Rare compliments
“Excuse me, excuse me….”… .
It was around 2.30pm on January 30th, 2026 just outside Cardinal Otunga Plaza in Nairobi CBD. I had just arrived in the CBD from an earlier engagement in Westlands and I still was determined to find my way to the Milimami High Court, Family Division for yet another engagement.
The day was quite hot and I had just learnt that temperatures during this week had risen to as high as 27 degrees Celsius.
I was donning a round hat in efforts to protect my head and face from direct sunlight and heat and holding my jacket in efforts to keep a bit cool.
And in the din and bustle of the city, I turned around to check who really was seeking to be excused..
… Perhaps this was not even meant for me but when I had turned back, I saw a young beautiful lass clad in an equally beautiful Kakhi outfit.
“I wanted to tell you that your vitiligo is very beautiful. You have a unique colour, really beautiful,” the lass told me as she faced me.
Feeling astounded and lost for words, I told her, “thank you very much and may God bless you. I rarely get people talking to me about this condition,” I told her in appreciation.
“I meet many people daily and notice different reactions from each and especially from children. Some tend to sneer looking the other way while others appear shocked and afraid like.. Thank you,” I commended her again.
“Thank you,” she responded as joined palms together as she gesticulated in a humble gesture of appreciation but as she left I felt very appreciated and asked, “and what’s your name?”
“I’m Purity,” she said as we parted ways.
Purity’s rare gesture reminded me of another young lass with whom I had shared a seat in a two – people space in PSV one late evening, several years, as we traveled each to his or her dwelling.
Though I can hardly recall her name, she had courageously told me that she admired people living with vitiligo for they looked beautiful and unique…
Such are the rare moments of compliments that lift people’s spirit up..
..
And several minutes later as I approach the Milimami High Courts, I met two ladies walking side by side and when we look at each other, she looked aside as if afraid.. And I moved on minding my business and unperturbed now used to such reactions.
Yet this reminded me so much of Purity whom I had met moments earlier and how we all as human beings can and often respond and react in totally different ways when faced with similar circumstances or situations..
…. 