A tribute to the victims of Nairobi Mall Attack

For the past few days, I have been following up with the sad news of the attacks in one of the malls in Nairobi, Kenya. A gang of ten plus men entered the mall on a busy Saturday morning and started shooting at innocent people who included children and taking dozens of others hostage. Up to today morning, there were news that some of the hostages were still held inside the building.Can you imagine being held by attackers for upto three days straight without food, water, and basic toilet facilities? And you cant ask for them since the attackers main aim is to shoot and kill? So you have to hide in a cabinet, room or toilet for the days held without speaking or calling for help.

I cannot help comprehend what the families and the country is going through. The horrifying pictures that were being shown on the screens and the internet were so gruesome. There was blood everywhere. It looked like a horror movie. Why would anyone in their right minds kill people aimlessly just because they were ordered to? The terror going on in the world at the moment in too much.

I have traveled to Kenya last year during our honeymoon and had fallen in love with the country. The citizens were really friendly and made us feel welcomed right from the first day. I had vowed to return there and enjoy the amazing weather, wildlife and the white sandy beaches. The capital city, Nairobi, was well developed and would pass as any other city in the world with its skyline of buildings and shopping center.

According to some news outlet, the terrorists who attacked the mall come from different countries and were led by a woman of British descent. Their mission was apparently to revenge the war the Kenyan government had declared on their Al-Shabaab counterparts in Somalia. Truth be told, these guys are cold blooded criminals. Who in their right minds goes on to kill kids?

Today, am dedicating this blog to all the heroes who kept vigil in Kenya to help the victims. May God comfort all the families that have lost a loved one or a friend. May the country continue to have hope for the future, Amen.  

Talk with mother-in-law

 Why is it that most aunties and old people insist on asking someone on the issue of kids? I can’t remember the number of times I was asked that question that Saturday at Fred’s cousin’s place.

“When are we going to expect grandkids?”

“When are you planning to start a family?”

Damn! Those questions really bother me. Can they just leave someone to it and mind their own business?

We spent the whole day there and unexpectedly, we spent the night there too. The men had drunk themselves silly and there was no way he could drive us back. We were not prepared to spend there but Fred’s mum really insisted especially on the issue of safety. As the men continued to drink themselves silly, I went inside the house and sat alone in the lounge area. Fred’s mum noticed how uncomfortable I was since I didn’t have clothes to change into and she ordered some clothes to be brought in my size from a store nearby so that I could wear the following day.  I talked to her after some of the guests had left and we had the house to ourselves. She asked me how I was doing. I guessed she wanted to find out if I had recovered from the operation that I had. She offered her assistance to us incase we needed any help getting to any doctor in the country to help us in the reproductive issue.

I was a bit shy talking to her about the matter but she made me feel so comfortable so I raised my fears. I was afraid I wouldn’t give birth or be woman enough for her son. It scared me! When I finished talking, I looked at her and noticed she was crying quietly. I didn’t know what to do so I sat there until she was through sobbing.

She held my hand so tight and she started telling me on how I shouldn’t give up so quickly on starting a family. Most people have issues on getting kids but I should be patient and wait for it to come through God’s grace.  She also told me on how she struggled for a while before she got her first born. She had trouble conceiving and despite going to different doctors for help, she got her wish when she was least expecting it.  

She said all this smiling and I could see the joy in her heart.

“I’ll give you contacts of the best doctor in the country so that he could check you out and rule out any issue.”  She said.

“Thank you.” I said.                                                                

Saturday trip

The coming Saturday, we were on our way to Fred’s cousin place on the other side of town. Actually it was out of town since we had to drive for almost an hour. They were having a get together for all the family members and I was to be there. No talking out of it. I was so nervous about the whole meeting with the inlaws but Fred convinced me to tag along.

I wore a yellow cotton dress that reached to my knees. It was perfect for the hot weather and also try to impress the family. Fred was in his casual self by wearing a white t-shirt and dark blue jeans. He drove us to his cousin’s place. The drive offered a great view of the valleys that I had always heard about.

By eleven thirty, we reached our destination. As we approached the house, I noticed that the whole of this family had come out to enjoy themselves. Children were running around with most adults seated across the compound engaging to each other.

“Are we the last ones to arrive?” I asked aloud.

“Nah, I don’t think so. There will always be last minute ones.” Fred answered as we got out of the car.

Most guys came over and greeted us as we walked over to join them. I remember seeing them at the wedding but couldn’t remember their names. The introductions went on for quite some time and I was really getting tired of it. Fred’s dad and mum came and received me and directed me to a place to sit. I felt relieved. My mother in law then served me a glass of cold apple juice.  The dad asked if I was doing okay and I answered yes. I told them a bit of how my job was and he seemed impressed.

Fred joined me later with a big glass of beer.  By then, his cousins had joined me and started chatting. It was really interesting. They were talking on how it was when they were growing up, all naughty! They have been having these parties every year at a different place even at a hotel.

I looked around the compound and several activities were taking place. They had hired caterers who were preparing food and barbeque the meat. They were at one corner of the compound. The kids were on the swings which were on the lawn. The house itself was really beautiful having the design of ancient houses but with a twist. Its grey colors gave it a story behind it.

Two caterers came over our table and served us the barbequed meat. We had this accompanied with the food they had prepared. Our glasses were filled with whichever drink we were having from beer to fruit juices. This afternoon really unfolded well. It was nice to catch up with my ‘other’ family.

Pilau anyone?

Back in the office, the work load was from hell! The files that I had to do since my head of department was not in including handling the staff since Mrs. Wright was not in. After working to almost 3.30pm, I was so tired I went online.

