City Welcome

I had heard the stories how Nairobi was. Most of us dreamt of visiting the place even if it meant for a minute. The city was known for its big buildings, many vehicles and crowded people everywhere. Most people worked there, no wonder the high population.

So here I was, all new to the place, only knowing of the stories I had before. Tall buildings surrounded me on all directions. I looked like a guy just from the "shags". Everyday after class I would walk around the CBD to get to know it better day by day. After some months I was well known to the area.

Every end month I would visit my mama and papa back at the country side (I really love my mama, but in real sense I would use that excuse so as my papa would give me fare to go back home and see my cute friends, not really friends but a specific person you know what I mean, and brag how I’m always busy in the city, in real sense I was always free if I'm not in class). My lecturer had just finished class n I was in a hurry to get to the bus station. As I waited for a vehicle this guy approached me (I almost forgot to tell you that Nairobi was also known for its high cases of theft and coning of people who never knew the city life very well).

Big guy; niaje? He had this big bold head with pimples evenly distributed on his face, rough chocolate skin colour, brown teeth (God was really an artist, just look at me), long black and white stripped sleeved shirt, black baggy trousers, dirty shoes and with a meru accent. (I know you think you've met him, hehe)

Me; poa boss.

He looked innocent to me little did I know his intentions. So here I was making a good conversation with a stranger. I was in my good boy phase. He asked me whether I knew where Afya Centre was and I pointed to its direction. Stupid me.

Big guy; Would you mind directing me there?

(So here I am, I don't know this guy. He is asking me to take him to this place. I don't know what will happen to me if I take him. He might be planning to mug me and steal from me. And there is this beautiful lady here I want to talk to. What... I didn't tell you about this lady who was next to me? Sorry me. Another day I’ll explain to you. So, let me ask you, will you help this guy, a stranger, or talk to the lady? Please only dudes can answer this question. Sorry ladies, I know you already answered it).

You'll never guess what I did. "Okay I will" I said with a regretting face. (You know that face you make when your mother calls you when you were having fun with your friends and asks you to do something that she can really do for herself? Like asking you to pass her the salt while it’s just next to her? Yes, that one. I know you remember it. haha...) So I took the guy to the place. On the way he asks me how much my phone cost. I lied. Yeah a touch screen phone. (By now I know you already know where I’m going with these story. So don't get offended if I stop here. But I won't spoil the fun).

He decided to take a different route. "Now who is taking who?", I asked myself. So I followed. When we got close to the place he slowed down. He started explaining how he had won a Charity Sweepstake competition (I don't believe in those things, seriously speaking what are the odds of winning). He had scratched one of those cards and won 200K. He explained how he was directed to the offices to collect his winnings but when he got there, they wanted to snatch his card. So he wanted me to go and collect it for him. He explained how they grabbed his jacket when he tried to escape. He told me to get the money for him and I get to have 30K (Okay, I know what y’all are thinking now. How stupid was I to believe him? Don't blame me. I'm sure you would take the same deal too. Even if it was now. I was just new to the city).

By now I was making a banana smile. I was already planning on how to spend the money. New phone, new clothes, new shoes and anything that you are thinking of. I know what you are thinking of, even that too I would have bought it. I was already viewing my life changing. From rural guy to an urban dude. What a transformation, you can't blame me for having wild imaginations. Worst of all you fantasize more than I do.

So I agreed after thoughts hurriedly ran into my mind for some few minutes. I was to present myself as a person who the gods of luck had blessed. I was to leave my phone with him as leverage just in case I didn't comeback. (Will you stop judging me.). The thought of money had already crowded my mind. We exchanged my phone for his lottery ticket. He was to wait for me until I comeback with the money. And off I went leaving my phone with him. On arrival at the main door I requested to be shown where their offices were.

Soldier; Sorry there are no such offices here.

Me; Are you sure?

Soldier; wewe ndo unafanya kazi hapa ama mimi?

Me; sikuwa na ubaya boss.

Then it hit me why he had asked me to leave my phone with him as leverage. I went back only to find nobody. My heart got pregnant several times. I was only new to the city and this is the welcome I get? What was I to do in such a big town. Like a weak dog I walked away with my tail between my legs. Nairobi what did I ever do to deserve this?


It wouldn't hurt to share...