GOD ALMIGHTY’S greatest grace, love, sustenance and favour over time: … ….. 

Some 48 years ago, i can clearly recall that we were on school holiday and I was at home home with my brother Karis (may his soul continue resting in peace) and sister Wanjiru.

We were just resting at home after lunch and voice of Kenya (VOK) was our de facto radio station so it was on.

Our home then looked so much spacious and very quiet with only few vehicles intermittently passing by on the road nearby. Passers – by were also very few..

The amazing gazelle bicycles (the only common bicycle those days), which were a mark of innovation and sustainability seeing that their lighting was wheel dynamo-driven without any need for recharging of batteries, were quite rare.

… Noisy motor bikes (Boda Boda today) were even rarer and owned by the rich, prestigious and stylish young men who were also highly admired, especially by girls…

Then just before the 1pm news, some strange tunes started praying on VOK  radio and a few minutes later an announcement came through breaking news on the death of Kenya’s founding President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.

Immediately after as per my perception then, the atmosphere changed an aura of sorrow seemed to have engulfed our home and the sorroundings.

Few minutes later, normal transmission was interrupted and mourning songs started playing…

One very sorrowful song still rings a bell in my minds……

…. “natazama kilele cha mlima wa Kenya…

… Naona maajabu ya wingu leusi…

…. Sio wingo la mvua, lakini wingu la msiba..

… Simba wetu wa Kenya, Kenyatta ameaga dunia ….”..

In reflection, I often get astounded wondering how such strong and sorrowful songs got composed in such a short time…

Is it a sign that music talent has always be lying latently with us since time immemorial?