LESSONS AND TESTS IN LIFE
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by philemon
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LESSONS AND TESTS IN LIFE
Lesson ONE : Think Wisely
Once upon a time there lived one very old man called Arap Chumo. Young children used to visit
him for they liked listening to his talks which were mostly stories and parables with moral
lessons. There was one memorable day which will go down in history books when Arap Chumo
delivered a series of anecdotes to bring out his pet subject which he termed ?two tests in life?. I
was in that lengthy session. It was the following morning that we learnt of his death. He had died
peacefully later that night in sleep, full of years. Whatever he gave us on that day was gem that
summed up his whole life' philosophy. Looking back, I am glad I was there to receive his final
counsel on the issues of life.
The session began in the afternoon just after lunch. We were about twelve children from the old
man' neighboring homes. We sat on the grass under a shade while Arap Chumo sat on a three-
legged stool, leaning his back against a tree trunk and his chin resting in a perfect repose on top
of his staff. He had a white moustache and a bald head. ?There are two tests for everyone of us
on earth?, he began, stopping suddenly to clear his throat, then continued, ?and it' all about
success and failure. We all like success and hate failure, right? You say ?yes?! Wrong! Success
can either become our friend or foe. It is how you react to success that determines whether you
will benefit from it in a meaningful, sustainable way. In the same vein it is how you react to
failure that will determine whether you will rise again or fall into the oblivion of insignificance
in life. So my dear children, I?ll share some tales of real people whose lives I believe will cause
you to rethink the way you intend to live.?
I folded my legs on the ground so as to sit up comfortably, some of my comrades copied from
me, while others by lay prostrate. We were all intent to listen attentively. Arap Chumo went on:
?There once lived a very wealthy king who ruled an empire of more than twenty million people.
He was widely admired and respected for his good leadership. One day he sent his troops to fight
off invading cattle rustlers who were always terrorizing some of his subjects near the borders.
Unfortunately the king' men were attacked, killed and cattle driven away in their thousands.
Learning of this incident the queen made some funny remarks about the king in front of his
advisers. The king was infuriated. From then on he began to hate his wife and scorned the advice
of his council of elders. As a result, more and more invasions from neighboring nations
occurred, cattle were stolen and civilians killed or maimed. The king could no longer manage it
and resorted to too much drinking of wine, divorced the queen and fired his advisers. At long
last, the people rose against the king, deposed him and a new king took over. So my dear
children, do you see how this king handled his initial failure in curbing cattle rustling? Despite
the queen' cutting remarks he should have maintained hope and sent a better trained army. His
downturn spiral began when he gave in to initial despair.
In another story there was once a young man who had lost his parents when he was young. He
grew up a poor boy with nobody to provide for him. At the age of fifteen he began to join
wrestling teams so as to participate in wrestling competitions in the village. People cheered him
on as he took on his opponents. He won! The organizers of wrestling competitions awarded him
fifty head of sheep and goats. This young man got rich. He was now able to not only support
himself but also engage in activities that would help build society. He assisted the needy and
trained other young men to be wrestlers. From then on he was made a leader because he proved
useful and well- meaning. His fame spread far and wide as he grew richer and richer. Do you see
how this young man handled success? He used it positively to develop himself as well as develop
the society. He did not let the success get into the head. You should be able to move from being
successful to being significant. Success is the end result of consistently applying the right focus
and energy to your endeavor. Success is your personal achievement, purpose is why you achieve
it, and significance is the way you use it.
In another case there was once a girl who lived with her mother in a single hut. The mother was
unmarried and the girl had been born out of wedlock. The two lived from hand to mouth as they
struggled to eke out a living from daily toil in their small farm. One day, the girl who was now
sixteen was spotted by a European woman who came to settle in the neighborhood as a Christian
missionary. She lived in a palatial home. She took this girl as a maid. Sooner enough the girl
found favor in the eyes of this missionary mzungu and was put in charge of all that she had: the
house, the cars, the garden, the cows, and the shops. This young girl could now provide for her
single mother. However, when the mzungu was away she began to bring men to the house all
night long, drinking alcohol. She also slept with them. Her boss but paid to her bliss after she
caught the girl red handed one morning with a man in the bedroom. The mzungu further
discovered that she had lost some of her precious things in the house because of these strangers.
She sent the girl packing whereby she went back to live with her mother. She had also fallen
pregnant from the encounters with the men. Now, children, do you see how this girl misused the
golden opportunity?
In another case there lived a Maasai cattle- keeper who had the largest herd of cattle ever seen.
He was very wealthy and had very many wives. One season a prolonged drought set in, killing
all the vegetations on the ground across the entire Maasailand. After three months all his animals
which had grown too emaciated to stand began to die. There was neither water nor vegetation for
these animals. The hapless Maasai was very discouraged seeing all his animals wiped away by
drought.
Soon he encouraged himself in God and got a bright idea. He skinned these dead animals
carefully to obtain the hides as skillfully as possible. He cured these hides for a while. He got a
skilled artist who made traditional costumes out of these hides which he sold off to musicians
and dancers. He also got another artist to develop musical instruments from the horns. Soon
people liked his products and bought them in large quantities. Seeing that it was an excellent
venture he established a business outfit that dealt in those products. He soon began to get an
income that was far much better than if his animals were alive. Now children, do you see how
this Maasai handled his initial loss of cattle? He did not allow failure to keep him down. Instead
he used failure as a stepping stone to achieve greater things.
