BLOGS FROM THE MOUNTAIN

By Thomas Chemelil To the Lawich people, failure has never been an option. Their philosophy has always been to always try, however tough it may be. They have never entertained any doubts in whatever they undertake to do. To date, the Lawich people remain the only group of people who made an attempt to shoot at the moon. They may not have hit it, but at least they tried. It is this never-say-die spirit that I embrace in my new call of duty at St. Joseph's Lawich Secondary School. I join Principal Enock Chebii, a seasoned administrator who is credited with excellent work at Chebonet in Keiyo North and Kipkaner in Marakwet East. He has an incredible work ethic that will surely make Lawich shoot the moon. Lawich patronizingly stands tall as if in watch over Kerio Valley. To the North East stands the rugged terrain of the picturesque Tiaty Hills. Down to the East lies the Talanta-like maize fields of Arror. I am amazed by the birds-eye-view of Arror which brings me fond memories of the ...

  By Thomas Chemelil Language is a powerful tool of communication. Moreso, when you communicate with your audience using their tongue, the effect is always an immediate rapport with them. More often than not, the audience tends to reciprocate by appreciating what you are telling them. Nowhere could this have been true than at the funeral of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga at the JOOUST grounds in Bondo. When Raila’s son, Junior, took to the podium, a trademark Raila fly whisk in hand, he roused his audience with  Dholuo   greetings. “ Jothurwa Untie, ”  he shouted. The crowd responded in earnest demonstrating their appreciation for his  Dholuo  greetings. Every other speaker who spoke after him followed suit. Emily Anyango Odinga told the crowd that Oburu would often call Raila  “ Wuod Luo ” , cementing the argument that African languages play a pivotal role in anchoring discourse, particularly when we want to strike a chord with the audience. Yet, the ...

Photo/Source: David Rudisha By Thomas Chemelil Many a times, men and women who change the destiny of their nations, their villages their communities or even their homes are born in our midst. They are, in the words of Money Bags in Parliament of Owls, people of "monumental moment". Forgive me for putting the name of Money Bags here. Burkina Faso had their own Thomas Sankara in Ougadougo u and have the fabulous Ibrahim Traore, Jamaica had Marcus Garvey, South Africa Nelson Mandela, Kenya Dethan Kimathi, Rwanda Paul Kagame and many more heroes and sheroes(Heroines) of our world. Kimuron, the famous school etched 12 km to the North of the Home of Champions, has David Lekuta Rudisha. When David Rudisha set his foot in Kimuron, he had his mission well cut out for him. He knew from the onset that he had a date with destiny to change his life and could not allow any moment of fleeting doubt to cloud his mind. Former Kimuron athletics coach, Samson Kasimiri, has kind words for legend...

  By Thomas Chemelil Marakwet Secondary School( now St. Peter's Marakwet High School) is definitely one of the old schools that has served the community well producing great men and women.  I stumble on one Mzee Luka Kotut at Wagon Wheel in Eldoret who narrates to me a hilarious tale of Marakwet High School. It must have then been an Inntermediate School. The year is 1966. The characters in the story? The likes of Cheptile, Kotut amonst others.  In total, there were 41 students in the school. 30 from Marakwet and 11 from Keiyo.  The interesting part of the story is that each of the forty one students had his own fireplace where he would cook his own meals! In total there were 41 fireplaces or what Mzee Kotut would funnily call " Kabekeren chole artam oko akong'o". Each student brought his own flour from home and other necessary items in order to individually cook his own meals.  Tired of the messy process, young Kotut asked the students to approach the Board of ...

By Thomas Chemelil A team of coaches from EMC and neighbouring counties has landed in Miramas, France, under the invitation of the Miramas Mayor, Frederick Vigouroux, in partnership with the EMC Governor Wisley Rotich.  The team is comprised of Boniface Limo (Kimuron), Joan kosgei (Singore), Terwes Mark (Saints), Kanda Hillary (kondabilet), Ruth Bundotich (Kamwosor), Irene Kosgei (Uswo), Linda kimutai ( Taekwondo), Sharon Jeruto (fitness coach), Hellen Wahu (cycling), Stella Kiptoo (UOE) and Eric kogo (Athletics coach). The team had a stop over at Amsterdam after an eight-hour journey from Nairobi. They then connected to Marseille in France, a journey that took them two hours. From Marseille, they headed to Miramas where they recieved a warm reception from the people of Miramas. The journey is significant as it cements the strong relationship between the people of Elgeyo Marakwet and those from Miramas. The team is expected to come and spearhead the training of other coaches to mee...

