I visited Mama nitilie, the best food vendor in my neighborhood
Chafua, chapo
dondo, na kadhalika, all her meals tasted so good
“Waa gwaan
wazito?” a salutation to the mjengo guys I presented
“Aright
mahn” with githeri stuffed in their mouths they responded
“eh Ras,
jiseti hapa” looking at me with red eyes Omusakulu offered
In a torn
faded blue jeans, a brown vest which used to be white,
and old Nike
sneakers on his feet, he moved as he took a big bite
of four folded
chapatis as he waited for the stew he had also ordered.
Hell on
earth! The size of the fold, the grip in his hand had conquered
and the
gnashing of his big brown teeth, those chapatis really suffered
“Habari ya
leo mama Njoro?” yawning out of hunger I greeted her
“Mzuri sana
Endu” with her thick Meru accent she replied
Still counting
some coins from my pocket I ordered for a “starter”
A big jug
of Maji ya kunywa; drinking water is actually what I implied
“Umeshindaje
leo?” still serving another customer she asked me
“Nikudialala
mami. Hakuna mshiko! Na Gava yetu imekalia manoti,
Wanajisambazia
tu doe za kazi kwa vijana. Nakuambia, ni mafisi!”
Tightening
her leso and laughing, “Kama kawainda eeh?” she inquired
“Zee! Leo nipe
dunga na chai moja. Si nakusho nimepigika vi-deadly!”
Looking disappointed
I confirmed my order as I drank my water slowly
I then laid
back listening to chatty Omusakulu though I was really tired.
After a few
minutes I was given my meal and I made peace with my stomach.
-Edwin Onyango
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