Kenya Tuko na Stress — Let Me Talk to Myself in Peace

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A couple of years ago, on an evening walk home, this guy walking from the opposite direction stops and asks with genuine concern,

"Are you seriously talking and laughing by yourself?"

My mind full of responses,
   Isn’t this a free country? Ama freedom of speech ni story za Jaba?
   Can’t I enjoy my own conversations?
   Also...sir, how is this your business?

But I simply nodded.

He stared at me from head to toe, trying to detect what exactly was off.

Fast forward to today.

Afternoon. I pass by my bank, hoping to get a short-term loan.
I walk up to a lady behind an unnamed desk, not even sure that’s where I needed to be.

She was sharply dressed-minimal makeup, perfectly done sisterlocks, glasses completing the corporate slay.
Meanwhile, me? In brown boots and a pink fleece jacket...sun shining🌞
I looked...like the weather forecast personally betrayed me😏

In my defence, I left the house early and it was kind of drizzly, but still, who looks like that?

She glances at my account briefly and breaks it to me that i don’t qualify for a loan😔
"Like seriously? After all those transactions?
"You guys got jokes!"
I say it with a laugh but I meant every word.

To be honest, the rejection wasn’t even the worst part, it was her energy.
You know that silent pity? That low-key “pole sana, but you’re broke broke” vibe?
I felt poorer walking out than I did walking in😀

Back on an Uber bike headed to the office, the rider glances at me mid-ride and asks,
"Mummie, unajiongelesha?"
Apparently, my freedom of speech is a community issue now...ama watu wameze brufen?😏

Later in Ann’s car, heading home, five of us crammed inside discussing money matters.
Honestly, just the topic I needed after such a beating at the bank😏
But weirdly, the conversation turned out so funny and rich, I found myself wishing the ride was longer.

On alighting, I walked off smiling, whispering little comments to myself,
Praying no one stops me to question my monologue again.

As Muthoni Wa Kirumba A.K.A Baby Top said in her Kameme FM interview with Auntie Jemimah,
"Kenya tuko na stress, wacha Auntie Jemimah atuchekeshe."

And listen...the number of times I’ve re-watched that interview on YouTube?🙆🏽‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️

Anyhoo, just another Wednesday.



Comments

  1. Winnie BoiwaApril 16, 2025 at 1:22 AM

    This is so refreshing. Keep writing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ndutaApril 16, 2025 at 1:34 AM

      glad you liked it.

      Delete
    2. MauriceApril 16, 2025 at 3:20 AM

      A quiet, introspective tale about self-reflection as a Kenyan

      Delete
    3. NdutaApril 16, 2025 at 8:43 AM

      Reality 101.

      Delete
  2. AnnApril 17, 2025 at 4:11 AM

    Ahh yes, I remember that conversation! It was one of those chats that just clicked—funny, honest, and full of truth. I didn’t even realize how much I needed it until after. I left feeling seen and smiling. So glad you wrote about it💛

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. NdutaApril 17, 2025 at 4:33 AM

      Oh my! That day was tough.
      That ride was what i needed.
      We laughed so hard planning for money we didn't have.

      Delete

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