Photo/Butere Girls: Echoes of War.  By Thomas Chemelil  Cleaphas Malala's play 'Echoes of War' has generated immense heat in Kenya's political landscape with many wondering what the play is all about. However, this is not the first time that Malala has run into trouble with the authorities over his contentious plays. Somewhere around 2012, Malala scripted 'Shackles of Doom,' a narrative that detailed the exploitation of a  marginalized community in whose land  valuable crude oil had been discovered. What follows is a mad rush by an "investor" community to reap from the new-found oil at the expense of the locals. In order to endear themselves to the host community, the "investor" unashamedly marries a local girl  who would act as bridge between him and the community to facilitate the wanton pillage of the community resources. Like 'Echoes of War,' 'Shackles of Doom' raised enough political dust with the authorities taking note....

Photo/Standard: Hon. Rigathi Gachagua in the mountain By Thomas Chemelil Was it Achebe or Amadi who warned us of the dangers of dancing oneself lame before the main dance started? Many students of African Literature will agree with me that a successful dance must be well timed for it to have the desired effect on the audience and leave a lasting effect on their memories. His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua, in my unsolicited opinion, may have mistimed his dance leading to his eventual interdiction by the master chess player, and Raila''s brother, William. Worse still, Rigathi may have refused to follow the rhythm of KK dance, making him a pariah in the eyes of the powers-that-be. If also feel that his persistent supplication to the gods of the mountain and his constant facing of Mt. Kenya may have left him exposed from the rear as his brothers, who would naturally stand guard in the wake of his prayers, complain that he never invited them to his home in Karen. There were even rumou...

  Photo/Arror Grandmothers on a motorbike By Thomas Chemelil KopJepkemoi looks ahead stoically as she holds the motorbike by its horns like an experienced Mexican bull fighter. Her resolute eyes focused on the road as if to dare the world to throw in any challenge on her. Her bossom friend Kojemosop sits tightly as she  prepares herself for the ride of her life to God-knows-where. She is oblivious of the phone camera clicking near her to capture the hilarious moment of the two dreamers whose courage is the stuff of a Hollywood horror tale. I cannot help but think of the horror crash if any of them dares touch the ignition. However, I check my feelings as I ask loudly: Who am I to stop the grandmothers from their wild dreams? KopJepkemoi looks fired up; it is as if her entire youth life in the years gone by had been brought back to her on a silver platter. Her eyes look nostalgic as she revs an imaginery engine. For a moment, the creases on her forehead disappear magically as a...

Photo/Ronald Zochin: Ronald Zochin and his Indian wife By Thomas Chemelil I do not need to remind you of my legendary and insatiable appetite for tales. Since childhood, I grew up in an environment rich in tales about 'Kimaget', 'kiplegwa' and the dreadful 'Chebekeri'. In my formative years in Primary School, I encountered riveting Oriental tales in the form of tales of 'Sinbad baharia', 'Alfu Lela Hulela', the 'Abunuasi' tales amongst others. In high school, I took my love for stories a notch higher and incorporated reading stories like 'Treasure Island', 'King Solomon's Mines' and 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' amongst many others. Ronald Zochin has transported me to this fairy tale world with his epic journey to India to re-unite with his beloved wife and daughter in the land of Gandhi. That he crossed the wide Indian Ocean in search of the love of his life and his lovely daughter he fondly calls Tula is the...

