Daniel on Alcohol Anonymous

The serenity prayer
The prayer alcoholics pray in a daily basis...

Alcohol taught me lessons no university ever could—and demanded school fees in cash, dignity, and broken relationships.

I drank beer with no money and confidence with no future. I enrolled full-time in the School of Embarrassment. I learned what treatment really means, my friend. One night my shirt was torn, my dignity followed suit, and I slept on the floor like an unwanted agenda item. My shoes and coat were taken away as if alcohol itself was collecting rent. Thousands of shillings vanished—not stolen, just escorted out by poor judgment.

I fought the women I loved, not because they were wrong, but because alcohol promoted me to Minister of Arguments. Silence offended me. Logic resigned without notice. And yes, alcoholism is a mental disease—real and ruthless. Ati juu dame amekuacha juu ya alcoholism, unataka connect to Sayuni Wi-Fi—even heaven, apparently, has strict sobriety rules.

Alcohol is a professional con artist. It convinces you that you are in control while quietly turning you suicidal. Judgment evaporates. Boundaries collapse. One day you realize the monster you fear is wearing your face. I blamed everyone for everything—friends, lovers, bosses, the weather—everyone except the man in the mirror.

Then I stopped drinking.

Sobriety did not arrive with fireworks. It came quietly, armed with discipline. And suddenly, chaos lost its job.

Today, I rarely borrow money—and if I do, there must be a solid reason, and I pay it back. My word has weight again. I no longer fight my wife. I don’t argue with my boss or debate imaginary enemies. Sobriety has made me firm in character and astute in judgment. I am not rich, but I am responsible. Not loud, but focused. Not perfect, but respectable.

If my former lovers met me today, they would ask for ID. Alcohol had vandalized my character and auctioned my values. Recovery did not make me a saint—but it returned my conscience.

I do not credit myself for this sobriety. I handed over my ego, excuses, and false courage to God. And He has sustained me.

Recovery is not dramatic.
It is simply choosing life—one sober day at a time.

Among the Tachoni, there is an unwritten code that governs interactions between in-laws and blood relatives, designed to maintain s*xual purity, respect, and avoid in**st.

For instance, men are prohibited from shaking hands with their mothers-in-law or spending time alone with them. This rule, though never explicitly stated, serves as a safeguard to prevent the possibility of inappropriate closeness between sons-, mother-, father- and daughters-in-law, which could lead to disrespectful or taboo behavior.

Similarly, mothers are not allowed to share a bed with their grown sons, nor can fathers sleep in the same bed as their daughters. The same principle applies to siblings: brothers and sisters, as well as cousins of opposite genders, are not permitted to sleep in the same bed.

These customs are part of a broader cultural framework to preserve s*xual boundaries, uphold familial respect, and prevent in**stuous relationships. While these norms may not be formally written down, they are deeply understood and respected within the community.

Today, while attending mass, my wife pointed out her high school teacher, a former minister in Rwanda just before the genocide.

He managed to escape to Kenya, but tragically lost his entire family in the violence.

In school, he taught Kiswahili literature, but he found it impossible to teach one particular story from the anthology "Mayai Waziri wa Maradhi," which discusses the Rwandan genocide, as it brought back painful memories. Despite his trauma, he continues to teach at a private school and runs a small shop to support himself.

His story serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of conflict and the fragility of peace.

Kenyan politicians should stop inciting violence and unrest among the citizenry.

When turmoil erupts, they are not immune to its effects; they too could face severe repercussions. Politicians, more than anyone else, should prioritize peace at all costs. They must abandon the "Not In My Backyard" (NIMBY) attitude, as when chaos ensues, they will suffer alongside the very people they are meant to serve.

It is crucial for leaders to foster a culture of understanding and dialogue, rather than division. Only through unity and genuine efforts to promote peace can they hope to protect their communities and themselves from the destructive consequences of conflict.

Today, while attending mass, my wife pointed out her high school teacher, a former minister in Rwanda just before the genocide.

He managed to escape to Kenya, but tragically lost his entire family in the violence.

In school, he taught Kiswahili literature, but he found it impossible to teach one particular story from the anthology "Mayai Waziri wa Maradhi," which discusses the Rwandan genocide, as it brought back painful memories. Despite his trauma, he continues to teach at a private school and runs a small shop to support himself.

His story serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of conflict and the fragility of peace.