I have never been a fan of purchasing stuff online. I have managed to buy a couple of stuff over the years but have not yet been trustful to the whole dimension. Have you guys tried it? Any issues that came up while you are transacting?

Today, I checked out a site that was selling women stuff. The handbags are really nice, from designer to street value bags. Next, I checked out the dresses category and there were a selection of clothes from size six to sixteen. At least they catered for the everyday woman. I was not attracted to any of the clothes so I moved on to the accessory category.  Rings, hair accessories, bangles, necklaces and other stuff were shown. They were all beautiful but I opted out. I didn’t purchase anything but rather go to the stores myself and buy it.

I read some celebrity news, and then read the papers from all over the world. Damn, it was really depressing. It was all about the floods in China, the fighting in Egypt, the Boston terrorism case that was to start in America etc. It’s really sad that this is all happening!

I was getting bored so I left the office thirty minutes early and passed by the market on the way home. I bought some cooking stuff then went home. I was really anxious to try out a new recipe that I had just downloaded from the net. It was some kind of rice called ‘Pilau’. If you can remember, when we went for honeymoon to Kenya, I fell in love with the Kenyan delicacy. It is rice but cooked with some kind of spices and meat. It was really nice. It brings out a nice aroma to the food that you would indulge in more of that.

Mmmhhh.. thanks to the spices, the whole house was really smelling nice. Although it did not look like the one we were served on the Indian Ocean beach, I had really tried. You guys should try this at home. Just go to Google and type Pilau recipe. You will get different methods of cooking depending if you are cooking with either beef or chicken. It’s good to try out different types of cooking rather than sticking to the ones we are used to, right?

When Fred came in later in the night, I served him and waited to see if he could remember when we had it. I served the rice on a rather flat plate, with some meat stew on the side. The brownish color of the rice really looked good. He looked curiously at the food before having a bite. He chewed then swallowed.

He looked at me then asked. “Where did you buy this?”

“I cooked.”

“No you didn’t.” he said.

“I really did cook it.” I replied trying to convince him.

“Where did you get the recipe from because you haven’t flown all the way to East Africa to get it?”

“I goggled.”                                                                

“Oh that! I should have guessed. It’s really delicious baby.”

“Thanks. I thought I should surprise you today.”

“You did…maybe we should go back to Kenya soon.”

Lunch

“Let’s do lunch at Jo’s.” Fred suggested. “It has been a while.”

“Okay.” I responded. “I need a change anyways.”

We left the office and went downtown to the famous joint. Jo’s is a small establishment located in the heart of the city that serves beverages and home cooked meal. It was started in the middle 90’s by a couple who wanted a change in food presentation. Despite the changes in technology, political atmosphere, economy challenges and tastes, the joint has maintained itself as the go to zone if you want a good cooked meal.

We walked in and found the place really busy but managed to get a seat on one corner of the restaurant. The orders were taken and we waited a bit before we were brought the chicken stew and rice. Yum yum! It had been a while since I had good food like this. Fred seemed to be enjoying his meal too since he finished his plate in minutes before starting to scope on my mine! This really reminded me of our earlier dates with Fred. We used to explore new places and have dinner together.

Later on, we walked to the office slowly. We still had time before two o’clock and besides the boss was not coming back. As we took the last corner to the street that housed our office, we met with Mike carrying a bouquet of yellow roses. It was a pleasant surprise.

“What’s up dude? What are you doing this sides?” Fred asked him while giving him the boy hug.

“What’s up!” he responded then turned back to me. “Hi Kate.”

“We are good.”                           

“I was just from the flower shop down the street. Thought I should get these flowers for Ann.” Mike said.

“”Aaawww….” I started.

“Stop it Kate.” He said cutting me short.

We bust out laughing.

“She would really like them. It would be a nice surprise for her.” Fred said.

“Yea, thought so too.” Mike added. “So where are you guys from?”

“We went to Jo’s for lunch. It’s when we are heading back to work.”

“Okay then, I’ll leave you to head back. In the meantime, let me go check my family.” He said with a delight on his face.

“Say hi to them all.” Fred said. “Talk later.”

Office Meeting

It’s about 6.30 in the morning when I receive a text. I check it up and notice it’s my boss, Mrs. Wright. I quickly open it and see what is written.

                “Please come to the office by 7.30am. We have an early meeting. Be Punctual.”

I gasp! Which meeting is this that was set up and I didn’t know about it? I quickly dress up; have cereals then kiss Fred before driving to the office. There was no traffic. Seems it was a good time to get out of the house.

When I arrive in the office, I walk to the boardroom but get the room already full. At the center of the room, Mrs. Wright was seated on the middle of the table surrounded by the board members. On the left side of the room, there were chairs that were set up that other head of the departments that had sat on.  I quietly walk over and sit beside them. I remove my notepad and have my hand ready.

After about two or so hours, we emerge from the room tired. Tea and some snacks had been served near the entrance but I was a bit tired to take it at that time. The impromptu meeting was about the new upgrading system that was supposed to take effect immediately after complains of fraud emerging in the market. It would secure the company and make work even faster. We, the head of departments, were informed of this as it would affect our work at one point or the other.

I went to my desk and organized my desk. I later called the extension to Fred’s desk to check up on him.

“Hey, sorry for speeding out of the house in the morning.” I asked.

“Yea, what was that all about?” he asked.

“I was called to come attend a meeting in the office on upgrading the system.”

“Oh, so you done with it?”

“Just finished it.” I said. “I want to go have the tea and snacks that were handed out.”

“Cool, talk to you later. Can we catch up during lunch hour?”

“Definitely.” I responded.