What Life has become

Our inner circle of friends tends to influence our myopic tendencies and consequently, that leads us to adopt a prejudiced mindset while in their company. As a result, we become unaware of that segment with divergent views hence diminishing our thought process. Most times, we are drawn toward analogies that normally enthuse our emotions. We gravitate towards that which resonates with our emotional experiences, and the world around us, and impacts us on a deeper level. Often, pragmatism only prevails when circumstances require practicality. We are drawn to nonlinear thought processes because linearity is for suckers. Subtly, there is a connection where the subconscious mind influences us without our realization while incorporating its effects into the conscious mind which has the willpower to sway our decisions. 

In this interconnected web of life, where you find yourself may be by design or by chance. The mosaic or collage of diversity shapes our view toward life and encourages us to form bonds that draw the finest qualities in both ourselves and those around us. Yet, we are maybe mean and less self-effacing. Amid all that, the sanctuary of support may be found in our family, colleagues at work, the friends we make in our socialization processes, and the adversaries who are vital in making us whole. They come in to oppose and push us out of our comfort zones. Their negative lens in how they mirror life helps in transforming our collective approach that may be parochial and nascent.

Your perception of life is closely influenced by your aura, which is shaped greatly by the energy you radiate. The stages you have gone through in life immensely dictate the choices you make. Consequently, that is what contributes to your experiences. When you sit down and reflect on your past, present, and future, you realize that exposure plays a critical role in who you become. Some of us yearn to be successful and think there is a shortcut that can be extrapolated into the future through the actions we take which may be deliberate or unconscious. Others live life one day at a time, while some know the gravitas of survival is making hay while the sun shines. Life is structured in a way that success is not a singular feat but a relentless pursuit. It's a continuous process where when you decide to take a step back others pick up and build on what is already established.

The lessons that make you sagacious, resolute, painstaking, and fiercely independent are the ones that impact your life and contribute to your flaneur, especially if you are interested in deeper introspection. Mostly, what shields you from prostituting your mind frees you from the slavery of correctness and illusion of understanding. I mean, silence is gold, the world is more complicated than what we inherently know. The one who listens learns a lot. This is a deafening trumpet that vibrates the bones. By some farcical turn of events, we are programmed to think that being a know-it-all and actively contributing enhances our cool factor, yet it only makes us cluster to absurdity. How you become excited when you come across a new fact, whether heard or read and the thirst to cut reality into crisp shapes that fit into a social contagion. 

What strikes me is the belief we hold in the power of retrospective analysis of how we can learn from history. We have grown from fracture to fracture while making small, predictable progressions in life. Nothing like catapulting all at once into overcoming historical ruptures that have inherently held us hostage in fear of tasting the pleasures of living authentically. Yet some events are an exception that cannot be pushed under the rug. They contribute to savoring true joy and are essential in experiencing the fullness of our existence. The unpredictability of future thrill and mystery is a human nature that we cannot hide from. Life's inevitable surprises make it worth embracing whatever is thrown our way because tomorrow is the first day of the rest of our lives. 

Most societies value the family as a fundamental nucleus of society. That is because it is the first instance in which we make emotional bonds that determine our broader social interactions. It's the initial environment that nurtures and contributes to the cornerstone of our identity in society. The majority of people still desire to create families because it is crucial as a building block in the structure of the community. It is not only where we find a sense of belonging, love, and support but it is also the foundation of the future generation. Our well-being, filial bonds, and growth start in a family which serves as the fabric of society. The nurturing confines of a family provide a sanctuary of security that amidst life's uncertainties, we still have that haven we can go back to since home is where the heart is and that is family.

Lately, I have realized that most people are postponing family commitments because they have a certain perspective of what they think is a 'perfect time' and an 'enviable family'. The average chap wants to delve into the mystery of adventure by forgoing this responsibility. Men and women alike want to have fun, which involves engaging in casual sexual relations with multiple partners in some cases. For some, it is satisfactory to have one soul mate, while for others, one is not enough. These folks experiment freely, convinced that emotional ties are a thing of the past. We are in a new generation, and as we transition into it, we need to align with what is current trends. It's no longer considered cheating, it's merely accepting that times have changed. We have redefined the new norm, which goes against traditional societal expectations and our biological clocks.