I have told you these stories to teach you how to live in the event of failure or success. Both of
them are either imposters or friends. But you will have to choose what it will be to you. Keep
this in mind as you grow up to be men and women. Thus far I wish you all the best.? Arap
Chumo said summarily. We thanked him and went back to our various homes. It had been a
good day.
Lesson TWO: Act Smartly
His age sat lightly enough on him; and of his tact and wisdom he was not ashamed. He had not been alone
in judging the predictability of the General Election outcome.
Parliamentarians whose judgment in matters of politics was as expert as his, had lauded the prudence of
his actions, and had themselves lost in the elections because of their lack of trustworthiness. Thus the only
difference between them and him was that he had been re-elected to parliament for a second term. The
men downplayed their failures by formally declaring themselves tired of politics to conceal their sorrows.
Some even rushed to initiate some business ventures to occupy their leisure of an old politician - ?to push
time with?, as they put it. Others dragged their feet to their homes to spend time with their families they
had hitherto forsaken. Hosea Bett embarked on his new term with the promise of rendering inestimable
services to the people of Sheba, specifically, those of his constituency. He focused on employing his
political skills in keeping faith with his spirit of altruism to better the lives of his people.
But it was still a roller-coaster ride for Sheba. Immediately after the Sheba Electoral Commission
announced a winner in the presidential elections, the nation virtually plunged into a civil war. It was
widely speculated that the elections had been rigged. The incumbent president Mr. Wilson Kimani had
been declared winner, within an hour, under unclear circumstances, sworn in for a second term. His
closest contender, Auma Otieno was greatly appalled by these developments and refused to take the
humiliation lying down. The third contestant in the presidential poll who had himself garnered the least
votes had publicly declared to the president that his Labour Party would make an alliance with the so-
called ruling party, Republican Party. When Andrew Mutua made good that intention, he was soon
honoured and appointed vice- president. Ethnic communities to which Hosea Bett and Auma Otieno
belonged and which accounted for major voting zones for their Democratic Party ganged up against their
rivals - supporters of the two other parties. What ensued looked like interminable skirmishes in Sheba.
There was little to be done by way of intervention.
*********
Albert Rono, Hose Bett's son was reclining in a seat in his house with his lovely wife Dora in the evening.
He was savoring his feelings of happiness to have ever married this dear wonder. As for marriage, and
fortune, and all that, he reckoned with gladness that he had been very calculating and designing while
dating in the past. And now the present bliss in marital life coupled with his excellence in Political
Science he was studying. His strategies had paid off handsomely at just the right time.
?I?ve been pondering over why the youth do not participate in global issues,? Albert said at length,
?perhaps it's because of lack of information. As you might have seen, there's hardly any discipline in our
school curriculum on international affairs.?
?I quite perceive,? said Dora, perfectly, ?the application of this fact to our media houses. They devote
their space to local content. You?ll soon confirm this come the seven, o?clock news?.
?I quite concur with you, dear. Talking of radio, many people are tuning in to late night shows, especially
those that address family issues such as marriage, relationships, children and such-like. The overriding
reason for the programmes? popularity is the level of human interest. Ardent listeners say these shows
tackle problems given to presenters by callers offering suggestions and advice. Commentators argue that
pastors who host these shows do not hold back any information when discussing love matters. However,
some critics lament that they are commercially motivated and create conflict of interest.? said Albert.
'ome particular shows have provided me wish invaluable information on how to make my marriage
more successful,? she said, tongue-in-cheek.
?It gets worse when the men callers pour vitriol, accusing women of failing marriages and relationships.
Also, when women accuse men of abdicating responsibility as family head,? said Albert who could be
irritated by trivial issues. They kept talking as they drank tea.
*******
To the Democratic Party, Hosea Bett was hero as well as catalyst. He stood out among his contemporaries
in parliament as a likely candidate for influence. As a matter of fact, he had played an integral part in
propelling Mr. Auma Otieno to a lofty position by rigorously campaigning for him in the region of
Hosea's own tribesmen; only that the elections were later disputed and subsequently thrown to the dogs.
His personal life was largely unconventional. He had lived a solitary domestic existence since he and his
wife Gomer went their own separate ways several years back. He had a son and a daughter, both in their
twenties now. Despite his shattered marital life, he was a compelling man who exuded vitality and
intellectual energy. His acumen to win the attention, and even the affection of large audiences was amply
demonstrated. In public and on television, where he was a star Sheba Television commentator - notably
on the highly sensational current affairs show, The Weekly Showdown - he had a modest, down-to-earth
demeanor. And he had many friends indeed; in his personal dealings with people, he was gentle and
truthful. A former TV colleague of his noted: ?He always stands for the truth even when he is alone?.
?He' a selfless person,? explained Mike Hassan who as Secretary General of the Democratic Party, got
to know Hosea Bett both at public and personal levels. ?The average politician relies on him for
protection, strategy and affirmation. To be trustworthy and sensitive to the needs of people seems to sum
up the whole life philosophy of this politician.??
Thus he kept on urging Auma Otieno not to back down in his quest for fairness and justice in his
presidential ambition. Hosea Bett, alongside his like-minded colleagues and the citizens, was convinced
that the presidential elections had been rigged and Wilson Kimani declared winner - to the detriment of
his ally Auma Otieno and the nation of Sheba as a whole. What a disillusionment!
