Why my marriage failed

Part 10

By Henry

Vash and I were childhood friends. Were meet during our scouts camp at Shanzu Teachers College. We were in our upper classes at the primary school level. She is the one who taught me types of knots. I was also good at first aid skills.

The scout camps during school holidays made us good friends. We had a passion for caring for the environment. Planting trees and cleaning the water collection points were some of the lessons we started having the passion for the surroundings. We agreed that for us to be environmentalists, we need to excel in our studies.

Every camp meeting when we meet, we shared our school academic performance. What’s shocking is that we used to get the same marks apart from going to different schools. We passed our primary exams and joined secondary school. We were still active members of the scout team.

At secondary school, we developed a passion for education. This was through one of the scout camp meeting subjects on self-esteem and life skills. This subject made us start getting more information on earlier childhood education. Being teachers is what we wanted to be.

We qualified and got admission at the university and specialized in early childhood development education. During long holidays, we got a chance at our former primary school to teach preschool. We loved that.

During these long holidays, we could visit each other’s homes and formalized our friendship with our parents.

After graduation, we got attached to a government school in the North-Eastern part of Kenya, Garissa Primary School. Before leaving to our work station, we did a traditional wedding. We got the blessing of the elders and our parents. We maintained our cultures despite our academic level in society.

After three years of marriage, my wife got pregnant. This was the joy of our parents. We shared the doctor’s news with them. They reminded us of the kind of food to eat, kind of house chores, and places to avoid.

We followed also the doctor’s advice, mostly clinic visit dates. I remember we were also given a net at the government health centre. It would protect mother and child from getting malaria.

We were well prepared for her delivery. She started complaining of labour pain, I ordered a taxi. It took us to the health facility. At the health facility, we were referred to Garissa County Referral Hospital. She was admitted and I was told to be patient as doctors are doing some checkups on her.

A few minutes later, she was taken to the theatre and I was called to sign some documents for her surgery. That was the only option to save her life and the unborn. I signed the papers.

‘Congratulations, your wife has delivered triplets, two boys and a girl…’ The doctor said I didn’t respond to this news.

My culture is against any person who gives birth to twins or triplets. They believe it’s a sign of a bad omen. The solution to this is killing the children and the mother or killing the husband. It was my culture, it was Vash culture also.

I went to her ward; she looked at me and started crying. She was crying because of our culture. I did get the energy to control myself. I cried too!

‘My dear, don’t tell your parents about this, please. Let me go far with these children. I can’t stand the wrath of society. Just go, I will find myself out.’

I tried to stop her, but her tone was high till the doctors ordered me to leave the hospital. I was told to visit her after 6 hours. I went to a nearby hotel to wait for that time to elapse.

When I went to her ward, the bed was neatly covered with hospital sheets. I tried to enquire about her whereabouts and nobody in the hospital was willing to talk to me.

                                             Photo Courtesy; Google

 

 

 Why my marriage failed

Part 9

By Henry

This video of my wedding gives me a lifetime scar. It’s a scar that I cannot narrate orally to someone.

That morning, the church boys waked me earlier than usual. They reminded me that we had 48 kilometers ahead of us to go and get the bride. So we had to dress and leave by exactly 6 o clock that morning.

Dad had gifted me a suit from Sir Henry Limited, along Kimathi Street, Old Mutual House. The shop is best known for a decent collection of Men clothes. Mum had gifted me with a gold watch from Eusi Black Gift Shop. My priest also took care of my shoes and socks. He ordered them online, Alibaba, and they were dropped yesterday evening by UHL parcel deliveries.

Ola my childhood friend was a beautician by profession. He ensured that my chocolate skin looked okay. My hair cut, beard, nails… all were perfect. We had a convoy of 20 classy cars. All of them were Mercedes- Benz, E class. They were black and well decorated by Pato Events.

This was my lifetime memorable day. The announcement of this wedding was the talk of the town. My dad wanted everything done by professionals and in a professional way.

The drivers maintained the speed, space, and lane. I don’t know if they had gone to the same driving school. The videography and photography were covered by Merop Production. They are the reason for this memory in my television and photo album.

By 9 O'clock, we had arrived at the bride's home. The elders did their part in exchanging some kinds of stuff that I can’t tell the meaning; giving crates of soda, sufuria, leso, suit, and some cash. Then the boys were allowed to enter the compound. I was calm all through.

The morning breakfast at the bride’s home was okay and we prepared ourselves to go to the church. My vehicle was the first one in the convey.

The parish was well decorated and everyone was in his or her best outfit. Security was tight. Flower boys and girls well dressed and I would also see a bell boy.

At exactly 11 o clock, the church was full and the emcee was eloquent and a good timekeeper.

‘This is the day that a boy will be a husband; a girl will be a wife. The two have made all over us here, to come and witness their marriage ceremonies…’

The flower girls opened the session; they were throwing flowers, sweets. Accompanied with smiles. The boys' and girls' time also came. Their dance was cool. It kept me smiling.

Now the bell boy time came, he was ringing the bell and announcing that I should be ready, my bride is coming. My heartbeat could be heard by my best man. He was always with his handkerchief to dry my sweat.