My two cents is always to strike a balance because in the end, what matters is you as a person. It's a harmony between what you want and what you get. Live your life according to your doctrines and what you were brought up believing in. In most cases, the family will always win because it provides the unconditional support that we often rely on. It's where we find affection and earliest understanding. That is why parents and siblings will always stand by their blood because blood is thicker than water. Your immediate family will always choose and stand by you because they are the most important people in the world. They will take care of you and be there because they are your first point of contact and you need to cherish them. 

Hasta La Vista, Baby

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From Social Media to Streets: #RejectFinanceBill2024

When Kenyans took to the streets to protest against the recent Finance bill, under the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill2024, led by a fiery and firebrand Gen Z and docile millennials, I did not expect much to come from it. The usual social media gimmicks and activism characterized by armchair rhetorics behind a small gadget are what I thought it would result in. I mean, previous street protests have been characterized by hooliganism, violence, and looting among other vices largely because the government, through the press, has shaped this narrative. 

I am a millennial. Millennials are known for their conformity; we tend to follow directives readily because we value adaptability and agreeableness. We tend to comply as long as the guidelines are clear and the actions to be taken are explicit. We are also a tech-savvy generation known for our collaborative spirit. Not the Gen Z. This generation is known for its inquisitive nature and its tendency to challenge the status quo. We tend to think they are weird because they are passionate and want meaningful explanations rather than simply following orders of 'because I said' as an answer. 

However, when you combine the rebellious spirit of Gen Z with the conformity of millennials, the result is the well-organized demonstrations witnessed against the Finance Bill 2024. These demonstrations were devoid of tribal divisions and focused on improving standards, going against punitive taxes and what we call "escaping the matrix".

Somehow, I feel like the mainstream media has become partial and compromised in reporting political matters that affect the populace. This apprehension stems from the fact that media outlets may self-censor to avoid jeopardizing the funding that they get from government coffers. Yet, they would not admit it because the government is a major stakeholder in the operation of media outlets. Media houses have to choose between editorial independence, sacrificing proper journalism and financial stability in their reporting. Challenging the status quo could lead to your licenses to operate being revoked or lead to serious financial repercussions. 

Consequently, Kenyans have been left to endure the excesses of the government under the guise of public participation, a program that has not always lived up to its name in terms of genuine citizen involvement. The legislature went to bed with the executive, because it controls the purse strings and as a result, they enact legislation that does not align with the needs of the common man. 

As citizens, we feel neglected because leaders are not carrying out their constitutional right in addressing the plight of the average citizen. The "Uta do" mentality is frustrating and chocks to the core. Of course, the president needs to leave a positive legacy while being responsive to the citizens, but it seems like the Kenya Kwanza government does not listen to the people. Unfortunately, it is "the same forest with different monkeys." Who is to blame for electing leaders who are easily swayed by the incumbent government and who lack a proven track record to show forth? Should we blame the common man, who is easily corruptible with a few shillings, or civil society for inadequate public sensitization?

Over the past two decades, it has become increasingly evident that we have become a tribal nation, particularly in politics and economic empowerment. This is a topic that elicits emotions and upsets me, and I have to address it because it is a dangerous slippery slope. We are in a delicate tribal warfare that impacts us yet we cannot admit it. Human beings have always been tribal since time immemorial, seeking to share deep-seated animosities with like-minded individuals. Tribalism is dangerous because it fosters division and hatred. However, it can also unite and motivate, leading to better outcomes through competition. When we view the world through the lens of our tribe, we lose our nuance. Tribalism is now deeply rooted in both politics and the workplace, often turning politicians and employers into thoughtless, ethnically maligned drones. This allegiance to tribal views can suppress independent thought and align us with oppressive ideologies, ultimately costing us our independent thinking. 

In Kenya, whoever takes power controls the government coffers and, eventually, effectively holds the purse strings for the entire nation. It's a winner-take-all scenario. This control also extends to the judiciary, which in some cases renders the institution susceptible to manipulation. Fundamentally, the judiciary is supposed to uphold the rule of law and administer justice according to the Constitution of the land.  However, in some cases, the judicial process is skewed, resulting in verdicts that acquit individuals in ways that undermine the rights and liberties of both defendants and plaintiffs. The result is that glaring facts contradict a ruling, and this erodes public trust in the judiciary. It creates the perception that the highest bidder can sway judicial rulings in their favor, despite clear evidence to the contrary. And that is where the people must step in.

