soil at home. I hear all are out and waiting, women singing and chanting. Its a prince, its not any other kind of son. Precisely the first. The nurses here cant get enough of him. All are in the nursery but my prince is amidst hugs and kisses. His time is not ripe. Not even by a minute.

Am waiting for King's convoy. My prince yawns, and its here. We ought to meet everyone. The royal family lets all enjoy. Definitely, three goats are down tonight. The prince has come.

When they said I couldnt.

I do it because I can, I can because I want to, I want to because they said I never will. The road to ultimate success is indeed winding and very long. It takes a strong heart, a hard brain and a soft conscious. We all want to be successful. The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people said you can never do. Prove them wrong. They will for sure hate you for that, but the clear satisfaction you get after doing what no one ever thought you would do defines it all.

We live in a world where few are happy for ones success, yet many encourage vices. The "mama G" homes are on the rise with very few girl power empowerment teams. Streets at night full of cute misinformed ladies, like dont we see this? Young men on the other hand, drug use hitting them to the tooth, expertise in theft and sexual violence. It saddens. The power of the pen and the book is needed in our society today, I believe minds are open to more when in schools and learning institutions. Socialization moves us that far. The big difference that can be seen from an illiterate compared from the literate is wanting. At times, its not that they dont want to study, but the society's upkeep, poor performance should not at all be the end of the world. Its just a mistake, yet most of us regard them as failures or rather,  academic dwarfs which is very wrong. Its not at all the end of the world when we bottom the class. The Kenyan secular system is a big headache when it comes to ranking. More concern and attention given to those who do well, with little in mind that maybe they are dwarfs in such but giants in other fields. You cannot miss everything. Not at all.

Recognition of young talents at initial levels would save us alot. Most of those who have made it big have done it so out of passion and out of utmost goodwill, the likes of Julius Yego, a record throw worth appreciating. The role the teachers play is not to be forgotten, though it should not at all be left on them, parent's need to examine their kids at a very tender age. Talent realized at young age and nurtured to old age grooms kings out of common men.

We have not lost it till we say its lost. Change is gradual, its never at once. It starts with us. It is time.

When two leaders smile.

Two leaders smile. Crowds applaud. Followers laugh. The ones detesting their ruling not kept in mind at this time. As these two leaders curve their faces, alot goes in their minds, despite their political responsibilities but also the position their fathers would be proud of. They lived to live the role. In their hope to be the exact replica of the latter, they strive in hope, do all the best, so the common mwananchi gets the satisfaction they always needed. Under the same umbrella, is the same opposition that existed before. Politics then and now has a hair strand difference. Maybe the rise of social media platforms, people opening eyes to civic education and such.

The small country has changed alot, much atrocities at hand, but hope is seen when two leaders bind. When two leaders eyes glitter in peace, we are obliged to follow. I mean leaders not bosses we got here. Those who would walk in streets and also try to wash away the most permanent of problems. A vote not wasted one would think. The straight link they have created between the people and their leadership is very efficient for their governance. The direct assistance from their own pockets, open hearted they ought to be.

The addressed problems plus devolution has entirely boosted our state, accountability of funds open and questionable sources intact. Many suspended without fear or favour. Many lost their seats and others who survived are on the look. "Tuko macho" is all they should know. The war on corruption by our very own "deputy president". The pangs of a bad leader hit the nation down. Alot goes on taxes yet few work to ensure taxpayers money never goes to waste, while others, the mad men actually advocate for taxpayers loss.

Leaders become great, not because of their power but because of their ability to empower others. Am on the scale. Am on the take. If am to stand for leadership, I will, good examples I will emulate and good practices all underway. The smile the leaders smile, should be transpiring to all. We all cant be contented but atleast there is a difference. Its never about the role. Its always about the goal.

The never ending storge

The King. The Lion. The greatest hero. He is wonderfully made, the kind that all and sundry wish for. I got that, am lucky arent I? The many things he has done all the times, he really cares. The kind acts, the presence, the love and the everlasting support he gives me cannot be explained. I would, maybe describe with the finest words from Oxford Advanced Dictionary, but words will never be enough.

