This message is not some apocalyptic revelation for the religious, but I will still open with a bible verse.

Matthew 11:25, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.”  

I happen to live somewhere between Githurai and Kasarani. From my postulation, the parable of The Rich Man and Lazarus best illustrates the divide between these two suburbs. In the words of Abraham, “A great chasm has been set between…” the two suburbs.

Before you think I am referring to the snake-infested dam at Clay City Estate, allow me to share my Corona experience.

I walked to Githurai 45 to replenish my supplies on Thursday, the day CS Mutahi Kagwe was making a passionate appeal to the youth to help in fighting the Corona Virus in Kenya. The call was to put on masks and continue sanitizing using water and alcohol-based sanitizers to keep everyone around safe.

Feeling Out-of-Place

Walking helped me to exercise after an entire day in the house and for social distancing purposes. I was overcome by a massive sense of guilt when it got to Githurai. That town that is the subject of all bunter jokes is overly-dramatic about Corona prevention measures. Every other person is hawking a mask while sanitizers and handwashing containers are at every doorstep. You pay using MPESA, and in case you settle for cash, the money is cleaned using methylated-spirit before it is received.

If CS Mutahi Kagwe is looking for worriers in his fight against the Corona Virus disease, Githurai is the place to go.

I rushed home, feeling like I had let down the entire nation. I could feel eye-daggers from the streets raining on me for not wearing a mask. I swore to get some masks and made arrangements immediately.

The France-and-Italy-Suburb of Kenya

One of the reasons Corona Virus hit France and Italy harder than other nations was their behavior when the disease broke. They failed to remain indoors or take the COVID-19 prevention measures issued by their governments. They traveled to resort cities and took families to visit grandparents, leaving the old folks to die. One writer describes them as having gone on holiday when they got time off to stay home to stem the spread. They are paying dearly for it. I will not talk about the complacency of the USA and her disheartening Corona Virus statistics.

I walked to Kasarani on Sunday afternoon, armed with my mask, keeping all the distance possible, and fearful about this merciless pandemic. This time I felt like an alien. Like I was the sick invader or ‘the only visitor in Jerusalem,’ but this time, who knew about the Corona Virus.

These ‘well-to-do’ fellows, who can afford the best masks and sanitizers, have thrown all caution to the wind. No face-masks, social distancing is a myth, and there is no caution when handling money. This time I rushed home, feeling sorry. Why would a privileged population with the benefit of resources and information be so reckless?

I remembered my granny and her recital of the prophecies of Mugo wa Kibiru. “Nigύgaciarwo me bugi matύ.” The loose translation is, ‘A generation that does not heed to instruction will come.’ That generation lives in Kasarani and such other suburbs  populated by the ‘elite.’ I now understood the anger by CS Mutahi Kagwe regarding the youth.

Undefiled Recklessness

Two more cases of pure recklessness to add to what Wahome Thuku, a lawyer and social activist, has highlighted. I met a decent number of fitness enthusiasts jogging their way to death without a single mask. They definitely want to make it easy for their 15 family members-cum-pallbearers.

What of this family taking an evening walk? The adorable father, mother, boy, and girl, like the French and Spaniards, on holiday along Thika Road? I would assume they belong to the privileged who take their children to bouncing-castles and amusement parks around Nairobi on ordinary Sunday afternoons. Please, spend the money and thought on face masks and protecting your lovely family!

Blissful Ignorance

So, who will survive Covid-19 in the next few months? Well, it is they who go overboard. It is you who become hysterical about protection. It is the families that act as though they have microscopes on their eyes and can see the virus everywhere. Be narcissistic if you have to survive.

I am not ignorant of the fact that some people will never worry until the virus knocks on their doors. After all, the gospel of Matthew 24:38 says, “For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark.” Unfortunately, none of those who ate, drank, and married features anywhere after the flood. Your guess is as good as mine.

By the end of this pandemic, I wish every father or household will do what Moses did in Numbers 31:49. Count all your members and find that none is missing. It would be the greatest joy for any family and nation, but it will take simple instructions; wash hands, keep distance, and use a mask in public.

Image courtesy of BBC.

About the Author

Julius is a Remote Working (Work From Home) specialist with years of personal experience working away from the office.   He shares his expertise on trending topics and is passionate about education.

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