I saw her, well dressed, and covered with a veil. Her father was holding her right hand and mum on the left side. The strides were uniform. Her best lady was keeping an eye from a distance following the rhythm.

I was calm all through until the priest took the microphone. He told the parents to accompany us to the altar. They obeyed his command. We took our marriage vows, signed the marriage certificate.

‘Now you have confirmed to this congregation and before God that you are one. Husband and wife…’

My father showed me a thumbs-up sign and my mum was nodding her head as the priest was speaking.

Dubai was eagerly waiting for us for our honeymoon. There was a private jet on standby to take us to Wilson Airport. Later in the evening, we were at JKIA for our departure to Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai.

The reception was as per the hotel classification, 5-star hotels. We had a long flight 5 hours nonstop flight. We were shown our rooms and allocated a tour guide during our one-month stay in Dubai. The room was of royal suite as per the hotel classification. From our room on the 25^th floor, you could get the cool sea breeze of the area.

That night was a night I was waiting for. This is the lady I was waiting for. This was one of my ribs as the priest said. We decide to take a shower together.

For the first time in my life, am sharing a shower with a lady. I have never taken a shower with someone of the opposite sex! This was the time… She took her clothes off and dresses in a white towel. She undressed me and covered me with a white towel too!

I was humble like a young kid washed by my mother. I was not shy but this was our first night together. I didn’t want to show her that am skilled! She cleaned every part of my body and it was my turn to clean her.

After taking bath, we took dinner. Took photos and shared them with the wedding WhatsApp boys and girls group. Everyone was happy that the chemistry is faster than any scientific reaction!

The time came for us to retire to bed. She eye folded me. Took my hand, walked slowly to the edge of the bed. She undressed! She told me to open my eyes and proceed from where she had left.

I was afraid because my manhood since we started our flight was asleep. Even at this particular time, the soldiers were still asleep. It was not my norm. My father had given me a lecture on my family responsibility. This was my first family task and I’m failing.

I succeeded in all other preparation in this room but my soldier is still asleep. She is ready for the service but my tool is not responding. She’s waiting but is excusing me that we leave it till tomorrow. I was only buying time.

Tomorrow is here, my body is giving the same numb response. She’s trying to enquire but is unable to answer. This is not normal. She promises to inform the parents that am not a man full as they thought or to tell her what’s the problem.

This cold response made us cut the honeymoon duration. Back in Nairobi, We have booked a week's accommodation at Serena Hotels, my body giving the same response. We did not inform our parents that we are back in the country…

She wakes up at midnight and tells me; you have failed in your family role and I can’t spend the rest of my life with a failure.

             Photo Courtesy; Google

 

 

 

 

Why my marriage failed

Part 8

By Henry

I was living in Bahati, Nakuru County. The roadside shop was my business. Many people loved it as its only option for travelers and quick shopping. Milk earlier in the morning and late evening had customers.

Joak was the supplier of the milk. Apart from doing business together, he was my best friend. He used to remind me how  I used to hawk sugarcane with a wheelbarrow…We shared a lot when it comes to school life.

June was one of my best customers around Bahati town. She used to buy two liters of milk in the morning and also in the evening. Once Joak delivered it, I had to set aside 2 litres for her. That was the routine.

I had known her for more than 6 years since I started this shop. I confined to Joak on my interest in her.

‘I think June can be my woman in this life. Every time I see her, I feel she is the woman of my life…’

‘That’s wishful thinking. I don’t think if your instincts are right because I’m dating the lady, you know…’

‘Ah! Joak you are not serious. You like joking a lot. How comes you have never revealed that to me?’

‘That’s a story for another day but you can ask her.’

‘Okay buddy, but am also serious about my feelings for her.’

This conversation was taking place at Afraha Stadium. We had just come to see the game of Gor Mahia and Oserian FC. It was on Sunday, a sunny day. I don’t love sports but Joak is a die-hard fan of Oserian FC. I decided to accompany him since my business is closed on Sunday, half-day.

It was exactly 10 o clock in the morning and I was basking in the sun, outside my shop when June came. It’s not her norm to come at this time.

June was a nanny to one of the county commandant officers. So most of the time she is indoors as per her job description. She didn’t like hanging around like other nannies on Sunday. She was unique in her own ways!

‘Joak told me you have a message for me.’

‘Message? Me? Ah! I don’t think if it's me…

‘Yes, you. Are you afraid of me or what?

‘Don’t say that. Unless you have also joined his class of jockers…’

She left quickly and I knocked my head with my left hand. I saw myself as a fool. This was the right time for me to confess to her that I had a feeling for. Love feeling. Spending the rest of my life with her… Now she has just left and I don’t know how to reveal this secret of love to her. Yes, I was her secret admirer!

After two weeks, she came to the shop for her usual milk and bread. I told her that I would like to speak to her. The information was confidential and needed her leisure time. She promised to come at noon. I felt calm and my heavy heart was at peace.

‘June to be honest, I love you but am afraid that you are also in love with my best friend Joak…’

‘Me and Joak nothing like that. Why have you taken that long to tell me?’

‘I was waiting for a new day. Today is my new day to reveal this to you. Give me time and I will open more golden feelings I have for you…’

‘I get you but I also need time to think on that.’