As helpless as I was, in the early days of the past twenty years, he held me high, boasted around for the baby girl, his pride, showered all good gifts and a great name of his own, his mother. It indeed takes a special person to be a dad, all can be fathers! Even though I may not say I appreciate all that he does,richly blessed is how I feel having a father just like him. He means the world to me, only a heart as dear as his, will give so unselfishly. The father I got, is an angel admist fathers, heaven sent.

His storge is pure and true, I pray that God always blesses the things he does. I understand his ways, am obliged to follow. Obedience is what I pay, though I find it very hollow. I got to pay him something solid, but I dont think it may pay all he has done. He likes it when we all study, a bright future he wants for us. I can see it in his eyes when I pass, the energy can be felt of his pride. I will never get tired of making my dad proud. His support never goes to waste, he stands tall when we do something great. A slight service to the community as the society is family. I get him very well. His generosity is another, open hearted and kind and I guess thats where his famosity came from.

He doesnt own palaces nor does he own fleets, but it takes a kind heart to give, not wealth. Kindness is the new intelligence he says. And yeah, very true. I learn alot from him. The morals he was taught never went to waste. Time after time, and here we are!

The thunderous voice you hear when you do wrong, following the leather belt. Its painful if am to say, but if it costs good behaviour, then let it be. He is very strict. The protection I get as a daughter is wholesome. Curfews intact and times kept. He got principles, and what he says is word! When a lion roares, all remain silent.

I cant utter a million thanks, they will never be enough, but I LOVE you so much DAD. The best gift I ever had. Praying for good health for you, all what is of good shall come to you, nothing except good for my first love, My Father.

Tribute to a friend.

Her big beateous eyes
With brightness at sight
Such passionate warmth in them
That makes instant love.

There is magic in them
That you cant resist piercing into
The wideness is so noticed
That you get lost within.

Her sweetness and beauty
Can all be potrayed
The fire in it
Consumes and finishes you to ashes.

They are just eyes
Small and move alot
So what of the whole her?
Lets go with the flow.

Her calm valour is so fine
All men wonder, "When will she be mine?"
Hope she gets her type
Though difficult to find
The emperor is waiting for the right time.

The wide smile and glittery lips
The soft touch and rosy cheeks
Uh la la!
Was she made at dawn?

Am lucky as an ally
But not as lucky as her babies
Genes on point if am to say
Pretty could be her name, but she got a better one.

Her beauty is not only in eyes and looks
Largely extends to her great personality
Open hearted and kind
If she is not a gewel, she is a gem.

They say a lady is beauty and brains
Sharp and resolute features her most
A staunch economist if am to say
She got the all. RIO.

Life got its ways, hearts got its aches.

Align yourself with people you can learn from, people who want more out of life, people who are stretching and searching and seeking some higher ground in life. Those are the people to surround yourself with, your achetes, your confidants and ever supportive companions. Achieving mindfulness during your daily activities will reveal great rewards, even in the mundane of tasks. To go through these, company gives it the all, precisely, nice company. Just a nice one. You dont need an excellent one, we all got flaws and imperfections, we are all prone to do wrong and be on the wrong but highest form of humanity gets to those who wrong and go back with some thirst to be forgiven. Those are the kind of people who achieve greatness from simplicity, who become role models from small touchy actions they do. The idols we admire.

Of the treasured days, are those spent well, spent with caution that everyone hurts as you do, all got a flesh heart as yours, none is made of stone neither are they made of metal. Their hearts beat the normal as yours beat. No one misses a systole. Yet we still find it normal to hurt others, take advantage of others and be careless of our actions yet at the immediate back of our minds, we know what we did was wrong. Of strong advantage taken that the devil pushed us. The devil did it all. I did not want things this way, all happened but not under my will. How I wish I would see the devil myself. The hunter would have been the hunted. But does he even exist? Is he literal? Or that is a gateaway to get us through our misdeeds. The most ugly of persons are ourselves. The ones full of pride, full of hatred and hurt to the others. We never consider what others may be feeling, even after much sacrifice to us. Some of who may jump oceans for us, love us, be there on all seasons for support and backup. But does it matter to us? These are the ones we hurt most. The closest ones. Relationships break, divorces happen, times change, we still remain who we are. What goes around comes around, and as it gets back to us, we actually forget what we had done to others. Then now its not the devil to be blamed, its bad luck or rather tough luck. It always sucks to be us if this is what we go through, the viscious circle will never end. Its started I guess.

