Drum Bits of Terror: Drum Bits of Terror

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123 Part Three The towering Eagle of the Lake Basin mourns, A corollary to a disputed election! In the wake of its madness, Its pauperized populace—young and old, Lulled by the illusion of democracy, Strove in droves in the early hours of dawn, casting their votes, An ultimate participatory act in democracy! That was yesterday! Today, the country bleeds— Its citizenry fall daily, Like ants at a spray of Doom, Catapulted to a dungeon of no return! Their streams of blood dripping— Drop! Drop! Drop! Baptize the land in the name of freedom. Their unseeing eyes full of the ocean— Their hungry eyes filled with sadness— Their red hot eyes filled with wrath wonder: ‘What will become of us?’ 124 125 18 or years, Sam and Wanja continued to live in Maraba suburb. Sam still worked for Kamau, while Wanja owned a small vegetable stall. The suburb was a diverse community, with many of its residents as newcomers to the region. They came from various provinces: East, south, north, and even central. They were lured to the suburb for its plush vegetation good for growing crops and lived together harmoniously, regardless of their ethnicity. That was not the only attraction. Kakamega town itself was ripe for commercial business, especially after the opening of the University. Life was simple and inviting, but that was before the clashes happened. After that, people’s lives became a living hell. Newcomers were integrated into the communal life of the area. They provided employment to the youth. Some were teachers. There was Mrs. Wanjogu, who was a high school teacher and a successful business woman. She owned several matatu vans and a shop in town. She was a good employer of many local boys—turn-boys, drivers— and her contributions to the economy of the town were enormous. They were church going. They were ministers. They were carpenters. They worked in construction like Kamau. Then, there was Tharau—a man whom most people hardly knew his last name. He was an astute businessman and owner of both commercial and residential properties. He, too, like Mrs. Wanjogu, hired many young men—particularly those who worked in construction. Even Sam had once worked on his property when he first moved to town. His foreman was Mr. Kamau, who was also resident within the area. He lived with his family—wife and children, and his brother Koza, who was Sam’s friend. Koza was not his real name, but those who knew him only knew him by his nick name. Koza worked alongside his brother in construction. His father was a priest in the Anglican Church in Vihiga district. As a clergyman, he served the spiritual needs of the people. There was Julius Machoka, a F 126 Kisii man, just next to Maraba Primary who had erected one of the first tall buildings within the area. His was a place where people who worked in town rented. Some of his other tenants were university students. Another Kisii family, the Moraa’s, lived not very far from the school; they did not own much save for a home and posho mill. Most people processed their flour in the posho mill. Then, there was Okoth, a Luo man. He was probably in his early eighties, but still very strong. He owned a shop right at the corner of the school and had rented portions of it to those who needed it for commercial purposes. There was a health clinic in his building, the only one in Maraba. He was the most religious man in the area— rumour had it that he saved Sam from attack by marauding thugs. He was married and lived with his wife of many years behind his shop. She, too, was saintly. His brother, who was slightly younger than him, did not live very far from him. He was a typical embodiment of a Luo man, a well groomed fellow. He was smart, clean-shaven and his hair was always neatly trimmed and combed. He put many young men to shame—one wonders how he looked when he was still young. Every morning, he loitered in the suburb, not looking for anything in particular. Perhaps, he was a lady’s man. Then, there was Harry Harry, and many others who will remain unknown. These people were the bedrock of Maraba suburb. Sam and Wanja lived happily together in the suburb. They complemented each...