‘It’s well am not in hurry. Your time and response are what will fuel my life here. Am intending to open a mini supermarket. This business idea will only work if you JUST SAY YES…

Joak came in the evening as I was almost closing the business. He informed me that he got a green card to go to America. His flight was to take place after six months. He was supposed to apply for the Visa, get medical reports, verification of his documents by the government, visiting the embassy….I was very happy with this news. Life progress was our daily discussion. He assured me that, after 10 years, he will return and start focusing on real estate investment.

After escorting Joak to Nairobi for his flight, June texted me that she has agreed to my earlier application. She had also discussed this with her employer, and they supported her move. She believed that her personal adult decision was her happiness.

Now she used to operate from our house to her nanny duties. After two months, she revealed to me that she’s two months pregnant. We agreed to inform her employer. She was granted maternity leave at 6months old.

Our business was doing well and we agreed to invest in it fully. We got four more employees to help us run the business; two tellers and two manning the lanes in the shop. I was monitoring the CCTVs and helping with finance records.

June delivered a bouncing baby boy at St. Mary’s Hospital, Nakuru. All over were happy with this family gift from God. We named him Joj. After long discussions in one of the late-night, we agreed that she should stop working as a nanny and help me take care of the kid and also in counter checking delivery records and invoices.

10 years later, Joak returned home. Fully loaded as an investor. This is the only time I believed Joak, not as a jocker but as someone who speaks and acts. June and I were also doing well in business. We went to pick Joak from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi. He informed me earlier.

‘Brother, thank you for being there for me. I’m going to America next weekend. I will be monitoring my investments with the team I have deployed now.’

‘It’s well and that’s why we are brothers remember.’

‘Thanks for taking care of my wife June and our boy. I left her pregnant when I went to the US…’

I did now wait for the completion of the statement. Quickly I left the meeting, ignited my Subaru, and headed to my house to confirm Joak's words to my ears.

‘June is it true that this boy Joj is Joak, son?’

‘Sorry, my husband. When he left, I was already pregnant for him. He promised to take care of me and the unborn child. He did that and with me is our Visa ready for the Saturday flight…

    Photo Courtesy: Google

 

 

Why my marriage failed

Part 7

By Henry

I managed to secure a chance at United States International University (USIU) as a senior lecturer at the School of Science and Technology.

I got my first degree, Bachelors of Science in Data Science and Analytics from the same institution and went to further my second degree, Masters in Data Science at New York University, America. Also, I managed to earn my Philosophical Doctorate in Data Science at Queensland University in Australia.

I came back to my motherland to proceed with my lecturing career, this was after the outbreak of Covid 19 globally. I told myself that; if I die early, let me die at home before this virus attacks me in a foreign land.

Back at home, my father was happy with my academic achievement but sad with my marriage's poor performance.

‘Son why can’t you get a woman of your choice and marry?’

‘Dad I will marry when the right time comes.’

‘No son, do something, get someone who is brilliant like you please.’

My mother left me under the care of dad and left to the market never to be seen or heard anymore. My father did not want to hear anything about my mum. By the time she left, I was two years old only.

Dad took it from there and promised not to marry again. He said that his youthful struggles would not allow him to see me suffer, that’s why he decided to educate me.

I did stay home for a long, after several applications attempt, I got a chance to teach at USIU. I was staying at Jacaranda Avenue, Lovington and my academic programs were flexible. Most of my classes were online.

I was doing my end month shopping at West Gate, Westlands, and met this beautiful lady. Her purse had fallen down. I decided to help her pick it. Our eyes got stuck on a slow-motion-like movie.

‘Excuse me…’

‘Sorry madam, let me help you to pick it…’

‘Mmmh…

‘Thanks, you are a gentleman…’

‘Thanks for your compliment. Here is my card. Call me whenever you are free.’

To cut the long story short, I started seeing Shanna . We meet at a high-end cafeteria around Nairobi city.  Two Rivers used to accommodate us every Sunday, mostly Carrefour Markets. We used to buy some apples, pineapples, and oranges. She was staying at Muthaiga with her mother.

She was the only daughter to her parent and I was also the only son to my father. Our stories on upkeep mostly were surrounded by the school. I decided to invite you to my house for dinner.  She was happy with my preparation of ugali and nyama fry. We also had a Sukuma Wiki and some Matunda that night. She spent that night in my place and it was a memorable night.

One day she invited me to Kempinski Hotel, Westlands. She ordered a blended mango juice, natural without additives. On my side, I had Fanta Orange. I was cool as usual, staring at this beauty in front of me.

‘Take your soda please, don’t steer at me like that. You make me look like a stranger in this place.’

‘Oh no! Don’t say like that. Am attracted to your beauty…’

‘Stop that, please. I need to share something with you.’

‘Go ahead my dear. Am listening.’

‘Okay. Am carrying your baby. It’s a boy child and this is the doctor’s report from Agha Khan Hospital…’

‘Oho my goodness. My dear, you have made me proud. Why have kept this secret for three months?’

I was very happy at that moment. Very happy and not just happy. Since there was a government restriction on traveling, we agreed to take care of the pregnancy than later on move to the upcountry to see my people.