When widespread injustice occurs and the common man feels the country is not governed by the rule of law, they resort to picketing. People are protesting because the government has chosen to use the justice system and legislature to oppress the common people, leaving them to suffer and feed on the breadcrumbs while the elites enjoy the benefits of the cake. Our freedom of speech is infringed upon because the people we elected to office are colluding executive arm. Yet it is our right to speak about the ills that we see in society. As much as we may be sent to Gulag for expressing our political opinions, and engaging in open discourse on societal issues, we can challenge and potentially change the prevailing norms and enact positive change. We need to feel free while expressing our views without fear of discomfort. The pragmatism to face authority has now been left to social media though it should not be the sole outlet to challenge it.

Upon completing their education, instead of being guaranteed a haven in employment, school leavers are nowadays forced to find opportunities as content creators on platforms like Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok, where they can express their ideas because the economy is struggling to create sufficient job opportunities. The social media platforms can only pay a few creative individuals who bring an audience to their pages hence generating advertiser revenue. Consequently, many citizens who could have been productive and contributed to the economy are dependent on their overtaxed and financially overburdened guardians and parents. The "black tax" phenomenon has become a responsibility even for pensioners. 

Parents took their children to school with the hopes that they would be self-reliant upon completion of their education, whether someone went to a technical school or graduate school. Unfortunately, many graduates and school leavers are still dependent on their siblings, relatives, and parents due to the scarcity of income opportunities. In today's job market, even roles in construction that traditionally demanded minimal expertise and prized endurance are gatekept by nepotism and cronyism. Connections have become a prerequisite, a secret handshake granting access to employment's elusive rewards.

The clamor and resistance to the finance bill are rooted in the fact that it does not benefit the citizens who have to pay taxes and endure economic hardship. Economically, it is what's required to steer clear of the recurring debt trap we encounter. The real issue is that the political elite, the bureaucrats, and their entourage follow the usual path. They become affluent, lose touch with reality, and think they are better than others. In the end, they lose a healthy sense of perspective and come to view their roles as a God-given right to hold the positions they have. They become arrogant and impervious to the populace's desires.

I may be watching from the flanks. Protestors get killed, incarcerated, and injured while fighting for a better tomorrow. On the contrary, politicians get rich and are protected by the law enforcers. Some are inept and misappropriate money that should serve the current and future generations. They squander public funds while citizens diligently work hard and pay their taxes to support their extravagant lifestyles. We should stand to be counted by holding leaders accountable. As we demand accountability from them, they need to also be truth-telling. After all, we are all suffering irrespective of the tribe we belong to. When taxes are levied, they transcend tribal affiliations because they are not discriminatory. They are imposed uniformly across the board. And who stands to gain? It is tax collectors, the political class, and those with allocated budgets who use the revenue selfishly.

As a result, it is the average citizen who bears the brunt when tax funds are misappropriated, failing to serve their designated purpose. The 100 bob or 200 bob that you are given as a bribe will give you the illusion that your representative has your interest at heart. The truth is that once individuals are elected to represent us, they prioritize their agendas over the collective welfare of society. Wahenga na wahenguzi hawakukosea walipolonga kwamba, 'Kila mwamba ngoma, ngozi huivutia kwake.'

Hasta La Vista Baby.

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Comfort Zone

A heartfelt salute to all the people who tirelessly fulfill their life's calling with unwavering dedication, never resorting to complaints or apportioning blame. They walk their life's path with stoic grace and take full accountability for their actions. What I have learned about life is that sometimes, not a single soul cares when you are going through struggles that should not concern them. Some situations require you to open up and seek guidance, while others demand you step out of your comfort zone and not wait for an easy way out. That is why you will find a person ready to take advantage and charge for offering a service to mitigate your issues, even if the results may not meet your expectations. Nothing like a free lunch. It is prudent to be cautious and weigh in on a situation to see whether you can self-resolve before seeking advice.

Consider the experiences of an individual grappling with mental health challenges. In the current digital age, we have social media, and some people may use the platform to relay contradictory information, often with the intent of garnering the attention of a target audience. Some even go bonkers and become delusional. A patient in a psychiatric facility may share posts stating that he has graduated and is ready to start the journey of treating people, accompanied by fabricated images of a graduation ceremony. You find such a patient lost in the fantasy of being a medic, convinced he is treating people in a health facility. 

