Sikiliza

D riving away from the madding crowds of Nairobi is always a pleasant prospect. Away from traffic snarl ups, smog and the usual city’s bustle, it’s heartening to leave and breathe fresh country air for a change. I was meeting with 37 year old David Kinjah whose reputation in the Kenyan cycling circles preceded him. Our destination was just past Kikuyu town. As we drove to his place we got hopelessly lost so I turned to a bunch of boda boda riders asking (and hoping) if they know Kinjah… they all did. One of them, Kahiga offered to ride ahead of us and direct us to his house for 50 bob. "Last minute checks" Kinjah made his international race cycling debut in 1995 and has represented Kenya in the last 3 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpar Malaysia in 1998, Manchester in the UK in 2002 and in Melbourne Australia in 2006 despite several hurdles along the way. He is well known in the annual Cape Epic race held in South Africa and his cycling career has taken him to several cou...

I was surprised to see an article in a local newspaper an article by Binyavanga Wainaina which I had earlier posted on Mail & Guardian . Now it turns out that the said article was cut and pasted by the newspaper. Here is Binyavanga's response to Nairobi Star's CEO's letter: http://www.binyavangawainaina.org/main/2009/07/15/copyright-infringement-nairobi-star-open-letter-to-william-pike/ I came across Binyavanga’s post along with the ridiculous excuse the newspaper gave...they figured since it was "freely available since it was posted on the internet." It brings to play how so we so blatantly abuse copyright law. I believe in Name and Shame!!! ~Sikiliza~

~Mum and I~ Dear Mum 9 years ago today you left me at 10am. That day you also left some gifts because the day didn’t end without a miracle happening in our lives. When Jim told me you had rested that evening – I was so sad – I had hoped to come to hospital and read to you my new contract the same time you breathed your last. I remember the evening before when I sat and combed your hair plaiting it into neat matutas – the doctor said that even with the coma you could hear us. At that time I told you just how much you meant to me…..the thought of you suffering filled my heart with pain and I would have done anything to make you better. I think that you are now in a much better place…where there is no pain or affliction. I was the last one you spoke to before your coma – and the last words you shared with me remain in my heart. Mum you were so amazing, so beautiful and such a gift. I am so honored to be your baby…and ever so thankful you were in my life…I know you were on bor...