Cultural I messed up by getting someone daughter's pregnant without first getting the parent's and elders' approval and blessing. But am a grown-up. I know, I will be given a fine for two bulls without blemish, a goat and chicken. I think this is bribery to the elders but it was my culture. Her mother didn’t have an issue with her daughter being in that condition. I promised the mother, I will take care of the pregnancy and I stood to that.

The little boy, Rar we named him was four months old now. Traveling restrictions were removed two months ago and we decided to visit my people in the village. I went with her then after four months, her people were to come on dowry negotiations.

My dad was hospitable when I came home with someone. He has never been so happy as today. He prepared uji for mother and child first. He believed that this was better than chai. He was in the kitchen with the help of her elder sisters. He informed them that I was coming home.

On a Friday evening, he called the village elders and some friends to come and help appease the gods for a crime done; impregnating a girl before getting blessings. This was done and it took almost three hours. I had everything needed for this function to be done successfully.

The second service was getting the girl's family history then finally get the elders' blessing of being husband and wife.

Shanna's time came of giving her family history. She understood her mother's lineage. I felt happy as she talked to elders and answering their questions step by step. It was very dark and the night creatures' sound had owned the darkness. I saw my father standing up, clicking and he even started crying. When I asked the elders what was happening here, their heads were facing the ground. My aunties covered their heads with leso.

‘Son, the mother to Shanna was my wife, your biological mother…

    Photo Courtesy: Google

 Why my marriage failed

Part 6

By Henry

Train hard, fight easy was the motto at the training school. It was Kenya Defense Forces academy. I managed to secure an opportunity to be part of the qualified young military forces candidates. This is after I finished grade 12. At this time, I was 18 years old. Yes, I was very young and ambitious. I had received my national identity two months earlier.

At the training, I was made a man out of a boy. Waking up early and starting the training. Walking and competing in the muddy swampy areas, using robes to get to the other side of the river, rescue techniques, ironing clothes, polishing shoes, surviving on half a loaf of bread for more than a week… This is the factory that refined me.

After the pass out, I went home and my belongings were taken to Mombasa, Nyali Barracks which was my reporting station. At home, everybody was happy. I remember my mum welcoming me home with a salute,  afande karibu nyumbani… Dad would always cough and say; that my askari…

Dad called me one evening aside. We were alone at home. My mother had gone to Jumuiya. She loved her church so much and also had empathy for the vulnerable people in our surroundings. That day they were going to a neighbouring village.

‘Son, I know you have a lot to do for this country.’

‘Yes, dad.’

‘Now you are a man. I know you spent almost a year in the training. The security of this country is in your hands. You have been trained and you have successfully completed.’

‘Yes, dad.’

‘That aside, am also getting old daily. I need your ear.’

‘I’m listening dad.’

‘There is this young girl I want you to marry. She’s 13 years old…’

‘Dad that’s a child….’

‘I told you to listen to me. I know the law more than what you learned at the academy. Don’t forget am a teacher by profession…’

‘Okay, dad.’

‘Before you interrupted me, I was saying this young girl is in grade seven. The parents died in a road accident. The good thing about her is that she is intelligent and her guardians can’t afford to further her studies after grade eight.’

‘I’m listening dad.’

‘So I want you to take the responsibilities of educating her. After her studies at the university, you will then officially marry her. What do you think son?’

‘That’s a good idea but how will start yet I don’t know her or her family members?’

‘Leave that to me. I wanted to prepare you psychologically that as you go back to the barracks, you have a responsibility behind.’

Serah was the name of the girl my dad told me. She passed her exams. By the time she was sitting for her final primary education, we were familiar. I had taken her to a boarding school. We used to visit her in school with my parents. She made us proud by being among the top ten students in the country and the first one in my home county.

We did her school shopping and she was ready to join Starehe Girls High School. My promise to her was to help her achieve the dream of becoming a neuro surgeon. She got this dream through the motivation books I used to give while in school. The book Gifted Hands by Dr. Ben Curson helped her a lot. The story of the author taught her that education with perseverance will solve your life challenges.

She loved sciences a lot. Yes she was an A student but her interest was science, the medical environment was her dream. During her holidays, we agreed with my mum she would be taking her around top hospitals to familiarize herself. Take her to medical exhibitions and talk shows on health. My mother didn’t fail me in that. She knew afande will arrest her if she can’t obey the command!

Again she passed in her final secondary school national exams. She was leading in the country. The newspaper and television headline; GIRL BEATS BOYS IN EXAMS. I smiled and was happy for her. I was also happy that my wife-to-be is making headlines in the country.

I remembered that what a parent chooses for you, don’t question it. I prayed for a long life to my lovely parents. Their wife's decision for me deserved more than a golden trophy.

She was called to the University of Nairobi, Chiromo Campus. As usual, with the help of my family, we did the shopping and provided all the necessary needed for her studies. Her course duration was six years. This was the first time I bought a smart phone for her and a laptop. The gadgets were from Apple manufacturers. She deserved this for making me and my family happy.

During her long holidays, she would visit me at Mombasa with the company of my sister. My colleagues at barracks thought she was my sister. This is because she was of the same age as my sister and we also looked alike.

She was attached to Kenyatta National Hospital during her internship period. I would visit her to see the progress and hear testimonies on her dream come true opportunity. She looked more beautiful in her scrubs dressing. Her smile was what made me forget other points during our conversation.