Do for others what you would like others to do for you. Dont make someone feel less than human on times they need you the most. Forgive and seek to be forgiven. No one came with a manual. We all learn through mistakes, through peoples mistakes and how they can be corrected. The best of us forgives, loves, lives and keeps less of pride and more of goodwill. He will never go wrong.

Tormented, as a Kenyan.

The lecturer terminated the class in a euphoric mood. It was on a Friday late evening where we all gladly left for home from class as others quenched their throats on the so-called members day. I walked briskly to the bus stage, on my way, I  bought myself the 130 kenya shillings ugali, fish and sukuma. That was so expensive I would think yet the cheapest from the menu, gobbled it down greedily, like I had not eaten for that whole week. I got myself a matatu and sat on one of the front seats. It was as old as the matatu age. You would hear metal sound as it moved. It was not that I could not get myself into a cozy one, but the fact that the matatu conductor offered me a fifteen-shilling discount  boosted it all. That would buy me a mosquito coil and a packet of tea leaves for the next day. Off we went, with some slight taste of reggae music that kept passengers entertained and could quite forget about the status of the matatu. I enjoyed it too, why lie?

As we were close to the roadblock where the police would check for passenger excesses, insurance stickers and if the driver had a license, I heard the two (driver and the conductor) conversing in vernacular.

  "Wekelea hio pesa."
  "Niko na soo leta finje tupeane!"

So the driver gave the conductor a fifty shilling note which was to be handed over to the police. This was confusing, there was no excess, there was an empty seat infact. The drivers license lied on the dashboard and the insurance sticker was as new and as blue like it was just kept. We were still in a queue of other matatus going through the same. I found this hectic and tiresome. The most we all wanted was to get home after a very long day. Our turn came, the tipsy police came over with his torch, never bothered to inspect on what the roadblock was kept for. Took the conductor down. I didnt figure out what they tried to talk about all I heard was.."..afande asante!" As he gave him the fifty shillings note. I couldnt explain my feeling. Could be confusion, disgust or also anger. I couldnt stop myself from asking why they had to pay yet all was right and set.

"Nchi ni yao na viongozi, common mwananchi nitaumia kila siku." The desperate driver replied in a very low tone, signaling fear just in case anyone might hear him. This was just sad. This was the end of a great nation. As we were discussing on such, one illiterate, ugly old crone who has never stepped in a secular class nor does she know what goes on in her country shouted at the top of her voice.

"Amani kama hii nchini Kenya, we wouldnt ask for more, let Burundi burn themselves to ashes."

I found that irrelevant, like would you miss a thing to say. Am personally proud of Burundi citizens, doing what is patriotic for them to do. Such greedy African leaders must be rooted out of power. Our nations are nothing but dictatorial regimes dressed up in "democracy". Yes, democracy must be in quotes. It will remain desirable in Africa, moreso in Kenya for as long as dictators remain in power. Yet to her that is peace (amani). She's damned if thats what she knows. Poor her!

The common mwananchi cries alot, yet he owns the nation. Crying in your own home? Even inhuman wouldnt describe it best. Large chunks of tax are cut off from our salaries. The Pay As You Earn 30% tax cut is too much. Where does all this money go to? It has reached an extent we also got to pay in roadblocks for a simple matatu check. Am not proud. Never been, and if I get proud, all my endless problems must have been done away with. All is costly, nothing favours the poor. No aid from the government. At once I wished I was a Burundi Citizen, asmuch as they may be protesting for the presidents step down, most of their protests are about the bad governance. They wouldnt just say it, but would anyone root a good leader out?

I remember a time when I assisted a friend with her 6 months baby to one of the government hospitals in the Coast, it was critically ill. As we called on the nurses each seemed busy chatting and giggling. They said the doctor had not arrived. The worry that was on my friends face would clearly be noticed. She would repeatedly say...."If I would have been paid in time, I would have gone to a private hospital."
She was a teacher in one of the government secondary schools and had not been paid for six months in a row. The rude nurses would laugh at her each time she asked if the doctor was coming over.

"Hehehehe madam! You cant wait? We told you he'll be here. Kua mpole!" And she would slam the door.