So far up to a thousand people had lost their lives in a spate of violence that was triggered on the day the
flawed election results were made public. ?If only we had an autonomous, authentic electoral system in
Sheba???..This institution is to blame for all this! The personnel should be held accountable!? so
Hosea Bett charged at a news conference. Protesting that the Sheba Electoral Commission had been
manipulated, he called for the need to disband the body and put in place a new one. Moreover, he urged
the media to focus on peace messages for the good of the people.
Over the next couple of days, leaders from other African nations jetted into the country to push for this:
peace and reconciliation. It was comforting for broken- hearted citizens to know that other nations were
showing concern about their welfare during these saddening days. Hosea Bett gave assurances to his
community that all would be well sooner than later. Speaking at a vernacular radio station one morning,
he reassured his people that he and Auma Otieno, the presidential aspirant they hugely supported all
along, would fight for justice, truth and fairness under the auspices of Africa Regional Organization. The
organization was going to oversee the restoration of stability to the nation of Sheba.
**************
One evening while Albert and Dora were relaxing in their house, Albert' sister Beatrice arrived. The
single damsel was on a casual visit. She was a nurse, working for a public national hospital. After shaking
hands they began to engage in a commonplace conversation. Barely were they three minutes into the talk
when Dora touched on their family issues, ?Daddy is faring well in politics but in private he' suffering
much. Imagine, just yesterday Uncle Bill called him a ?weakling? and a ?loser? straight to his face on AN
since he is only bent on cutting him down to his own size. Furthermore, Uncle Bill wanted to dissuade me
from studying Political Science, only suggesting that I choose Banking. I was adamant and when he
realized he could not talk me out of pursuing this God-given dream he began to resent Dad and me,? said
Albert.
?Criticism is inevitable when you are following God' plans, if you become outstanding, expect more
castigation than compliments.? Beatrice opined.
?I suppose we as a family should never be afraid of critics. Otherwise we?ll die doing nothing,? said Dora.
The three kept talking as they enjoyed a cup of tea and watched a documentary film. They were close
relations and the best of friends, at that. Suffice to say that they could all together go out for recreation
excursions at major rendezvous and social places in Nasa, the nation' metropolitan city at their leisure
time.
*************
At last, the Africa Regional Organization endorsed Professor David Kaihura, a renowned peace mediator
to assist in the peace brokering process in Sheba. The political situation in the country had degenerated
from bad to worse, occasioning a near-civil war crisis. Ethnic tensions had run high and inter-ethnic fights
intensified. Political and partisan passions were on the edge. Post-election violence scenario was here. It
became apparent that the tribes were not fighting over the stolen votes, but over deep underlying issues
from the past. These were the emotive land issues that the African men had given special attachment to
their hearts. Memories of historical injustices insofar as land was concerned were indeed an open wound
to the nationhood of Sheba.
As Prof. Kaihura arrived in the country shortly afterwards, his first task was to thoroughly assess the
situation before aiming at reconciling President Wilson Kimani and his antagonist Auma Otieno. In his
office, Home Affairs Minister Joseph Nderitu briefed him on the cause- and-effect phenomenon of the
stand-off.
?This fiasco,? began Mr. Nderitu, ?was triggered when the Sheba Electoral Commission chairperson
announced Wilson Kimani as the winner of the presidential elections after employing some sinister
delaying tactics. The public read mischief in all this for they were keenly following the provisional results
from time to time and gauging the figures. Auma Otieno' supporters protested at the results, arguing they
had been spin-doctored in favour of the incumbent president who was running for a second term.? Mr.
Nderitu paused, deeply affected by his discourse.
'o that' when the violence erupted??
?Yes! Not only that, what vexed the citizenry and mostly the Democratic Party was the haste with which
the so-called winner was sworn into office within minutes in a surreptitious ceremony. The public was
utterly dumbfounded and stupefied.??
?What has Auma Otieno been doing since then??
?With the help of his key ally and pointman Hosea Bett, Auma Otieno has been rallying his voters to go
for public demonstrations he dubbed ?Mass Action?. More often than not, these demonstrations would be
hijacked by hooligans who turned them into destructive riots. The police would employ shoot to kill
tactics in quelling the unrest. This would only aggravate the situation.?
Albert was deeply engrossed in his study when his wife tip-toed from behind and covered his eyes with
her palms playfully. The young beautiful woman who had a penchant for poems then dropped a little
poem printed on a card on the desk. It read:
?Motivation is to a thirsty soul
What water is to a barren land
Break through to the next level as a whole
Striving for excellence in life never hard.?
Dora' poem was heartwarming! Albert wanted God to help him in his destiny. He had a vision of
ensuring that elections in Sheba were not given any chance for manipulation by demagogues and bigots.
In fact, he had been working on a draft proposal up to that point that would lobby for the creation of an
independent electoral body to guard against fraudulent voting process in the future. He had a strong
conviction that he was wired specifically for this purpose.
?I admire your dream!? Dora said, laughing vivaciously.
?I wonder what I?ll call this electoral body. I just hate to see any more blood-shed in this great nation of
ours. We certainly need divine intervention!? Interjected Albert.
?I have a brilliant idea. Just call it the tree of life!?
Albert smiled and noted it down before clicking on his laptop visibly in high spirits but also reflective.
Just as Albert concluded his proposal, a young man going by the name Sungura alias Tsunami arrived in
the house. His eccentric, notorious demeanor was highly conspicuous in every sense of the term. Some
claimed he was an ex-convict of terrorism in the Middle East; others claimed he had studied Law in
America but only came to Sheba after failing in his studies. Nobody seemed to be so sure about him.