Photo/Author: splendid JC Guest House, Iten By Thomas Chemelil Iten town keeps springing surprises to all every day. Restaurants and Hotels managed by our illustrious athletes are sprouting up almost on a daily basis. One such a facility is JC Guest House and Restaurant. Hidden in the outskirts of Iten, just after the Keelu junction on your way to town on the right side of the road near Samongi is a citadel of  pure hospitality known simply as JC Iten Guest House. The simplicity of its name should not fool you; JC offers mouth- watering  delicacies, both local and exotic. A team of fine chefs will leave you yearn for more. It is coach Kanda Hillary of Kondabilet and his friend Boniface Limo who invite us for a sumptuos lunch at JC as a way to thank the messenger from the hills for interceding for them during the 1A games at Kaptagat. I am welcomed by the aroma of an assortment of meals which range from well fried mutton to fried potatoes and an assortment of traditional Africa...

Photo/bbc: African Carrier Corps during WW 2. By Thomas Chemelil Sometimes back when I was young, I came across a few old men who had heavy military trenchcoats, military caps and medals of honour who said that they participated in the World War of 1939-1945. I was young then and my memory cannot serve me right. One old man fondly bragged in our village that he helped capture Mussolini in the "Kiptalian" War. I later on deduced he must have been talking of Italian war! I also met another man from my village who fondly talked of having gone to a place he called "Puur ma". Later on I guessed that he may have been referring to Burma.  In Kapcherop Division, a mzee who was popularly known as Kalamat near the famous SS corner would always proudly put on his military coat and cap. He was a great orator and philosopher of some kind. I once met him as he walked about in the area. "How are you?" he greeted me in my native Marakwet tongue. "I am fine," I j...

 Photo/Sources: Moon shooting By Thomas Chemelil I have always told you that this world is full of sweet stories. All you need to do is scrap the surface to unearth riveting tales from the past.I have always sought to inspire my readers with these tales at every opportune moment. The Lawich people, a majority of whom live near the Kapsowar areas, have this regalling tale. I am told, as the Lawich people recount, that one evening, the Lawich people ventured out of their households only to be met by the full glare of the moon that shone from the Western skies. The moon was so close to the ground and perturbed the perplexed Lawich people. Somebody in the crowd came with the wild idea that they should shoot the moon! Chineke! The Lawich men rushed to their huts to fetch their bows and arrows. Soon, the spectacle of men attempting to shoot the moon unfolded. By the end of the day, the Lawich men had wasted their arrows on the futile exercise of shooting the moon. They had however tried....

Photo/tcm.com: Romeo and Juliet By Thomas Chemelil Sometimes in the early 90s, Brother Paul Brennan(may his soul rest in peace) introduced us to the magical world of Shakespeares literature. Through well choreographed lessons, he made us devour Romeo and Juliet, the timeless love story of two star-crossed lovers whose deaths make their families, the Montagues and the Capulets, reconcile and forget their bitterness. To make us easily grasp the story, Brother Paul Brennan took the effort to ship in a video tape of the classical story. Since then, I have always yearned to watch that movie one more time. Tonight, through YouTube, I have come across the lovely tale again. What a joy! It has taken me down memory lane. Meeting my favourite characters like Mercutio, Friar Lawrence, Benvolia, the Nurse and Balthazar evokes sweet memories. It is akin to meeting long-lost relatives! Old as it is, Romeo and Juliet is a classical story of love's triumph over hate. It is a constant reminder to u...

By Thomas Chemelil When you drop to the areas around Sambalat in Elgeyo Marakwet, you will be greeted by lush-green forests of carefully planted mango trees which dot the once barren terrains. It is evident that the residents of Sambalat have found a new passion that is helping in mitigating the climate change issue-the planting of thousands of mango trees. The approach by Elgeyo Marakwet to plant economically viable fruit trees along the escarpment seems to be bearing fruit-literally. Governor Wisley Rotich has been on the forefront of advocating for economically viable trees along the escarpments. He has championed for planting of coffee shrubs and mango trees to act as buffer-zones for the fragile ecosystem along the Kerio escarpment. The Spenser cut-line has recieved a boost with mangoes and coffee shrubs being part of mitigation efforts. EMC must be lauded for this bold initiative which is gaining support from communities as they are the direct beneficiaries of the bushes. It is e...