Each time I looked at the toddler, goosebumps ran all over my body, but I tried to keep strong. It was all weak. Its lower lip shaking so fast as it wheezed, craving for air. Its temperature was very high. There was no hope! We still tried to be patient. A lady close to us offered us breakfast. We could not eat. Things were getting worse. The baby shivered continously. My heart was in my mouth. God help us! It grew cold, the shaking lip stopped and it felt slightly heavier. It was gone. Life slipped out of her mouth like it was some other thing. Sad, isnt it? The mother still calling out the babies name. That was when the nurses rushed it in. To our knowledge the doctor was in the office the whole time. This was just sad. I couldnt do anything. I felt useless. I felt weak. The feeling one gets when you lose it all. Am not Kenyan. If this is being Kenyan then I'd call myself a refugee. In my own dead country. It doesnt live in my eyes. It never did. Maybe it should have lived during the independent stage just after the whites were driven away. Those were leaders. The leaders we see in books. Its like they never existed in real life.

The government has failed us, they all have. None has been of good. Loans are incurred from outside, we get grants and the taxpayers money. Where does all this go to? To fill up bellies while we cry in agony over no water, we always in  blackout, poor health facilities, the free education which is not free at all if even one pays for exam fee. The list is endless. The budget is read yet a very unrealistic kind of budget. Large chunks of money allocated to small projects which are also unfulfilled.

The anguish I get as a Kenyan cannot be explained. I feel it even from the one shilling value added tax I pay from the shop. Sovereignty lies on the people, but we have lost it, indeed we have. If there is a messiah that will save us from all this, may he come! This hopeless state needs him the most. Dictators dont have to be Hitler, assess our leaders, worse than Hitler can be seen in them. They just hold and play the humble card. Sycophants shout and their work is done. Gets a second term in office by force and history repeats itself. Lest we get careful and our eyes open up to the truth, we will forever be refugees in our own country.

