I spent last weekend in Kisumu attending an event fondly known as Hippo pot. I think it got that name because the tournament is played at Nyanza Club which is right next to Lake Victoria at a spot that’s home to hippos. During the day while playing on this golf course, we came across a lot of hippo droppings and footprints at night, the hippo families come out of the water and onto the golf course to graze. I could hear them making sounds, communicating to each other while on the course. I really hoped one of them would emerge from the dense, mushy growth that hid them. That would have been a photo to frame. A hippo on the fairway and probably with its young. Tembea Kenya come alive right there. Plus of course it would have been the perfect reason for me to stop playing my torturous round of golf using old borrowed golf clubs. I was enjoying the company but not the game. Unfortunately hippos to get me out of my misery were a no-show.
What’s with the effect of being next to a large water body? I’m beginning to wonder if there’s some connection between being 40 and water. Just like in Mombasa a few weeks ago, my internal mind volume went up and it was easier to listen to myself. This was thanks to the view of the lake from my room at the Nyanza club. I felt like my mind deleted some old files and created much needed space for new information. It was a mind reboot of sorts.
The last time I was in Kisumu there was a lot of political tension in the air. People were anxious and not sure what the future held for this country. We tried to celebrate but everyone seemed suspicious of one another. It was sad to witness destruction of property and despair on people’s faces. So it was very refreshing to witness the opposite of that this time around. That positive vibe may have been a result of the famous handshake. I had so much fun catching up with new and old friends as we ate the most delicious fish. I particularly like mine whole, dry fish with ugali and the local greens cooked in milk. Then add lemon and green chillies on the side. I would devour that fish like a true jango. My good pal Sam (Nyanza club captain) told me I have to dismantle the engine to prove I’ve earned my citizenship in Luo nation. All this happening in a nice, warm climate unlike Nairobi. I loved it and miss the fish already.
I once read a poster on social media advertising Luo night at carnivore that had the tagline – Being Luo is a Calling not a Tribe. My weekend spent with our brothers from the lakeside confirmed this fact. These guys know how to massage the English language to depict the finest things in life in whatever they’re describing. Their version of English has a healthy dose of Aromat seasoning. Normal occurrences are described in big words and in detail. They focus on big, positive things only and that challenged me to do the same. Laughter is the medicine for the heart and after that weekend my heart is totally healed and renewed.
The killer came one night when I was having drinks with my wonderful host and friend William, at his hotel (Scottish Tartan). Nice budget hotel in the middle of Kisumu city CBD built with a Scottish finish. We were joined by this elderly gentleman who is a lecturer at Masinde Muliro University. He was very chatty and it was clear he hadn’t been drinking tea where he had come from. After introductions and some banter catching up he asked William just in a kawa Luo manner, “Willy, are you going for Aretha Franklin’s funeral?”
I wasn’t sure I’d heard that right so I waited for Willy’s response. He said he doesn’t know her like that and he wasn’t going. The jolly lecturer said we are in a global village and we should attend the funeral because we knew her through her music. I was on the floor with laughter and still laugh when I remember that moment.
Yaani experiencing a weekend of being a Luopean was too fresh. That got me thinking. Why do we fight again? I had the time of my life with our fellow Kenyans from Nyanza and they are the some of the warmest and most generous folks I have come across. A few hours before catching my flight on Sunday I craved one more meal of fish. I mentioned that to some pals I was celebrating with after a successful event. The chef at the club said the fish was over so one of the chaps there sent for it from outside the club. I almost missed my flight waiting for my last meal of fish but it was worth waiting for. Too delicious. It’s like the further fish travels from the lake, the less sweet it gets. Fish we eat in Nairobi is not as tasty as lakeside smak (samaki).
I managed to catch my Jambo Jet flight back just in time against the wishes of my pals who hoped it was cancelled so that we could share some more fun moments. The flight back ended my celebration of the tribeless Kenyan spirit in style. Captain Kandie of flight no JM 8655 flew us comfortably through the turbulence and landed his bird elegantly and smoothly at JKIA. Kudos Captain.
Back to my question. Why do we fight again? We gain so much more when united and influencing each other with our different strengths and attributes than being divided with perceptions and egos. In my next life I want to be a Luopean.
“They focus on big, positive things only and that challenged me to do the same.” This is so like the guys from the lake, warm and jolly.. we should all be tribeless here in Kenya.
You have me in stiches, Luopean indeed is a good way to start focusing on the big and the positive in life. But “smak” crowned it! Well out chairman
Thanks for the reminder Lucas. We need to have this top-of-mind, striving to be tribe-less Kenyans and apply the “Ubuntu” concept of “I am because we are” in our interactions.
I fully agree with the premise of your article but beg to differ on the title..
IMHO, we should not try to be ‘tribe-less’ since we all belong to a tribe by default. We should instead be very proud of our heritage and as you so eloquently put it, get the best out of each tribe to build a greater nation..
My 2 cents..