I have never lived a day in a slum. I have no clue what goes on in Eastlands either. I've visited a few places once or twice, scared as hell, not because of the crime stories I hear, well, maybe that's the reason but also, the population. Too many people scare me. I am not saying these places are bad, no. I am just not familiar with them because I was born and raised in a different environment and for that I thank God. I am a campaigner though, against moving from the village to go air grabbing in Eastlands, just so you feel like a Nairobi resident.
This is not why I am writing this though. I am deeply concerned.The young minds being raised in these areas are something one cannot admire. I am not blaming parents for this one. Why? Most are single parents, mostly mothers. They have to fend for their families. They have to work. It is hard enough putting food on the table, picking on what your kids learn when you're not away might not be that much of a priority. Is it right? No. But I am trying not to push them too hard. They try. They do their best, at least those who do.
These kids grow up in an environment where 'shonde' is like 'kwenda', 13 year old girls are having sex with their bang smoking boyfriends and their mothers work too many shifts. "It is the struggle" people say. I get it. Oh, I do. That is why I do not blame you.
I blame the society. "Who is the society" you ask? I will tell you. I blame it on the people responsible for people like Mbusi being on air. From Ghetto radio to radio Jambo, it has only gotten worse. I will say it, shoot me if you like.
I was in a matatu heading to town last week and the driver happened to be a big fan of the station so I listened to some Gregory Isaac's song. I was singing along until I heard those noises the two make and I felt like jumping off. Nothing I would have done so I sat there helplessly listening to them brag about how they were on 'cloud nine'. First of all, anyone using that phrase on me in this century is not someone I would listen to (story for another day).
It might just be the disgust that got me hating, but I know a high person when I hear one. Damn I have lived with too many. From where I was sitting, the aroma of the marijuana the two presenters were high on would reach me and block my nose and ears for a while. Some of the things these people say on air are a big contributor to what our kids turn out to be.
That show for example, is one of the leading drive shows in the country. Thousands of kids tune in to listen to 'Kung'uta miwa kung'ukung'u'. If you don't know what that means, it's not my fault that your father could afford Peponi school. These kids look up to these people. They want to be Mbusi. They do not know better. They want to smoke weed and talk shit on radio. The guy is earning good money after all.
He plays them Vybs Kartel. You don't know who that is? I'll help you before you Google. He was leader of the Gaza group in Jamaica before he was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder.Oh, and he is a musician. Still releases hits while in prison. That is the god these kids calling themselves adi Vybs and gazakings and queens on Facebook worship. These kids listen to music about crime, marijuana and murder. Gabbage in, gabbage out.
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| The Late Clare Njoki Aka Clea Adi vybe |
Clare died at 17. She left behind a 2 year old son meaning she had the child at 15. When did this kid start having sex? Hell, how does a 17 year old girl learn to shoot a gun. I didn't know how to style my hair at 17. Who went wrong? Who didn't play their part? There must have been a gap somewhere. It is not normal. Hundreds of kids are in gang violence now. Kids with parents. With families.
Kids who dropped out of school to be criminals. When these kids shoot their guns, who do they say they are protecting? When did it become the duty of children to protect the society? Who has failed?
Isn't there one person in Kayole, one person in Dandora, one person in Huruma and all these other places that these kids can look up to? Why is it so hard to listen to Njambi Koikai? Why?
I am pained. I feel so sad yaani, killing kids won't help us but keeping them alive with no direction isn't a solution either. But I insist. Someone somewhere has failed.