On her graduation ceremony, I invited my colleagues, and by this time I was given the rank of a major. This is a rank that is involved in decision-making in the military. My parents also came with a bus full of church members and my dad Toyota Harrier with the company of few elders and my high school principal.

They heard the news the graduand was a wife to be and she was going to be crowned as Dr. Serah. She was going to be awarded her first degree in neurosurgery. On top of that, she passed with first-class honor.

We were seated at the graduation square by 8am as per the graduation program. The first faculty was Agriculture which had almost a thousand graduands, Faulty of Arts which had almost two thousand, Faculty of Built Environment and Design, Faculty of Business Management Sciences, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Engineering… I was waiting for that Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Surgery…

First-class honor Serah… there were whistles, ululations, horns blown. We made the professor reading the graduands names pause for a moment. I was happy with my people.

I communicated to mum and dad to take the visitors to Serena Hotels. I had booked a place for the celebrations and all meals and drinks were catered for, the Ball Room was reserved for my guest. They left early to the venue booked then later I was to join them with the company of Dr. Serah. They agreed with me and obeyed my wish.

I told my brother to wait for me in the car as I go for Dr. Serah. We had parked our car at Hotel Boulevard, which is along Harry Thuku road. I was in my black suit, white shirt, and red tie. All of them were well-ironed as per the military training and my black shoes well-polished.

I meet with Dr. Serah in the company of a man. All of them were in their gowns and they were happy. Of course, this was their day and they deserved all the best of being happy.

‘This is Dr. Tom, a son to one of the Cabinet Secretary in this country. He has been there for me since I joined this course.’

‘My pleasure Dr. Tom and thanks for being there for Dr. Serah …’

‘Sorry for cutting you short, am also sorry for the news am going to give you. What I meant is that Dr. Tom is my fiancée…’

    Photo Courtesy: Google

 

 Why my marriage failed

Part 5

By Henry

Kenya said it is extending a nighttime curfew and banning public gatherings and in-person meetings to slow the spread of the coronavirus, warning that hospitals are becoming overwhelmed.

The East African country has in recent days witnessed a jump in cases from the Delta variant, with a positivity rate of 14 percent as of Friday compared with about seven percent last month.

“All public gatherings and in-person meetings of whatever nature are suspended countrywide. In this regard, all government, including intergovernmental meetings and conferences, should henceforth be converted to either virtual or postponed in the coming 30 days,” said Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe.

That was the Aljazeera website link on news shared to us through the staff WhatsApp group. This meant that we could not proceed with our workshop in Mombasa. It was training on Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to publishers and distributors. I was a guest in that meeting.

I remember communicating to my lovely wife Decra concerning the invitation. The workshop was to take place at Diani Reef Beach Resort & SPA, Ukunda. The air ticket was booked already. This meant I had one week of preparation. The event was taking two weeks.

‘My dear I will miss you, why can’t you go with me please?’

‘Darling, this is an invitation. It’s going also to boost our bookshop business. It will help get connections, dear…’

‘I know that my husband but my issue is about loneliness in this house. The kids are in a boarding school, our nanny doesn't stay around…’

‘After this trip, I promise to organize one for us only, Dubai visit through Kenya Airways, business class. How about that?

‘That’s my love. Kindly while in Coast, take care.’

After that news of banning all gatherings, our workshop was stopped abruptly; we had covered one and half weeks.

In my mind, I was planning to go to the nearby open market to get some coconut, leso, some deras apart from collecting some future contacts from the meeting attendees. I wanted my arrival at home to be a surprise to my Decra.

We were called for the breakfast meeting and informed of our departure time from Mombasa. My flight was at 5pm. A Tourist Service Vehicle was dispatched to us. It was accommodating 7 people.

Rashid, our tour guide was so humble in taking around the coastal region. I have never seen such a humble man in front of men.

We enjoyed ourselves and did our quick shopping as we returned back to bara as pwani people called it.

The good thing with this trip was even if we were banned by the health guideline given, the transport was catered up to your doorstep. We used Safari Link Jet and there was a cab on standby at the airport to pick us.

I got home at around 9pm. What made me delay was some quick shopping at Naivas Super Market; chocolate, baking flour, cooking oil, love card, milk, lemons, pineapple, perfume, red wine, sugar, red velvet cake, and mineral water. The packing took time as I wanted all this to be packaged as a gift.

I passed through the bookshop, it was locked and everything looked okay. Dominic our security guard told me everything was okay but for the last week, Decra has been closing business earlier than before. I concluded in my mind, it was because of her loneliness that’s why she opted to do so.

When I reached home, I opened the gate and took a thousand shillings note to give the driver as a way of asante; he refused and said that everything was paid at the office. He advised I keep the amount for other uses.

He assisted me to take the luggage to the security guard's office. He was kind. After taking 10min to move the lug gages, I locked the gate and wanted to walk slowly through back door to surprise my wife.

When I reached the window, I heard some people laughing. I strained to see who was inside at that time. I didn’t expect any visitors at that moment. I thought it was my time with my Decra. It was a voice of a lady and a man.