MOMBASA

The rare city, with rare vibes and peculiar people with endless generosity, utmost openness and lovely company. Second largest city in Mother Kenya and one of the entire best in Africa. From its M landmark of ivories denoting Mombasa, It preserves heritage. The heart of Mombasa. Beside is a cool, well taken care of kind of garden where all relax on the cement benches, being kept company by the melodious birds and the fine wind, not forgeting the grand TSS mosque close to it, not only is it a place of worship but beautifies the place too. The muadhini that calls people to prayer blending it all up during the late evening prayer that dusk has started on a whole great level. Top of it all, the beautiful sunset as viewed from one of the most tallest buildings around. So beautiful. The tall buildings that give it a city look,very well arranged, world class type of architects we got here. The clean tarmacked roads, well priced supermarkets and friendly street vendors selling cashew nuts, simsim treats to both local and international tourists  giving them the Coast taste type of snacks.The cuisine is of its own kind, Mombasa food, best one would ever wish for, most in coconut paste cooked with kind love and expertise.The Post Office, though almost functionless never misses people to assist you with your posting on those rare seasons when nothing but posting a card and a gift satisfies it all. Behind is a chain of snack shops, mobile phone service shops, small scale hotels and chemists too, a business kind of place. Then I wonder, on some baseless stereotype, that people from Coast are lazy? Have you all seen this? Still on the street down to the magnificent fort, Fort Jesus which explains the pre colonial era and portugese invasion in the country. They were defeated finally by the Omani Arabs which took over the fort and conquered Mombasa with trade, lived with the people around, inter married and also brought a culture blend to those who lived around. How blessed Mombasa is. The portugese didnt just come for war, but brought good too, in terms of material benefit and other benefits such as enriching the Kiswahili language too. Such words as mvinyo in Kiswahili were borrowed from the Portugese. The cannons outside the fort look so good to the eye now that they are used as tourist attraction. From the fort, is the mighty old town, its never changed, still the same since colonial era. Some slight infrastructure here and there to give it some modern look but it still looks as splendid as it was in the old golden days. The well carved and decorated doors. The small spaces between houses and the strong knit type of neighbourhood. Only found in Mombasa, where else? Through from the old town you get to the market. Some other type of business takes place here. All working to their last sweat of the day to make their daily bread a success. Wholesale shops which sell on very great and awesome deals. Friendly shopkeepers. Further in the big market there is also a cloth market. Fair prices are found here. Most swahili shops are around the market area. With the smell of oud attracting all kind of customers in their shops. Further are the magnificent jewellery shops, people here are royals, they wear nothing but gold. Not only the normal kind of gold but well refined type of gold, for any kind of occassion, the gold here stands among all. From the market, the tuktuk ferries you off to mama ngina drive. Its not a park neither is it a forest but an open kind of relaxing place for all. As free as Mombasa is, not money oriented, anyone is free to walk in and out of the place anytime of the day. Not forgetting those who sell kachiri and madafu to quench your thirst after a long day, while watching the ship sail around the small lighthouses that guide the talented captains from the famous nautics college still in Mombasa. The ferry is another, with precision ferrying passengers to and fro the town to the south part of Mombasa, where world class hotels are a major attraction. The sandy beaches, the likes of shelly. The north part is not to be forgotten, from Bamburi all the way to the most humble correctionals around. Bombolulu famously known for its culture practise and carpentars who know it best.
Haller Park, natures best, to see what nature offers and protection of wild animals. The large forest from haller park all the way to the other forest, Butterfly Pavilion. Nature trail cant be as any better as this. Behind is the grand of grand firms in Kenya, The Bamburi Cement, in a very quiet and eco friendly environment. Lafarge ecosystems. To the North Coast, the public beach, for anyone, everyone. More from the sandy beach hotels, Whitesands, Bamburi beach and many many more, not forgetting Serena with its unique kind of sauna and my personal best Flamingo beach hotel. The diversity in the county is worth noting, different types of religion evident by religious places of worship, the big churches and crusades, the mosques, the beautiful temples and a synagogue. The tribes around, it is never based on one tribe, all are represented in Mombasa. The education level and schooling is also worth a note. All from Primary to secondary schools with spectacular results and campuses that have been on the rise in towns. On the shopping, the luxurious 21st Century City Mall and an important hanging point for friends, for a chit chat and coffee, the kids area on weekends. The mamba village, worlds most finest crocodiles and a lunar park for kids too. A priviledge being around. The annual cultural show in Mombasa is a never miss, all is show cased from cultures, cuisines, arts, competition and our heritage. Thanks to the county government. Mombasa, a county never to miss in a life's visit, all thats unique to the eye and all that pleases the heart. The fair prices, good hospitality and the serene environment that favours all.

THE BEST OF LOVE

If you arent feeling the love in what you are doing, you wouldnt create what you want. Shift gears, find a new beat and dance with it thats where the magic happens. The best love is from what we do, what we get from what we do and the appreciation that people give out of the love you spread. Never get tired in doing what is best. Thats the initial form of inspiration to the world and to yourself. Not everyone will approve or acknowledge what you do, critics are there, its upon us to take the criticisms as energy that ought to steer us forward in getting things done. Strange? that you can get through successfully with people's negativity. You are the frost to your cupcake. Every life has a purpose. We need to go off the past. Live in the present. Do not waste your time today worrying about what will happen tommorrow. Embrace your true spirit, embrace and listen to grace and you be transformed in the moment. Do not fixate on what you want but give thanks to what you have. Thats love. Love that gives you a reason to step out of bed, sing in the shower, eat like its your last meal irrespective of where its served and beautifully walk out of the house heads high on the daily mission on what you do best. It does not matter the wage you earn compared to the work you do as long as you enjoy what you do, thats the best of love. Whatever life gives you or life gets you at, do it best, a friend who is also one of the countries best toilet cleaner gets her inspiration from scrapping maggots off the corners of the washrooms, she works tirelessly like the maggots themselves, that asmuch as she tries pouring the most dangerous detergents and acids on them, they'll still find another place to breed on. They never get tired of being moved out. Someone gets inspired by maggots, the pettiest of insects do it best, this should be the eighth wonder of the world If am to say. All is well when its positive, in all you do, do it best, like you will never get a chance to do it again.  Its not promised we will live forever. The little time we have is a cruise round the daily routine, make a one time moment and have unending memories out of the peculiar smalls. Be kind, astonish the mean world with your acts of kindness. Continue to allow humour to lighten the burden of your tender heart. You will never go wrong.