Kenyan politicians should stop inciting violence and unrest among the citizenry.

When turmoil erupts, they are not immune to its effects; they too could face severe repercussions. Politicians, more than anyone else, should prioritize peace at all costs. They must abandon the "Not In My Backyard" (NIMBY) attitude, as when chaos ensues, they will suffer alongside the very people they are meant to serve.

It is crucial for leaders to foster a culture of understanding and dialogue, rather than division. Only through unity and genuine efforts to promote peace can they hope to protect their communities and themselves from the destructive consequences of conflict.

Who is A Pr******te?

Many of us think of pr******tes as women who hang around brothels and bars offering s*x for money.

However, this definition is too narrow.

A pr******te can be anyone, regardless of gender, who engages in s*xual relationships for any form of gain—financial or otherwise.

It doesn’t matter if you’re married or single, a professional, or where the exchange takes place; if you participate in this arrangement, you are considered a pr******te.

"Life can often feel like a rat race. You fight to survive, dodging traps along the way. While you might evade many, there are moments when you find yourself caught. Yet, don't lose hope—keep pushing forward." Eko Dydda, Musician.

Embracing "God Consciousness" or "Spiritual Reawakening" brings us profound peace and purpose.

Building close relationships with God transforms our understanding and experience of life.

No longer adhering to specific religions or denominations, we cherish genuine and personal connections with the Divine.

Life always presenting ups and downs, relying solely on human perspectives leads to frustration and hopelessness.

Surrendering to God, as we understand Him, allows us to trust that our lives are guided in the right direction.

This journey deepens our faith and equips us to navigate challenges with renewed strength and clarity.

Embracing this spiritual path draws us closer to God and helps us find hope and meaning in every moment.

Babysitting is Great for Dads

After completing a three-and-a-half-month marathon of diploma coursework, I returned home eager to spend quality time with my family. Just as I arrived, schools were set to open the following day. My wife, a dedicated teacher, was preparing to start the school year along with our three school-aged children.

With no maid available to care for our youngest, Napoleon Bonaparte, who is one year and ten months old, I stepped up to the challenge. For the past month, I have taken on the responsibility of caring for him—feeding, cleaning, and ensuring he gets everything he needs for his development.

This experience has been both rewarding and demanding. I've done my utmost to ensure my son doesn’t miss out on anything essential for his age. However, this commitment means that my social life has taken a backseat. Babysitting is a full-time job—twelve hours a day, to be precise—since I can only relax in the evenings when my wife and older children return home.

Despite the challenges, this period has been incredibly fulfilling. I’ve forged a strong bond with my son, discovering the joy in our daily routines and the little moments we share. From playtime to nap time, each interaction has brought us closer together, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work our wives and housekeepers put into raising our children. Their efforts often go unnoticed, but they are crucial in creating a loving and supportive environment for our families. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the teamwork involved in parenting and the vital role each member of the family plays.

We need to stand up and say no to alcoholism in our Kenyan villages. Why focus on villages? Because that’s often where alcoholism takes root.

This isn’t about targeting local women who brew chang'aa and other illicit drinks, but rather about proactively educating our children about the dangers of alcoholism.

Alcoholism doesn’t only stem from unlicensed brews; it also involves licensed beverages, including some of the more potent third-generation spirits that can be even more damaging than chang'aa.

We must ensure our children understand the serious long-term effects that follow the fleeting pleasure of alcohol consumption. These effects include health problems, addiction, and social issues that can alter their futures.

Let’s unite to safeguard our children from enduring the hardships that many of us have faced. By fostering awareness and providing better support systems, we can make a meaningful impact.

I am not opposed to social drinking in moderation, but I would caution against starting if you have never consumed alcohol before. It's important to recognize that alcohol can have unpredictable effects on individuals; you might start as a social drinker but end up struggling with alcohol dependency.

Given that the risks associated with alcohol consumption often outweigh the benefits, I would recommend avoiding it altogether, especially if you haven't already developed a habit. The potential for negative consequences—including mental health issues such as brain shrinkage, increased risk of dementia, and impaired judgment—makes it wise to refrain from drinking if you have never tried it before.

Additionally, alcohol can contribute to mood swings, exacerbate anxiety and depression, and disrupt sleep patterns, all of which can further deteriorate mental health over time. By avoiding alcohol, you can protect your mental well-being and maintain a healthier, more balanced life.