Mum's Visits

Her visits were rare but very significant. Mum would come with all sorts of goodies. The best was chicken, some boiled and others fried. She would travel with it all the way, 8 to 10 hour trip and still arrive fresh. She loved my niece Jessy too so we loved when she was around. The only weakness was the drinking problem that would make her come home late. We were back to staying up late waiting for her.

One day, we really waited until I got concerned. I even began praying because I knew it was not normal. Also the fact that she was in Nairobi was scary enough because of the insecurity. She finally came and we sat her down to explain to her that she was putting her life at risk. Then she admitted that she had had an accident. She had been hit by a vehicle while crossing the road yet she was not complaining of any aches or pains. As angry as I was that she had come late, I was also grateful that she was fine. She refused to go for check up claiming she did not need it so we just ignored.

Most of her visits were when we had closed school and she came to get me and Grace to travel back to upcountry for the holiday. Living upcountry to come back to Nairobi was difficult for us. We would cry almost all the way back to Nairobi. 

On one of her visits, as she was in the room resting, she suddenly heard my cries from the frequent beatings. My sister Susan had found me in the estate telephone booth talking to my friend. My classmate had given me her house number, and since it was a weekend, I was home. I had left to call her and inquire about a particular homework we had been given. With Susan there was no explanation because it led to agitating her the more. Once the accusations were made, the fate was sealed. She just told me to hang up and follow her home. That was the longest distance to the house ever. I was so nervous because I knew what awaited me. Susan did not fear mum. I think she felt that if she was taking care of us, mum was at her mercies too. We reach home and she tells me to go to her room. I was beaten as my mum heard in the other room. I really wanted her to help me but I understood why she could not. After that I just went to her and she consoled me. I could tell she was not amused but I guess she did not want to interfere with how my sister took care of us. I tried convincing her that I was really tired of being mistreated and I wanted to move out.

She decided she would contact my other sister Mary and see if it could be arranged. I rarely saw my other big sisters or my brother. He lived with an uncle as he did his high school education.