Growing up, the medical profession used to be highly regarded, to the extent that we used to see it as the pinnacle of our career aspirations. You studied hard in school and cultivated a mental image of a doctor. Some even adopted the alter ego of a 'doctor' embodying the role before it became a reality. Not anymore, with specialization having taken over, all fields are worth pursuing if you dedicate yourself and are passionate about them. Nevertheless, you still need to meet the minimum qualifications and be certified to practice before applying your knowledge to real-world scenarios. Even in the medical field itself, specialization allows you to tailor your interests to your specific career path. Nonetheless, in some professions talent is what matters, hence understanding and mastering the elements that contribute to success is essential. It's not just about having a natural aptitude. 

As the sands of time slip in the hourglass, so too does the terrain of existence transform. The syllabus we once studied is likely outdated given the rapid advancements and transitions we have witnessed. Long ago, all you were required to do was focus on the bare minimum, and that would yield results. Presently, you can't rest on your laurels pretty, content and complacent that everything will pan out without the extra hard work. You have to push yourself and adopt a proactive approach. It is a journey with no sojourn that involves a diverse cast of people along the way—some leave an indelible mark, while others are ephemeral whispers that quickly fade from memory.

That is the reason why nobody can afford to be comfortable anymore. We work to earn a living, which we equate to money. Let's assume that money contributes to peace of mind and provides an extra dose of happiness. It alleviates worries about necessities and grants the comfort of purchasing power. As much as you have addressed a crucial aspect effectively, there are additional aspects that require your attention. Money can afford you options because it influences the quality of services and products you buy. Yet there is more to money that extends beyond transactions. You have to take the initiative to make it work for you. Physical well-being demands more than financial stability. Your health is at stake if you live a risky life, regardless of your economic status. Money is just a subset of life that solves money problems and offers a measure of security, but it is not the only factor determining the quality of life one lives.

Your financial capacity often dictates the lifestyle choices you make. You can only dine in an eatery that fits your budget or travel to destinations within your means. Your financial boundaries determine whether you adopt an economical mindset in your spending or indulge in occasional splurges. Time is also a crucial factor in determining our rate card. Some people reach a level of excellence where they continue to enhance their worth, while others find themselves stuck in a rut, struggling to break free from a cycle of stagnation that stifles their development. It may not necessarily be a lack of effort; rather, it may be their approach that is not yielding the desired outcomes.

What is certain is that, presently, you cannot afford to be content. Somewhere, someone is burning the midnight oil, striving relentlessly to succeed in life. You have to escape the matrix by breaking away from conventional beliefs, taking risks, and pursuing something genuinely worthwhile. You have to be creative and hardworking. While creativity alone is a valuable piece of the puzzle, it is just one component of a larger whole. You can be very creative and have exciting, unique ideas that stand out, but success is a mosaic that requires more than individual brilliance. You need a team to be able to collaborate and accomplish the grand vision.

Hasta La Vista, Baby.

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In search of adventure

Mind readers have a knack for understanding human psychology, which they use to create the illusion of being right, particularly when presenting choices for others to select. This can lead to the perception that one has been outwitted, contributing to a sense of vulnerability. These individuals often receive accolades for their exceptional cognitive strategies, which seem to reflect a high level of intelligence. Guess they practice continuously the way actors do in a set until the outcome achieves a level of remarkable finesse. However, the longevity of such a display of cleverness is typically short-lived unless the person has undergone extensive training to perform captivating mental feats that can evoke amusement or astonishment at their skillful deception to their audience.

Often, it is a spark of inspiration that awakens our yearning for adventure. A sedentary lifestyle lacks thrill and can dull the senses; it's monotonous to do the same thing repeatedly. We crave experiences that yield tales worthy of recounting. This desire often propels us into action. People go to great lengths to create memorable experiences. For some, the quest to explore life comes naturally, while for others, it must be carefully planned and nurtured. It's not always as seamless as it seems; it requires effort and cultivation.

I appreciate the natural way life provides for our needs without forcing it. However, expecting nature to take its course entirely is unrealistic for some people. Those with a strong work ethic, characterized by rigor and discipline, understand that success typically demands continuous effort. These individuals develop and refine their skills through repetition, building muscle memory, and expertise in their endeavors.

To find someone successful, they’ve likely invested over 10,000 hours into their skill, honing their prowess until they understand the potential causes of the innate quirks and nuances that may arise. It takes time to have consistency. You have to turn up daily and immerse yourself in the craft. Even with consistent effort, maintaining the routine can be a struggle. For instance, sometimes I find the journey of blogging a painstaking one. It's not that I have a shortage of topics to pen about. The struggle can sometimes be overwhelming, and you want to call it a day and quit. 