Looking keenly and closely, it was a man, dark, body well moulded. He was tall with a bald head. He was wearing a white boxer. Around it is written with Caps lock MEN. He was laying down, on my bed... It was Jimmy, the bouncer at Club Dallas and also Jijenge Builders gym instructor...Oh my God!

Decra was on top of him. She was wearing that night dress we bought at Mr. Price, Moi Avenue, Nairobi. It was after our anniversary, the year has not even ended since we bought it…

On that matrimonial bed, they were like young love birds, they were playing bed love wrestling game, tickling each other. At some moment, I would see the gentleman on top of him…

At the window, it seemed to me like a dream, every step in there was like theatre. Well choreographed. They were not in hurry. I wouldn’t imagine it was my Decra in that state. I saw them taking some photos, whispering to one another. I couldn't believe Jimmy and Decra were in that room!

I watched this drama till midnight. I don’t know how I got that energy, but I stood firm. They played till they switched off the lights. That’s after hard labour. That’s when I decide to knock on the door…

    Photo courtesy: Google

 

 Why my marriage failed

Part 4

By Henry

I was transferred to K City as a communication officer. After three months I moved in with my family. We started adapting to this new environment.

K city was a cool place for any hard-working person to stay. It was not cold like Eldoret town. The weather, living standard, social life was good. I remember when I came; the staff had organized a welcoming party. This is what motivated me that this place is wonderful.

My wife Kelly was hardworking. She had already familiarized herself with the people around her. She enjoyed farming a lot. People wondered how such light skin young lady like her can opt to do manual jobs. She had a phrase that, beauty without brain is allowing yourself to be a litmus paper in the hands of hungry and angry men.

She loved maize farming. She got an acre of land which was leased to her for five years. She also got some connections to cereals around and exchanged contacts with people in the transport industry. Within a span of one year, the agribusiness was doing well.

As I prepared myself early for the job, she was also preparing kids for school. By the time I was leaving for office work, she carried her jembe and a bottle of water to the farm as I also dropped kids to school on my way. We were given a house by the company. This helped us not to struggle with house rent and school fees. The kids' fee was catered by the company education insurance.

For every step we made, we thanked God. We promised to be faithful to our children and to God. Also, we had a small garden with traditional vegetables; sukuma wiki, kunde, managu, nyanya, which Kelly maintained well. There were some flowers around the yard also.

Every weekend, Sunday we used to spend at Eden Garden. It was a beautiful place more so when you have a family company. We used to do some vlogging, having photo sessions around the waterfall, taking some Ice cream. The best part was the formula 1 computer game with 3d video glasses. Kelly used to scream. Mostly when she was on lane one…

My mum and sister decided to visit us at K City. According to my culture, shaving the hair of a newborn is done by my mother. We had our third born, Jeru. I sent a Uber driver to go and pick them. This is because I had a busy schedule in the office and Kelly had a healing wound after that Caesarean section.

She was three months after giving birth to our child. Mum and sister were well received. They had carried for us some bananas, sugarcane, avocados, curdled milk, groundnuts, wheat, and sorghum for the porridge. It’s mum who was narrating all this in the evening as we were watching the news at prime time. My sister and mum are comedians, they like giving sentiments and laughing loud. This made me feel sorry for Kelly, that laughter would make her stitches lose. She was more than happy with their visit.

‘My child Kelly, thanks for giving us another child. I know it was not easy, I thank God you are doing well. Ariririiiiiiii… my mother is a professional in ululation. The whole house went into laughter. She started dancing. Now we were watching her, she was our scene reporter. She pulled Kelly and hugged her for the job well done…

After staying with us for about six months, communication started changing in our matrimonial home. Mum was demanding a car before she goes home. The reason for saying this is that, Kelly and I are driving.

My sister on the other side was also demanding her own house. She also wanted to stay and start her own farming. She wanted to be in the league of my lovely Kelly.

They started shouting to our children whenever they requested mum to sing and dance for them. She even stopped them call her shosh. They loved their aunt. She was good at playing hide and seeks. Mostly that song of children while playing with a robe;

Public van, public van

number 28.

I went for a ride but now i stepped on the break

blue band by by zero

zero point zero is a round and a round.

I am a girl, you are a boy

this is a factor that you must do

salute for the king and bend for the queen.

Close your eyes and count to 15

This cold communication extended even to our matrimonial bed. At times my mother would knock very earlier in the morning to ask when the car will be delivered to take her home…

My sister would also ask Kelly, ‘when is your husband planning to settle my request? That’s what am waiting for before going to upcountry to pick my belonging.’

Our house started being hell on earth. We didn't have our privacy anymore. The children would report to me daily what shosh and aunt said to them. I didn’t have the energy to argue with my family members. Like how can I start questioning my mum? How can I start asking my sister about her cold war with my wife?

‘It’s high time you move this mother and sister of yours out of my house.’

‘My dear wife it’s not easy as you think.’

‘Okay let me and my kids move out and leave you with them. It seems they are very important than my wounds and kids….’

‘Please Kelly, don’t say that, I can’t lend you my ears at this wee hour of the night with such utterances…

She covered herself and the newborn. She showed me her backs. This has never happened before since we got married.

The next day I came from the office, I didn’t find my kids; I went straight to the bedroom, checking the wardrobe, there were no clothes, purses, necklaces, shoes of my Kelly.