Whatever the case, he featured prominently as a public figure in Sheba.
After exchanging greetings with the hosts, Sungura ranted, ?This is evidently the collapse of the Sheba
tower of Babel. There' confusion galore among our ethnic communities. As Shakespeare rightly put it,
?There is a tide in the affairs of men!? Where is God in all this?? It was next to impossible decipher his
motives in his expressionless face; whether he was thoroughly enjoying himself with his discourse or
trying to hoodwink those around him was a matter for conjecture.
?When catastrophes strike, many cannot comprehend why they had to occur. We are most likely to be
troubled by the gravity, the brutality and the wantonness of violence and disaster. This begs the question:
why does God permit suffering? As a result, probably having found no gratifying answer to it, many lose
faith in God, yet to others if becomes a strengthening of their faith. Dejected ones say Satan is tempting
them. At such times as difficult as these, the truth as to why God' people have been subjected to such
suffering becomes seemingly elusive,? Albert said.
?Then that means we are left to rely on positive thinking philosophies,? Tsunami said then immediately
changed the topic. ?I hear your father is pushing for???
?Pardon me, Tsunami,? Dora interrupted. ?You don?t have to rely on positive thinking philosophies. We
should instead trust the scriptures to help us face our challenges. The Spirit of God is able to lead us in
life' maneuvers, not just philosophies!?
?I was trying to say,? Sungura went on, evading her rejoinder, ?that your proactive father is a lion. He'
unstoppable. Oh, if every politician had such gallantry!?
?He' commendable. We need people who can stand for the truth even when they seen unpopular. Slave
trade was not abolished on the strength of a committee but rather on the strength of William Wilberforce.
Come to think of it!? Albert said.
?I assert, Albert, whenever there' a duel, the majority always have their way and the minority would
always have their say,? Sungura said.
?In that case, the truth can never be quenched.? Dora said.
Hosea drove his limousine in the direction of Freedom House early in the morning. The stakes were high.
It was on this day when Prof. Kaihura, the chief mediator of the political stalemate, was going to bring
together the two protagonists in these affairs, President Wilson Kimani and his rival Auma Otieno. All
this drama was going to be staged in the hallowed precincts of the Freedom House. The two principals
had each selected a group of supporters. Hosea was the lead supporter of Otieno' while a woman MP
called Nelly Wambui led Kimani'. News reporters were by this time milling around the building in
anticipation of the big event. Citizens who were by now war-worn hoped that reconciling the two
principals would end the impasse hence let peace prevail. Church leaders cried that Sheba, once deemed a
stable nation in Africa, was now like a person stripped naked in public, what with all the big-time
international media coverage going on.
Otieno and his faction were set to place a demand on the other party. They demanded that the Republican
Party would be coming to the negotiation table on one condition: To admit they had rigged the elections.
This would form the basis upon which a rational reconciliation process would begin. This, they believed,
would put an end to the deadlock.
Although unheard of in Sheba, rumors about the likely formation of a power-sharing deal were rife at this
time. Yet this notion did not go down well with Auma Otieno and his team; they died to see President
Kimani step down at all costs. The future of the country hanged in the balance; whether the country
would slip farther into chaos or obtain a peace deal hinged on the outcome of the next hours? negotiation
process.
Cameras clicked and whirled as the two principals and Prof. Kaihura arrived at the precincts of the
Freedom House in separate cars. Security was impregnable. Hosea Bett' and Nelly Wambui' factions
joined Otieno and Kimani for a closed-door meeting headed by Prof. Kaihura. Journalists were actually
locked out of the process since it was a highly sensitive diplomatic process. The nation would be briefed
on any new developments soon afterwards. Waiting ensued.
*********************
?I?ve finally accepted your suggestion that the new electoral body be called the tree of life,? said Albert
Rono, reflectively. He was with his wife in the house.
?Why did you take that long to weigh it?? asked Dora.
?You know, I was circumcised under a tree, and, as it were, I lost blood. Indeed it goes back to my
lineage. My grandfather was circumcised under that tree, then my father, then myself. What' more! Our
son will meet his rite there too!?
?It really does have significance?.
?Yes, in fact under that tree, in solitary seclusion, one gets important life lessons from wise old men.
That' why our lives improved greatly.?
The following day, Albert drove round Nasa city doing consultations with friends and key people in the
government to push his proposal through. You can never see sunrise by looking to the west, he told
himself. He had to find the right connections and avoid following anyone who was not going anywhere.
His vision urged him to take steps everyday, however small.
Nevertheless, Dora speculated that something must have gone terribly wrong on noticing her husband in a
dull, sunken mood as he returned home in the evening. He recounted to her how he had been
contemptuously treated by a certain government official on the basis of his parents? shattered marital life.
This consternation was too much for Dora who broke down in a flood of tears. They kept wondering why
they wore being criticized for something that was beyond their control.
Somehow, Dora had carved a niche for herself in Second Corinthians 4:8-9 which reads: ?we are
perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken, cast down but not destroyed.? After
encouraging each other with this scripture, their spirits began to soar. Dora soon found herself writing this
poem:
?Fear sees the hurdles; hope sees the lane
Fear sees the shame; hope sees the fame
Fear sows doubt; hope establishes belief
Fear buries talent; hope lets vision conceive.?