Just when you think of retiring and think, let me now concentrate on something that can improve my life. Like walking 10,000 steps a day, uninterrupted 8 hours of sleep, eating one meal a day, and drinking 8 cups of water, you realize that maintaining these wellness habits can be challenging. It reaches a point where as much as you want to maintain all these wellness routines unless you have a coach to help you with the process, you may just end up backsliding and revert to old habits. Naturally, we are wired to abhor routine because of its restrictive nature. What enslaves us and makes us caged, well, you can just drink when your throat feels dry. The flawless, glossy skin often attributed to water therapy becomes an elusive goal. The kind of visage that is associated with water therapy. Few people manage to capitalize on these wellness practices, but those who do often create a livelihood from it. They develop masterclasses on how to achieve these wellness goals, attracting many who want to try their secret methods.

Given a choice to travel the world, most people would seize the opportunity enticed by the adventure and enjoyment it promises. I would quickly grab that chance because I know it would offer a broader perspective on my worldview. But, traveling is not the only form of adventure that satiates our lust for discovery. The everyday experiences we encounter teach us valuable lessons that shape our future interactions. There are people we might prefer to steer clear of, yet we often find ourselves unable to do so as they become part of lifestyle.

Recently, an acquaintance of mine found himself in a precarious situation after being apprehended for driving under the influence. He was escorted onto the "Mariamu" lorry, and his vehicle was impounded and towed to the station. This anecdote highlights how, at times, we can outwit even the most elaborate processes designed to protect us and society. Upon arrival at the police station, amidst the chaos of processing numerous detainees, he took a gamble and slipped away in the opposite direction of the holding cells. Concealed behind a door, he assumed a false identity. In the ensuing disarray as the authorities organized the detainees, he emerged from his hiding spot. Mistakenly assumed to be an outsider caught up in the commotion, he was instructed to leave the station, as he seemingly had no business there at night. 

After escaping the police station, his next challenge was retrieving his car. It took him several days and numerous calls to get the car released from the police yard. Paying the tow guys was unavoidable, as they typically work in cahoots with the police. The key takeaway from this experience is the importance of opting for a cab instead of driving after drinking. Using a taxi can save you from the risk of accidents or getting caught by the police.

I later spoke with an Uber driver who explained that the cost of cash bail in such a case is 20,000 for the police and an additional compulsory 5,000 for the tow service. This experience, while adventurous in its way, underscores the lesson that if you've been drinking, it's far wiser to hail an online cab and retrieve your car later. Not only does this avoid legal troubles and hefty fines, but it also ensures your safety and that of others on the road.

After the narrow escape from the police station and avoiding the unpleasant odor of cells reeking of urine, he went again to the vibrant atmosphere of another club, opting for a taxi because his car had been confiscated. Unbeknownst to the authorities, he had slipped away. Later, he even considered surrendering to a traffic officer to confess, only to realize it would add the charge of escaping detention to his record. However, money has a way of softening the hearts of the police. By providing a bribe with no strings attached, he was able to go scot-free. Financial incentives have a way in which they influence outcomes, and it seems to hold true. Many people prefer this route over navigating the judicial process, which is often long and circuitous. This approach also saves time that would otherwise be wasted in the back-and-forth of legal proceedings.

He later told me about a person he knows who never offers bribes. If caught for any reason, this individual would endure the lengthy legal process instead of corrupting it, which is generally considered the proper way to handle such situations. I have bribed the police a few times for minor infractions like having a cracked windscreen, worn-out tyre treads, and speeding in areas where I missed the speed limit signs. For instance, if the limit was 50 kph and I was driving at 70 kph.

Once, I was even caught not displaying the insurance sticker. Before being booked, I managed to bribe the officer and he let me go. Another time, I failed to stop when signaled by a policeman, who then took a motorbike to catch up with me and charged me for failing to stop. If you have some loose cash, they will easily accept it. My rule of thumb is never to part with more than 1,000 shillings for these petty offenses.

Most of the time, parting with money is not a premeditated decision, it's the lengthy processes that prompt an individual to expedite matters, albeit informally. You always opt for greasing the wheels of justice though it undermines the integrity of established procedures put in place. It's not until you encounter an irate and hostile police officer,  who is unapproachable and vociferous, unwilling to listen, shouting like a madman that you realize why some people develop PTSD when they think of police stations. They end up with unexplained anxiety in their law enforcement interactions.

Hasta La Vista Baby

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