‘Mum where is Kelly and the children?’

‘They left saying they have left this house for us.’

‘Mum, you saw them pack and you didn’t even bother to call me?

    Photo Courtesy; Google

 

 Why my marriage failed

Part 2

By Henry

Lord grant me a beautiful family. Instill in me a soul of working hard without looking and admiring other people’s property. Give me a wife who will be understanding and help me reach that bridge of peaceful life. Life of having my own empire. Lord, here is my humble request. Amen!

This was my daily prayer while working as a casual labourer at Majengo Construction. At this time, I had completed my grade 12. I was accommodated by one of my childhood friend, Chris short form of Christopher. We played hide and seek with Chris and even schooled together.

Chris came to the city earlier than me. He was a supervisor at Majengo Construction. He’s the one who gave me the idea of coming to the city. The city of the sun as many called it.

‘It’s high time buddy you think of moving out of this village.’

‘Chris that’s true but I don’t know anyone out there…’

‘Hold on, does it mean you don’t know Chris?’

I nodded my head as an assurance of knowing him. This was the conversation at Jenga Mwili Hotel. It was during the December holiday. We had ordered tea and two mandazi each. The sun was saying goodbye to the trees. He gave me two days to think about that.

That’s how I landed in the city under the care of Chris. After working for two years at Majengo Construction, I got a new friend called Sonia. Sonia was the tea girl who used to serve us porridge at 10 O clock and githeri at noon. I used to pay her every Saturday afternoon. That’s the time all of us at the site were being paid.

She was keen on her business through her Uji and githeri bookkeeping record. Whenever there were some leftovers, she used to call me to go and eat.

‘I know God will open ways. Just eat and drink. Do not fear.’

She repeated these words almost daily during her visit to the construction site. Chris told me that he has me with Sonia having a family. I took it as a normal joke.

The second year in my usual place, Sonia called me aside. She pulled me from my workmates. It was earlier in the morning. She told me that I will not be paying for her porridge, mandazi, and githeri anymore. When I tried to insist to know why she did that, she responded that I should never be inquisitive about her decision.

‘Kindly accept that offer and don’t try to change my wish for you,’ she responded to me. Quickly she grabbed her kiondo and the containers and left the place. She saluted me.

I shared this daytime testimony with Chris. He was silent for a moment and responded politely, ‘brother to be honest with you, this is your wife. She loves you.’

I left the house and took a hike around the estate. I bought some groundnuts at the vendor. I thought about Chris response and tried to compare it with Sonia response of telling me not to question her good will help. I was kicking some plastic bottles on my way. I remembered my deplorable state back in the village and concluded that I can’t have a future with Sonia.

It was on Sunday after doing the house chores; I received a call from Sonia. She wanted to see me at the bus stop. The way she was sounding on the phone, all was not well with her. I didn’t question her. I obeyed her commandments of not questioning her. I took a boda boda and went to meet her as she requested.

When I reached the bus stop, I called her. She was seated in one of the sheds around with the company of a lady. My heartbeat was very fast. I felt like asking questions but I remembered her rule.

‘This is my sister Maggy and don’t look at us as if you have seen ghosts.’

‘No am okay Sonia and it's my pleasure to meet you Maggy.’

We had a handshake and they requested me to accompany them. I didn’t know where they were taking me. I followed the law of not asking anything. Their chat was a girl talk and I didn’t participate in it at all. We reached this well-secured house. The decoration of the wall paint and the trees around made me feel see heaven on my heart.

‘Welcome to our humble place. This is my sister’s home and her husband is a foreign country,’ Sonia said as her sister went to another room.

‘I am grateful Sonia,’ I responded.

She came with a glass of water and offered me. Sonia went ahead to switch the television on and there was a program of Sundowner on KBC TV.

‘Maggy this is the man of my life that I have been telling you about. I love him and am making this first confession in front of him in your presence.’

I felt like the wind to come and blow me out of that sister's meeting. She was shedding tears and saying that if she can’t have me in her life, then she will not have a reason of being alive. Imagine this drama!

The sister was soft-spoken. She knew the depth of Sonia words. She took her cheque book and offered us half a million for us to start our own life. Sonia told her to write the cheque under my name.

My life in marriage started like that. We went home to see my people and part of the money; we used to complete the house project I started while in the city.

We opened a hotel next to Majengo construction. The business was doing well as we got the deal of supplying meals to the management and their staff. Apart from that we also ventured to outside catering and opened another branch within the Central Business District.

Most of the time, her sister used to visit us and wish us all the best in our business. We gave Chris a chance of being a general manager. This is because he was well conversant with the city and had many contacts.

Chris helped us to started online food services. He introduced the business to other platforms and we were happy with the business progress.

Now we had our own home, no more rentals. Sonia and I got an apartment for Chris, fully furnished and he had also his driver. We valued his efforts in our business. He was also grateful.

I traveled to the United States to go and further my studies through a scholarship. This was a lifetime chance I got from Majengo Construction for being a good supplier for the last ten years. It was a prayer answered which will help our business to increase. It was a three-year study opportunity.

My Sonia agreed that since we have two children and no hurry of adding another one, I can take three years in the US and come back. This is what I prayed for, someone who understands and helps me to build my dream.

