Is not this SCARING nay FRIGHTENING?

Pesent-day life has presented various challenges which are tending to increase as the years roll by and equally fast.
In reflection, I oftentimes wonder how our parents experienced their lives when they lived as teenagers and young adults especially when we hear those still surviving talking of ‘good old days’…

For me and perhaps some in my age set, I am finding living today scaring as days fly past but still we are encouraged through our faith in God almighty. I believe He loves us all and cares. He knows our current situations including the challenges we face and shall definitely provide us with encouragement and buffers.

In His Holy Word, God almighty also tells of the last days of this world /life giving us prophesies of what we should expect and urging us to keep strong in faith and even providing us with hope of eternal life with Him (which will be  better compared to our current life as also He promises ) with Him if we choose to believe in Him and live according to His teachings.
This reflections, including very frightening ones, came to my mind as i watched inooro TV’s Kimuri program on July 22nd, 2026, where the topic discussed was ‘organic pest – & herbicides (ndawa cia kimerera)’.

A man and a woman involved in organic farming formed the panel led by presenters Messrs Nderitu Waihura & Njenga wa Wambui.

…. The guests identified some of the organic pest – and herbicides they are using and promoting for adoption especially on small scale in kitchen gardens and other smaller spaces.

The fact that the ordinary fertilizers we have used for many years contain harmful chemicals was re-emphasized. Perhaps in ignorance, many of our parents applied the fertilizers with bare hands and without any PPEs (personal protective equipments) such as dust coats /overalls, gloves and masks.. So they just inhaled the chemicals’ dust and allowed the chemicals to seep through their hands and other exposed skin parts..
Perhaps this explains why many of the parents developed illnesses later in life.

The man-guest has deep interest in pig and poultry farming among others farming forms and explained some issues on improved or genetically modified chicken which end up rather weak and prone to many infections and hence need lots of care and use of drugs including antibiotics to survive.
According to him, the improved chicken, pigs, rabbits and cattle are also fed with chemical-based boosters (these can further alter genetic make up) that help them to mature exceptionally fast to meet rising demand for proteins in the country and globally. Yet the chemicals in the boosters could also remain harmful if the withdrawal period requirements are breached.
Equally unfortunately, possibly in ignorance or less concern, some farmers choose to ignore instructions and sell products such as eggs and milk before end of the recommended products withdrawal periods.

The same withdrawal period requirements for agricultural produce such as tomatoes, spinach, onions or Kale (sukuma wiki) et al is also unfortunately and sadly ignored by some farmers who sell the produce to unsuspecting consumers thus exposing them to grave dangers.

According to the discourse, recent research has shown that tomatoes and onions among other vegetables are the most affected by residual chemical molecules.
Some of the steps one can take to reduce the exposure to the chemical residues is intense washing in running water and /or soaking in salty water for recommended periods… yet the soaking also presents a risk of having some nutrients also getting soaked and removed from the products .

 And with recent dietary changes that have promoted fast foods such as ‘smokies’ & ‘smochas’, which are highly supplemented with onions and tomatoes, the risk to our youthful generation (who have made the fast foods part of their staple meals) is very real.
Chemicals residues in milk and milk products also present a real challenge and threat to our people given that the chemicals pose danger to our bodies since we can develop resistance to antibiotics and other drugs.

The guests advised listeners to adopt organic products such rabbit urine mixed with clean water as pest – & herbicides.
Other organic pesticides and herbicides derivatives include aloe vera and ‘mibangi’ (in Gigikuyu, these are naturally pungent smelling green and yellowish tall weeds and whose pungent smell still feels relieving to the body) which can be soaked in clean water for some hours and later be sprayed on to plants.
.. Further, onions and garlic (hopefully & preferably with zero chemicals residues and organically grown) can also be soaked in water for given hours to produce natural pest- & herbicides…