*******************
After the highly sensational mediation talks, Prof. Kaihura addressed the nation through the media. It
transpired that the two opposing camps had not come to concrete terms. While Auma Otieno was crying
for the president to step down so that the votes could be recounted Wilson Kimani still hanged on to
power claiming he neither planned for the rigging of the elections nor such a thing ever happened. Hard-
line supporters of Mr. Otieno led by the vociferous Hosea Bett did not show any signs of backing down
from the struggle. On the other side Nelly Wambui, the charismatic woman MP leading Kimani'
supporters swore never to relinquish their right. She was quoted as saying, ?we are not quitting the race,
never... Why should we chicken out? President Kimani should quit in favour of whom?? The tone and
staccato nature of her responses revealed how tenacious and pertinacious her team was.
The next morning, after a difficult night' sleep, an idea popped into Hosea' mind. This idea shaped
itself into a decision as he drove to Freedom House for another session on mediation talks. He was going
to advise Auma Otieno and their entire faction to accept a compromise. So in arriving at the building he
briefed them on the idea. ?Better half a loaf than no bread at all,? he told them. After some deliberation, it
was agreed unanimously that Otieno would ask for the position of prime minister. It would be a new post
not provided for in the current constitution. ?Desperate times call for desperate measures,? Prof. Kaihura
had stated the previous day but was taken for granted since the debate had reached a tumultuous level.
The session kicked off in earnest on the arrival of the chief mediator. Cases of violence were still being
reported to erupt sporadically across the country. The citizens hoped this day God would answer their
prayers. The government of the day was accused of extrajudicial killings in the way the police employed
excessive force in quelling the violence. On the other hand, the Democratic Party was also accused of
calling for public demonstrations against the government of the day. It was difficult to draw a line on who
was right and who was wrong. In the usual politics of the day, the term ?impunity? became a catchword
of which either camp accused the other. Even human rights groups in the country perfected its use in a
stream of press releases pleading for an end to the ?culture of impunity?.
Eventually, a peace deal was obtained. It was a milestone. The journey to that end was uphill and
painstaking. A document called the National Accord was ratified which established a Grand Coalition
Government. Under this power-sharing arrangement, the presumptive Prime Minister Auma Otieno
would have two appointed deputies drawn from both coalition parties. Andrew Mutua would stay put as
the vice-president to Wilson Kimani. The prime minister' Democratic Party and the president'
Republican Party would equally share the available government ministries according to the number of
MP' of both umbrella parties. The nation was in respite and in a jubilant mood as the two erstwhile rival
leaders shook hands amicably, live on television, promising to work together and put the dark past behind
them. Not to be left behind were Hosea and Nelly who shook hands in a conciliatory mood. This gesture
was necessary for the good of the people, Hosea reasoned.
Congratulating the two parties on reaching the peace deal Prof. David Kaihura emphasized the need to
establish what he termed a truth, justice and reconciliation commission or TJRC. This institution, he said,
would probe into historical injustices and the post-election violence with a view to seeking ways of
providing lasting solutions to inter-ethnic animosities in the country. Healing was needed. Never again
need there be aggressions among tribes in Sheba in the future. This was a blessed nation with a great
destiny. The presence of diverse tribes was a treasure and not an anathema. Prof. Kaihura stated that all
throughout his life as a peace broker around the globe he had come to realize that people' needs are
identical because they originate from within. Being a Christian, the professor told them: ?The good old
Bible, the authority on which all our lives? issues rest, has this to say about the nation: ?if my people, who
are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked
ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.? Repentance means a
change of mind and a change of lifestyle. Reconciliation is contingent upon our attitude toward God and
our fellow man. I strongly believe that this nation is destined for greatness if only you value yourselves. I
exhort all the Christians to expend all their efforts, talents and skills endowed to them by the creator to
bring about social transformation this nation is in dire need of.?
*********************
Albert inched closer to the actualization of his ambition eventually when he handed in his proposal to Mr.
Emanuel Juma, the chairman of Parliamentary Projects Council which was the very nerve-centre of all-
time powerful parliamentary machinery. Mr. Juma was greatly impressed by this young man' vision and
promised to consider it as soon as possible. He even hinted that Albert was hopefully the designated
director of the yet-to-be-formed institution.
So enraptured Albert was by this new development that as he drove back home he called almost everyone
he knew on phone to share his happiness. It came to a climactic, dramatic end when on arriving at the
compound of his home, his wife and sisters-in-law treated him to a red carpet reception!
That night, they held a party to celebrate the good tidings, every man, every woman, and every child had
a liking for Albert. The being cherished like a boy in the room, and the consciousness that this
accomplishment of his flattered him, and his wife Dora, made him appreciate life all the more. Also, the
celebration served another purpose; the signing of the peace deal that ushered the formation of a power-
sharing coalition government.
Many times an event could be best understood by the events that come after it. At least, that was the
position Albert took in light of the agreement. ?The republicans grabbed the most powerful ministries,?
he said furiously.
?And what of the democrats?? asked Harriet, one of the sisters-in-law of his.
?They took the remaining less powerful ones and new ones had to be concocted to satisfy them. What a
pity!? said Albert.
They were still at it when Sungura phoned him saying, ?I am often concerned about the lack of political
suffrage for political and ordinary prisoners in this country. I Sungura aka Tsunami will ensure that there
will be an antidote to this anomaly. Yes, count on me, Albert.? Albert laughed after the caller switched
off; he knew when Sungura was about to do something; and never did.