We had video calls during my tenure in the US and also sending her gifts. I prayed daily as usual to God to help me complete these studies successfully and return back home safely.

I told my lovely Sonia how I passed my exams and my duration was over in this foreign land. It was on Sunday afternoon when I landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. I was welcomed with a note written KARIBU NYUMBANI DAD. This was Keithan, my son. He had grown. My little Hanny had a bunch of flowers.  I saw my Sonia from a distance she looked disturbed, she had a child in her arms.

‘Who is this little one being carried?’

‘Dad that’s our little Jay. Mum said you are the one who sent Jay to her...

    Photo Courtesy: Google

 

 

Why my marriage failed

Part 1

By Henry

I married at a younger age believing all will be well. Settling down is the desire of every young man. My wish was to continue with the lean age of my fore grandparents.

I got my first salary and spent it with my boiz at the club. Every weekend we had parties. It was my memorable youthful time. Back in mind, settling with a lady was not my priority; being happy with my age mates was my option at that particular moment.

There was this day that I felt dizzy. It was a weekend and I had a terrible headache. I didn’t have an appetite for anything. This persisted for almost a week. My body was very weak. I was not able to make with my group members at the club and at my workplace.

It was during this time, I realized the importance of having someone in the house. To help me with cleaning and even talking to me. Loneliness was possessing my life portion. During these low moments, Sandy was always around. She would sneak from her workplace once in a while to come and check me. Taking care of me and doing all the house chores. I felt she was my saviour at that moment.

‘I think this lady deserves better than this. I need to have her around me. I need to avoid this pretense of mine…’ I had multiple thoughts about Sandy. I even foreshadow my future with her.

‘Sandy, can I spend the rest of my life with you?’

As I was saying this, my friends were cheering at me at Club Mali. I was on my knees and on my left hand side; I was carrying a small red box. The box accommodated a golden ring.

Sandy was sipping a glass of Raina white wine. She was seated at the reserved table with my boiz. She was dressed in her long black and shiny dress. This was accompanied with the red high heels. She didn’t believe what I was saying.

The glass slipped from her hand, she grabbed me from the floor, held my right hand with her left hand, and I fitted the ring to her left ring finger. She held me firmly and leaned on my shoulder. She whispered;

‘Yes, yes, yes…’

She wiped and the boiz had to call for another celebration. Our table was filled with bottle of beers, wine, mineral water, nyama choma, ugali…

We left Mali club past 2 O’clock in the morning. We had booked for a cab to take us home. By then I was residing at Bondeni Estate. That’s how we started our young family life.

Sandy was working in a law firm as a clerk. I felt like I was stable enough to talk to her to be a house wife. At this particular point she was pregnant. That’s after moving in together for two years.

By this time, she was already six months pregnant. She agreed with my offer as we had already moved to a new apartment in Mambo Leo Villa.

Where was working, I got another feeling with my colleague. Pam was the accountant in the firm I was employed. Of late, Pam comes with a packed meal for us. We had a cafeteria in the firm. She used to come and take me for lunch.

I felt like I made a mistake of marrying early. To Pam, my marriage was not a barrier. We were just friends. That’s how she referred to our relationship. She gave me a new picture of what love means; a lady can fall in love and never look behind no matter the situation.

We used to chat till late night. I used to lie to Sandy that I had a business deal to secure online. Sandy didn’t have any issue with my response.

‘Of late you are so close with your phone than me and our unborn child.’

‘No my dear, it’s a business deal please. I can’t ignore you and the creature you are carrying for me.’

I used to sneak to the washroom to go and video call Pam. Imagine using sign language just to avoid creating suspicion with Sandy. At times avoiding going to work and spending time at Pam place!

Even most of the time towards Sandy labour pains; I started avoiding her repasts, just because of taking some drinks and dinner at Sandy place.

I received a call from Mama Afya Hospital that I was needed there since my wife pregnancy had issues. How Sandy got to the hospital, I don’t know since most of the time lately I spend at Pam. When I was called, it was in the midnight. We had a road trip with Pam. After taking evening meal, we retired to bed earlier. That’s how I got this heart shaking news of Sandy admission.

I left Pam place quickly and headed to Mama Afya Hospital. Sandy was laid in ward No. 3. At the door it had a post HDU ROOM. I was given her purse by the doctor. Inside the purse was a note which was printed and well folded.

I loved you but you decided to betray me. You betrayed me with your colleague in the office. I know her, Pam. I tracked your call to monitor your behavior. Sorry for doing that but it’s painful. Even after carrying your child, you went ahead to date and entertain her. Just because I was pregnant. Being pregnant is not a permanent disease. We loved one another before my pregnancy. We played, went out to party, we encouraged one another... I left my job just to make you happy but you have decided to mock me. I know you regret marrying at early age as you texted her. I had even mounted CCTVs in our home and you didn’t notice. All this because of Pam. You have tortured my true feelings for you. I have been silent like a fool for long. I don’t know what will happen to our unborn child. Towards my labour, you didn’t bother to take me to clinics for checkups. All because you had a busy schedule with Pam. Let God reward you. Don’t bother yourself about me. God knows my fate and my unborn child. Marry your phone and your new Pam. By Sandy

        Photo Courtesy: Google