Kenya Tuko na Stress—Let Me Talk to Myself in Peace
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 had a buffet of responses:
– Isn’t this a free country with freedom of speech?
– 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... questionably weather-aware. 😏
In my defence, I left the house early and it was kind of drizzly. Still.
She glances at my account briefly and breaks it to me: 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. 😀
"Mummie, unajiongelesha?"
Apparently, my freedom of speech is a community issue now. 😏
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 Wakirumba said in that Auntie Jemimah interview: "Kenya tuko na stress, wacha Auntie Jemimah atuchekeshe."
And listen, the number of times I’ve watched that interview? 🙆🏽♀️🤷🏾♀️
Anyhoo, just another Wednesday.
This is so refreshing. Keep writing.
ReplyDeleteglad you liked it.
DeleteA quiet, introspective tale about self-reflection as a Kenyan
DeleteReality 101.
DeleteAhh 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💛
ReplyDeleteOh my! That day was tough.
DeleteThat ride was what i needed.
We laughed so hard planning for money we didn't have.