Reflecting on this message once again, Albert was made to understand one thing about prisoners. That
they were citizens who were not allowed to participate in polls. What brilliant idea!
***************************
It was the inauguration ceremony for new cabinet ministers inside Freedom House. Hosea Bett' children
were present to witness their father take two oaths: one of allegiance to the constitution and another one
of due execution of office. He was now minister for Trade and Commerce.
Later in the afternoon, Albert and Dora left their father and drove to Sheba National Archives, the
nation' depository and repository of history, for a pastime. Both enjoyed digging into archives and
Albert being a budding political scientist liked acquiring vast knowledge of how the nation fought for
independence and of past heroes.
One thing which made a permanent imprint on the mind of Albert Rono was something to do with
international security. On looking further into some records, he learned of how the Israeli government had
sought to partner with Sheba on military grounds to boost security in the neighbouring South Cape
Republic which was continually facing civil wars and acts of terrorism. This negotiation took place during
the early days when Sheba was drafting its first constitution as an independent republic. Apparently this
deal was going to be enshrined in the constitution. It shocked Albert that this phenomenon never saw the
light of day.
So captivated Albert was by this matter that he found himself chatting about it with his father later in the
evening when they returned. ?I was almost of your age when all that happened then.? Mr. Bett said with
an enlivened gusto. ?Just like any other major undertaking the constitution making process elicited varied
reactions from every quarter.?
?What about South Cape Republic? I mean, was it at war with itself back then as it is now?? Inquired
Albert.
?Oh, yes, in fact that country is the most politically unstable country in Africa. The fact that it is our close
neighbor made it a cause for great concern among our right-thinking countrymen. Tribal kingdoms
headed by warlords that are not native to the country have been fighting to clinch power from the hands
of the Aboriginals who control vast mineral resources,? explained Hosea Bett. He went on to recount to
his dear son and daughter-in-law how Israel had offered to partner with Sheba to provide peace and
security measures in that war-torn country. Nevertheless, the gesture did not see the light of day as it was
suffocated when it was just about to be incorporated in the draft in its infancy.
In the first three or so months since its inception the Grand Coalition Government went on with its
business swiftly and harmoniously. Foreign dignitaries including Prof. David Kaihura whose midwifery
role in mediation brought forth the transitional government lauded His Excellency President Wilson
Kimani and the Right Honorable Prime Minister Auma Otieno for upholding the rule of law in the way
they handled the whole political crisis. At last and thankfully so, Sheba was back in its perfectly peaceful
state. Every citizen came to appreciate the importance of peace in their country and vowed not to take it
as a given. Virtually every man, woman and child was adversely affected directly or indirectly by the
social disturbance that was wrought by political woes. While some lost their lives in the ethnic cleansing,
others had to make do with damaged property, burnt houses or stolen cars. Yet others were displaced
from their homes and only finding a semblance of peace in camps as internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Hapless girls and women were reduced to rape victims. Young men who had taken to street
demonstrations against the government for alleged rigged elections were subjected to live bullets after
defying tear-gas canisters pelted at them by police officers complete in anti-riot gear. Some died in the
process while others survived with gun-shot wounds.
Some of them were arrested and locked up in police custody and were still awaiting trials three months
later. In some homes, mothers could not bring food to the table since they could not go to the market
centre for there were no vehicles on the highways. Along the highways were sporadic check points for
inspecting whether a car was carrying a people of such and such a tribe. Positive identification would land
one in trouble, even death. Bonfires punctuated the highways; painting the very picture of a living hell on
earth. All local radio and television stations were prohibited from airing news bulletins and forbidden to
host state-of-the-nation talk shows. The nation was sadly in its darkest hours. The bare feet that walk the
ground feel the heat of the sun' rays.
Hosea had his study in the house arranged in accordance with his simple ideal of comfort in his
ministerial life. Shelves full of books (he was an avid reader) occupied one side of his study room; the
portrait of his son and daughter and wall clock, hanged on the wall. Usually he either read from dusk
since arriving from work until ten o?clock then would go to watch some television soaps or vice versa.
Going to bed feeling drowsy and lonely, he first went into a deep sustained murmur of the Lord' Prayer
recitation in a sincere, heartfelt voice. In this night, sleep showed signs of defying him, opening him up
for tormenting memories. He recalled the day he was in New York on a government business a couple of
years back. Phone calls traversed thousands of miles like nothing between him and his wife in Sheba.
There were the sweet-nothings, expressions of loneliness, and wishes of good health. And the profuse
promises of love. He could almost smell the roses in their sitting-room on phone (as he admitted
afterwards) which gave him some appetite to eat over there in America. His wife Gomer was a good
singer; she would soothe him to sleep with her ballads either of love or gospel. He was still upbeat and
hopeful on a stopover at Heathrow Airport on his return journey. He dashed to a boutique and bought her
an expensive, beautiful dress. He had planned how to give him a real kiss at the door, not a peck, and then
present it to her.
He was not to forget; but one cannot expect to live a life with no interruptions. On arriving home, he
encountered the most betraying moment of his life on discovering his wife Gorner being unfaithful to
him. On the spur of the moment, he acted right away and a terrible confrontation ensued. She escaped like
a slave girl, a wicked woman herself at heart. He had to use the rule of the thumb, but after the flare-up he
did not remember much of what happened for the next few days for he somehow fell into some kind of a
trance. It caused ripples on children and friends and within a few days the family was a byword among
the members of the general public. What a big fuss!