THE BEST IN US.

I am a candle that lights up at my brightest. But slowly you see me melt, you see me die, but you dont put the fire off. You let me burn because you thought it was beautiful..to watch me die. And I might have gone, the lone candle that was left melt in awe. It was probably my best shot as the only sweet smelling and bright candle in the market. You not only remembered me in darkness but also burnt me down. Am gone..gone forever. Probably you will get the same but not with the same finish. I was wonderfully made. And glowed with success till the last glow. I illuminated the room like a sharp idea in a geniuses mind. Geniuses who make it high up in life. Not necessarily through their secular success but experiences and also self belief. Not everyone stepped in an educational set up but they did superbly well in their lives. Life experiences and trials educate us much...more than the tycoons kids who get dropped each glorious morning from their benzes to world class schools. Apart from the books that teach them history and the current world, they actually dont know how the world is out there...how angels can be beasts and beasts as angels..it all depends on how you define the two anyway. The small girl on the street close to the sewage smelling gutter selling plantains knows more than a teenage young man in his late twenties. She atleast appreciates that from the money she gets she toils and attends afternoon classes..nice blend I would think. As lucky as she is, she already knows what life is all about and still emerges best in class. The teachers and trainers never associated themselves with her..what would they get from her and her parents anyway. Bitter, isnt it? Not to my surprise she performs best in her finals and all leading firms are on their toes with their bestdeal scholarships. Her future is made. She is the type who will actually build orphanages and training centres at an affordable fee for everyone in the society. Her experiences must have taught her alot. While the benz young man thinks of getting a silver ring for her temporary young girlfriend, she creates projects and initiatives for fellow youth. She is the type our society needs. Some people are just misinformed, they watch American hiphop, movies, songs and dances and before we know it they start sagging pants, daydreaming and acting like one. They forget that the American you saw is not a real American. The real American boy and girl works day and night to make sure America remains the superpower. Yet you there yapping about premier league, political sides and tribal sides. Really??? Thats the much we can do to build our society. Our fathers failed us..why not us? Its high time we all wake up to reality. Its not about your individual self, at the end of the day your society still stands a chance. We are all same..our thinking and attitude towards life should not differentiate us. Change starts with us. The countrys success starts from individuals success. Leave a legacy that you will be remembered for. We cannot all get nobels but we can still award them to ourselves, that at last you did something worth the sweat. Its not too late..though the school structure helps alot but our socialization is key to our transformation. Like a smile, best of characters are an epidemic and bad ones too..Make the best out of the choices you make!

PUSHING AN EXTRA MILE

Life will get much better when you stop caring about what everyone thinks, and start to actually living for yourself. Its on the realization that we all for ourselves. Maybe the care at some point in time but its not worthwhile. I believe in self worth, self trust and self motivation. I am the boss of me. I abort a mission when I dont find good in it. I take something on a serious stand when it actually got benefits on me. Thats ME! Its never an easy road pushing through influential peers and friends and at times relatives. I feel good in myself. I feel Queenish. Too good I dont have a twin. Its awesome living by yourself. No man is an island....I agree but to what extent will you live by that..Make your own metropolis out of the small that you have. I like people with big dreams. They atleast know how life would take them upto. A good friend once thought of having a cruise round the world, being the best gynecologist around and also cook a meal that would be her inspiration to the world. I like her. Life might be crude and cruel..so true but it doesnt mean the storms we go through should hit us down or rip us into pieces, rather, get stronger and refurbished. She also thinks of herself as the best daughter her parents ever had. Everyone thinks they are best..but to what extent are your thoughts taking you? When she has a cup of tea..black tea I mean..she thinks..that as much as she has big plans for her future what if she doesnt make it. What if the angel of death takes her soul in eternal peace..but in that, she also thinks of the good. What if she goes to Jannah? So she puts happiness in its place. Though there have been challenges in her life as old as she is, she got out of them with alot of strength. The strength to face them and the strength to actually say that Alas! That was an icebergs tip. Yet it could take the rest of us so down n low. I like it when she was my personal inspiration. Do everything as you are doing it last. Dance to the tunes as the music ends. The melody will live forever. Unique she is not only by her name but her face and character. "Emulataeble"....