A CHRISMASS WITH MASAI WARRIORS

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 Photo: Masai warriors at Oloika, Ntulele in Narok. 

By Thomas Chemelil

The 2024 Christmas has found me in Oloika, in Ntulele within the expansive Narok. The mission is to share in the joy of one Edward Mberia Koonyo as he celebrates God's favour in his life.

I am sandwitched within the red Masai shukas as song and dance rents the air to celebrate the occasion. I am joined by none other than Elijah Manangoi and Wycliff Kinyamal, two legendary Masai athletes who have joined Mberia on the occasion. Kinyamal leads me in learning the scintillating Masai moves. I know I have failed, but as the one and only messenger from the hills, I cannot allow failure to come in between me and glory.

Masai women rhythmically dance to the tunes belted by two reknown Masai artists. I have forgotten their names though because my head rushes to the well cooked Nyama Choma served on the fresh leaves of local herb trees. The inviting aroma cannot allow me to master the names of the two artists.

Soup laced with local herbs is served first. The soup is saltless. I ask one Masai elder why there is no salt in the soup. His answer is sensible; salt is not good for health. I nod in wisdom.

This is followed by generously served mutton roasted to perfection. Mashed potatoes and fried French beans served with rice follows. Assorted drinks are used to wash down the generous morsels.

It reminds me of the story of the man in Things Fall Apart by Achebe who arrives late for a feast only to find men devouring a hill of foo foo. It was only after clearing the mountain of foo foo that he realized that his friend was seated on the other side. It was then that they exchanged greetings over what was left of the foo foo.

It is time to bid farewell to Koonyo. Bishop Mereu's sermon on why it is important to give thanks in life still reverberates through our minds.

I can see Amanya, Boniface Limo, Isaac and Fred walking forlonly as Livsrpool fans who have been left to walk alone as they bid farewell to the sumptuos delicacies of Ntulele in Narok. All I can do is to sympathize with these accursed men from EMC who have been forced to watch as chunks of roasted choma disappears behind them.

Merry Christmas folks. The messenger will always shout from the mountain with renewed vigour after consulting the gods of Ntulele.

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