He woke up a bit late in the morning and sat on the edge of the bed to say a prayer to God. He turned on
the radio so that he could listen to the news as he took a bath. He did not need to have a houseboy since
he could do almost anything in the house by himself. Wiping his flesh-filled body with a towel, he heard
this news item being read:
??if you are planning to fly today, you might just as well have to cancel your flight. The Nasa Airways,
the national carrier, has announced that its employees will down their tools effective this morning over
delayed salaries. This boycott has been bolstered by the National Workers Union, the umbrella trade
union for government employees which makes it even harder for the government to intervene. This means
that all the businesses at the airport will be paralyzed until a solution is obtained...?
Hosea understood the magnitude of the impact. It had far-reaching implications on his trade and
commerce ministry a great deal. He dressed himself hurriedly and prepared to leave for work to assess the
situation.
On alighting at the parking lot next to the building housing his office, he was accosted by Tsunami who
greeted him and rambled, ?I Knew this coalition thing would fail and fall flat on the face. I doubted and
was cynical about its flimsy foundation. Today this parastatal strikes, tomorrow that! The two principals
have adopted a hands-off approach to issues!?
?We?ll try to sort out the matter as soon as is practically possible.? Hosea said and took a lift to his office.
***************************
One fine morning, Albert woke up to the news that the Parliamentary Projects Council had instituted a
new electoral body. Announcing the launch on radio, the chairperson of the council Mr. Emmanuel Juma
said he was glad to name the institution ?the tree of life?, the name a young man called Albert Rono
proposed. He further stated that the council saw it fit to appoint him the director of the new state
corporation after vetting his academic credentials. The name itself served to mark a new beginning for the
nation coming from a crisis that had brought her down to her knees partly caused by the recklessness of
the previous electoral body that had since been disbanded. ?Like in the Garden of Eden, the tree of life
signified the state of Adam being right with God, his maker and master. Not only that it meant that Adam
was in good fellowship with his wife Eve initially before sin visited them. Every time we go to the polls
we?ll rest assured that every vote will not be tampered with and it will carry its full impact. Precisely,
every vote counts.? The chairperson asserted.
No words could describe the joy that Albert and Dora experienced that morning. It must have created a
feeling of a new dawn for Sheba for everywhere ?The tree of life? was on everyone' lips, from hotels to
streets to television talk shows. Accompanying this discourse were the couple' names - the masterminds.
Dora was certain that as a plaque proclaimed: 'uccess can be attained if you aspire more than others
think is achievable?Dare more than others think is feasible? Expect more than others think is
probable.? This was a milestone not only for the couple but also for the nation as a whole. Everybody
desired to have a decent society where everyone was treated with dignity.
The two spoke with their father on phone who heaped praises on them. Also, they continued to receive an
outpouring of congratulatory messages from friends and members of the public.
A few hours later, Emmanuel Juma phoned Albert to inform him of a swearing in ceremony for him and
his assistant directors at Freedom House that would take place later in the afternoon. ?I?ve just recalled,?
Albert Rono said as he sat at his desk, working on the laptop, 'tories of long ago when folks relied on
hunters and gatherers for their staple food. More often than not, men who triumphed in their skills were
regarded as leaders of the community. A leader would be trusted for guidance on where to obtain food for
the community.?
?Are today' leaders wholly trusted and obeyed?? Dora asked.
?As long as the leaders are honest and sensitive to the needs of those they represent, their counsel will
have full impact. In short, a candid, pragmatic leader will grow to his full potential and would be able to
bring transformation,? Albert returned.
?Does the church have a role to play in bringing social reforms??
?Definitely! Many of the major social reforms around the world have been wrought by the church. But
that only rests with the technical part that has to do with church-related projects. Yet it still has little
muscle in the world of opinions. I belief the church should go beyond spiritual matters and engage in
social policy making endeavors. It can transcend the frontier.?
It was time everyone had sat in the Freedom House' plenary hall. Senior officers in the civil service,
members of parliament, members of the diplomatic corps and scores of cabinet ministers including Hosea
Bett were present. The ceremony thus began. It was officiated by the chief justice. Albert became the first
to climb the flight of stairs to be sworn in as Director of The Tree of Life followed by three assistant
directors. Dora held her breath as all this developed; it was a fulfillment of his dream as well as hers. Her
destiny was entwined with his.
Everyone concurred it was a new dawn for the nation. It was during speeches hour that two other major
issues transpired. It was announced that the president and the prime minister were in the business of
founding a ?truth, justice and reconciliation commission? to look into past injustices and also a ?great
minds committee? to draft a new constitution. The effect and height of these actions in the hall could not
be lost to the ever perceptive audience, chief among them Hosea Bett who could be seen springing to his
feet to shout, ?That' marvelous! I welcome it!? He was a man who could be described as proactive both
in personality and in deeds. His son Albert was so proud of him that he could not afford to sideline him in
every aspect of his life. Dora too was happy with him, proudly calling him ?Daddy?.
The ceremony ended perfectly with everybody congratulating and encouraging Albert. He was now one
among the high and mighty of the land. A dream actualized. The destiny of the gifted man is to stand
among the kings; that was what he had in mind all along.
That night the three enjoyed a party at supper time. The mood of the celebration gave a relaxed
atmosphere that imbued Hosea to discuss his personal life with the youngsters. ?I have forgiven your
Mum and I hope we?ll have a re-union soon.? He said reflectively.
