Students must understand that there are consequences when they set other human beings on fire.
When I visited Naivasha maximum prison I met the only suspect sentenced to death for the May 24, 1999 arson attack in Nyeri High School that claimed the lives of four prefects.
The student was 33 years old or thereabout when I met him. He was convicted by a juvenile court and later committed to life imprisonment after he turned 18.
The 2001 Kyanguli fire tragedy claimed the lives of 67 students. Two 16-year-olds were arrested and charged with murder. The judge handling the matter resigned in 2006 amid corruption-related allegations. A new judge declared the court matter a mistrial.
I took my time with the file, and it was clear that someone had done everything to make sure the two boys escaped justice. I tracked one down to an office in the CBD. He is somewhere out here.
The July 13, 1991, St Kizito High School massacre remains the most disturbing and heart-wrenching story I have covered.
The boys stormed the girls' dormitory. Reason? They had refused to join them in a strike.
In the ensuing violence, 71 school girls were raped and 19 of them lost their lives, mostly due to suffocation after being tightly packed into a corner during the attack.
Some were arrested and as usual, parents worked the justice system and many escaped the hangman’s noose.
But in a dark twist of events, most of the accused “turned mad”, and others ended up as drunks.
I remember visiting a lady now in her fifties who was still overwhelmed by the events of that night- oh she cried.
I met most of the boys then now men. Drunkards. Wasted.
Let’s see how the tragic Utumishi Fire tragedy plays out but if the prosecution proves those arrested are involved, it will be the end of school and freedom.
I have been to Nyeri, St Kizito, Kyanguli, Endarasha, and Bombolulu Girls' High School.
It's a life-changing experience!
No amount of justice or compensation can bring back the lives lost.
Dr Roselyn Akombe, PhD, senior official in UN... Comfortable in polygamy. Then there is Wanjiru with a certificate in catering who wants exclusivity, she is making noise about how she is the table. Chesaa!!!
.@uber_kenya should really just stop operating in Kisumu because why should drivers "demand" more pay than the actual. Despite numerous complaints, @Uber simply doesn't care and seems complicit. @Uber_Support
My newest prayer is simple: “Lord, settle it.”
Settle my mind. Settle my heart. Settle my spirit.
Teach me to walk in peace instead of anxiety, and faith instead of fear. 🤍
I missed my flight in Nairobi once because of traffic on Mombasa Road.
Like fully missed it. I got to the airport sweaty, exhausted, dragging my suitcase like it personally betrayed me.
I already knew there was no chance, but I still ran to the counter hoping for mercy.
The woman checked her screen, looked at me, then said, “You were the last passenger.”
I laughed a little because what else do you do at that point?
Then she lowered her voice and said, “The plane is still on the ground.”
Next thing I know this airport employee is SPEED WALKING me through the terminal like we’re in an action movie.
Security waved me through, another worker grabbed my carry-on to help me run, and I’m apologizing to literally everyone while fighting for my life.
I got to the gate completely out of breath.
The guy scanning boarding passes looked at me and said, “Eh, Nairobi traffic. We understand.”
People on the plane actually clapped when I walked in looking half dead.
I have never respected airport workers more in my life. Big up to them.
.@KoinangeJeff Please tell my friend Gov @orengo_james that it would be very unfair of him if he does not give this and the next generation an account of history through his eyes in the form of an autobiography. #jklive@citizentvkenya
All roads lead you back to yourself;
the standards you ignored.
the boundaries you softened.
the intuition you doubted.
Life will keep repeating lessons until you listen.