Humanist

Mama, am coming back home. It’s not end of semester. We did not riot. Neither is it end of year. But, Mama am coming home.

Am coming. But am formless. I can’t walk Mama. I will be in a box Mama. I heard them call it casket. That they will take care of damages Mama. We are now damages. Mama, am coming home.

The brakes failed Mama. Jomba our good driver tried. Jomba struggled. Jomba wailed. Jomba hooted. Jomba swerved. We saw him sweat. It’s not him Mama, but the brakes. Mama, am coming home.

Mama, I forgot to tell you. I play soccer. Ooh, I used to play soccer. I was the Messi of Kenyatta University (KU). To represent KU in the competition that never was. Mama, am coming home.

Mama, you had sold Rose, our only cow, to clear my fees last week. But the brakes didn’t hear any of that. Mama you had cleared the hostel fee. You had refilled the gas. Sadly, before I use it, Mama, am coming home.

Breathless, lifeless, broken, disfigured. Mama, I don’t have it. I don’t have the degree. The brakes couldn’t allow me finish. It’s not my fault. Never to fit a gown. Lights are out Mama. It is all dark in here. Mama, am coming home.

Mama, could this be the saying that kwenda Mombasa raha kurudi ni matanga?

Tell my younger sister to take up my desk at Kenyatta. Bye Kenyatta University. Be kind to my little sister. Bye Mama.

Rest in peace comrades

On Monday, I8th March 2024, a Kenya University bus was involved in an accident killing 11 students on the spot and left several others critically injured. This is a very sad poem by a Kenyatta University student, dedicated to Kenyatta University. Text as was posted on Facebook. Photo @ Capital News.