?We?ll be glad to see Mum come back. And after you?ve forgiven her please assure her that the past
would be better forgotten,? Dora said.
That moment seemed like eternity but if fleeted past them. As Victor Frankl put it in ?Man' search for
meaning?, the transitory nature of life may be checked by any act which immediately becomes repository
and thus is preserved in time.
Soon they found themselves watching a popular comedy on the local television programme. The
comedian, whom they quickly recognized as Sungura alias Tsunami was soliloquizing: ?when a new
president comes on board there' a great turn-over in personnel, but no change in policy. Same script,
different cast. We with the aid of ?civic syndicate? want to have dominion over the highest echelons in the
political, judicial, business, banking, media and religious arenas in this country. Our plans are right on
schedule. We want change! The change we believe in!?
*****************
Following a night raid at a media house that rendered its television station off-air and tens of thousands of
copies of the following day' newspaper edition turned into ashes, an upheaval occurred across the
country. That night, the police swung into action but their efforts were all in vain; not a single perpetrator
of the onslaught was apprehended, inviting a barrage of questions over the police force' competence.
Rather it was their ineptitude! ?It' too early to speculate,? was the police spokesperson' clich?d
response. Amid the cacophony of accusations and counter-accusations that pitted the government against
the ordinary citizen the truth seemed elusive.
As the blame-game oscillated from one extreme to the other, Hosea Bett came out in the open and had his
opinion promulgated. He explained that the raid was carried out by two foreigners alleged to be brothers
going by the names Allan Ivanovich and Alex Ivanovich. ?The two are unscrupulous businessmen from
Russia who entered this country illegally. They are indeed mercenaries. They must be arrested and
brought to book.? How he came to know about the two brothers and their activities in the country
mystified everyone, all and sundry. His word was taken like gospel truth and the crucial hunt for the
Russian brothers began.
Everyday since then, it was reported continually how the brothers had defied a police swoop or a lynching
by angry mobs in the streets of Nasa with their bodyguards and fleet of cars (they were reported to be
affluent). Tension was heightened when it was alleged that the Ivanovich brothers were in secret collusion
with some key people in Sheba who safeguarded their vested interests.
Once more, people scrutinized Hosea' word ?mercenaries? arguing that if they were wealthy they would
not be hired to carry out vandalism or any other heinous act. Others even termed Hosea' opinion as a
mere publicity stunt. It was even more complicated when the due were arrested only to be released on bail
after a brief interrogation over the media terror. News reporters all the while engaged themselves in
frenzied chases after them to get an interview for a big story. One of them even confessed to be in a love
relationship with a daughter of a prominent person in the country. He further divulged how he doted on
her, lavishing her with every exorbitant gift he could think of. More fresh revelations and the police
rekindled the search; often putting a price on their heads for whoever volunteered sufficient information
to bring them to book. Yet the downside to all that was that people would end up neither safe nor free.
Thus it was that the government discharged its duties of great importance to the people of Sheba through
the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission and the Great Minds Committee on constitution
concurrently. A commission and a committee were indispensable vehicles for the government. A
commission provided accurate, independent and fair investigative services; a committee delivered
judicious and assiduous results on a given project. It was very clear that the nation was on the path of
reforms which every right-thinking citizen looked forward to witnessing. This was commendable. The
highest echelons of the government, the highest echelons in business, the highest echelons in universities,
were all patriotic personalities. They were all working for the betterment of this great African nation. For
two decades the nation had gone through the motions of the search for a new constitution and other
reforms which barely bore fruit. For two decades Sheba had chased the dream of reforms - either in drops
and drops or as a bulk package - like a mirage. So frustrating the wild goose chase was that after billions
were pushed through the sink hole, there was still nothing to show for it. There were no indicators then,
that parliament, divided as it was and propped by the poles of ethnic and by partisan passions, was
committed to unlocking the review impasse. Without the conviction that it would and could transact the
business before it dutifully and patriotically, even a rejuvenated interest would become another nightmare
and an anathema. Hence to stifle the rising resentment of the years, and heal a nation that had stumbled
from one political crisis to another since independence, the current administration surely had to embark
on the implementation of the constitutional reforms.
Albert and Dora had been discussing these issues for the better part of the dusk as they took a cup of tea.
The house-help came and called her mistress Dora to assist in some activity in the kitchen. She had just
arrived in the home after Dora delivered a baby boy named Lincoln Kipkalya.
?I like your son' names,? said Agnes, the maid. ?The first one is reminiscent of one of America' past
presidents who had the reputation of fighting successfully for civil rights or liberties. He was a man who
was honest in every trust, tender-hearted as a woman, who could not dare to injure even his most
envenomed foes; who was endowed with surpassing knowledge and powers of intellect which enabled
him to grapple with the most gigantic opponents in debate; and who developed amazing abilities as a
statesman which won him the love of his country and the admiration of the world.?
She was now serving supper on the table.
?Wow! You really must have a love for history and suchlike!? said Dora, assisting with the work.
?Not only that, the second name means peaceful or peace-loving in our community. This boy will grow to
become a peacemaker of great renown.? Agnes prophesied.
After finishing supper, Albert led his family as usual in a brief Bible study and devotional session. He had
to spend sometime afterwards in his study, preparing the following day' assignment at work. This was
the second month he was serving as the director of The Tree of Life. He was very excited at his job as he
tackled new challenges with tact and zest.
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