Sikiliza

I was having a conversation with a friend on our personal and collective ideas around belief, religion, and traditions. Reflecting back, I marvel how much we humans are so preoccupied by the way we do things, how and why, and for who and for what?! It is as though these thoughts really take a large proportion of our time and preoccupation. Well, for me at least and perhaps more than I would care to admit… And so today, I am pondering about my ideas, around my sense of purpose and the things I think that I am meant to achieve in this life. As I dwell on this and draw a quote from a rather famous Kenyan Oscar winner who said, “.. our dreams are valid.” I am curious to know how much of what we hope and dream for can weave into every day talk of our life’s purpose and ambitions.  To read the full story click on:  http://standbyme.rnw.org/content/my-fight-is-my-dream/

The following is a talk I had on 31st July 2014 in Amsterdam Netherlands. I Melissa Muthoni’s on choices in Kenya Melissa 'Celebrate Freedom Summit 2014' Credit RNW/Michiel Bles

Its been rather quiet from my end. I felt the stillness as I searched for words that articulated my thoughts and many times drew a blank...and so I was left with no choice but to take my time and wait.... Silence can be helpful. Its very humbling too if you are the kind of person who thinks they have a lot to say. It forces one to calm down after a frantic fretfulness feeling helpless at the mute sounds of my voice. All in all, I am glad I went through that, it allowed me to declutter and remove my head from my self absorbed clouds. And so...I take in a deep breath and say hello world... Its so good to be reacquainted... And now, Sikiliza seeks to speak ... Peace

A few years back, I came across a typical post on an LGB page about a new emerging group in North Eastern Kenya. I was drawn to this post, and spoke to a much-surprised Brian* who ordinarily had most of his posts ignored. Getting to know him and the group Upper Rift Minorities which mainly comprised of nomadic LGB group organizing and growing and finding ways to occupy spaces that are hostile in every sense of the word. I took it upon myself to write about this very inspiring group and their story caught the attention of many. Kenya : Nomadic minorities seek entry into mainstream Kenyan lgbti movement I guess after that, the rest is history. The group has really managed to grow from strength to strength; and it has even managed reach out to even more vulnerable populations, LGB refugees based in the area and they have support groups. Over the years, we have become great friends.   I do not write much anymore but today I would like to share with you some rath...

Binyavanga Wainaina One of my earliest memories about my brother is me telling on him to Baba after the bathtub was left running and it flooded and messed up part of the house. There was serious damage on the parquet floor near the bathroom; it was easy to accuse him, he used the bath last and was kind enough to draw me a bath as I was next in. In the ways I was known to be absent-minded and fleeted off to say hi to the dogs outside promptly forgetting about bath-time. When I got back into the house, it was disaster galore when the flood was discovered. And Baba who could be sweet, could also be a loud thundering force when he got pissed. Blaming Binya was easy and I could not look him in the eye after that when he got a major spank and was asked to mop up the mess. He took that hit for the team without so much as a squeak, and he never justified himself or tried to explain.  Filled with guilt, I wanted to help him clean the mess but dare not as he had this silent sullen ...