A Nigerian witch doctor in action. (Photo/pinterest.com)  Thomas Chemelil It is evening. Tired from a hectic day, you take a shower, have a meal and toss your tired frame on the sofa. A drink in hand, you opt to switch on the television to catch up with your favourite movies. The Nollyhood type dominate and you obviously have no choice. The story is of course riveting because of the simplicity of its plot. You can even tell your neighbour what will happen next. "You know she will visit the witch-doctor to find out why her husband is cheating on her," my sweetheart, who is seemingly enthusiastic about the movie, weighs in.Her excitement has blinded her from seeing the apathy I have for the film. Indeed, to her very words, the woman goes to visit the witch doctor! You switch on to a different channel and the guttural voice of the witch doctor greets you. "Why are you running? Why are you running?" the menacing voice demands.Indeed, every Nollyhood film will be incompl...

 Photo/Veronica: Tula Chesaina By Thomas Chemelil I have always told you hilarious tales in the past, tales that have defined who we are and where we came from. By knowing where we come from, we get the visa to where we are going. Today, I choose to tell you the story of Tula Chesaina a.k.a KopCheserem of Kapkomora  who is married to Nyirar. The story year is 1974. The occasion? The lovely wedding of Anne Mubichi from Kapkomora to Mubichi Mburugua of Naari  in North Imenti in Meru County. Anne Mubichi is the great mum to Mutembei, Asca, Mureithi and Tim Mubichi.  A delegation to the wedding is dispatched to Meru. The person to drive them to Meru is none other than the army officer who owned a Land Rover then, Daudi Kibuswa- the uncle to Jebiwot Bischof. Here is where the drama begins. Mzee Chemelil Yatich (RIP) buys adamant Tula Chesaina shoes at Eldoret in order to prevent the 'shame' of Tula travelling to Meru without shoes! For those in the know, Tula Chesaina hol...

Photo credit/trakt tv:  A colonial District Officer By Thomas Chemelil If you come from Marakwet and it's environs, you  must have heard of the story of a white man who was killed in Kamotony area near Cheptongei. The spot he died in has come to be referred to as "Metip Pkana Yuus". On the 23rd March 1914, J. O. Hughes was murdered by an Indian Assistant surgeon   who had apparently requested for leave but was denied by Hughes. He died around Kamotony area as Marakwet historian John Chemaringo records. Bwana Yuus, as the locals called him, died from the injuries sustained. Oral accounts from the locals however paint a different story. One account claims Arap chemorin of Kabasiran was responsible for Hughes' murder. He is said to have hidden himself amongst initiates in 'kaptorus' (seclusion place for initiates) to avoid arrest. There is the believe that the epitaph at Kamatony was erected at the crime scene whereas his actual burial grounds are at the Chebara ...

By Thomas Chemelil Prior to the 18th Century existed a large, vibrant community of cattle keepers known as the Sengwer, Sigerai, Senguer or the Cherang'any.  The name Sengwer is derived from the tradition of Sengwer women of adorning themselves with a dangling cowrie shell referred to by the Karamojong as the esigirait. Chief Kamussein noted at A.C.H Hoey's farm that the Sengwer were indeed a powerful. community then. Hoey was popularly known as Bwana Hoi amongst the local people around 1932. Sengwer territory is said to have covered a wide area ranging from Kiporoon River in Uasin Gishu, Kapsumbeiywet, Ziwa, Moiben Posta, Kongipsebe, Kimowo, Maron, Kamologon, Sebit, Somor, Kongelai to as far as Swom river. The Aoyate drought resulted in displacement of the Sengwer. Those who headed Eastwards are said to have met their deaths at Moru Eris due to starvation. The Kacepkai clan are said to have been displaced during the Turkana invasion of Moru Asiger. They are said to have fled t...

By Thomas Chemelil Mzee Kipturmor( one who grinds the remains of a maize meal-mor) of Kessom tells me the history of the Talai clan. Myth has it that the Talai clan emanated from a place the old man refered to as Jeselem/ Jeserlem. They then proceeded to Nyanja ber ( translated loosely as the swampy place) from whence they proceeded to a land called Riwo. Later on, the Talai journeyed to Kataleel, the present day Kitale. They later found themselves in Kipteber. It is here that myth has it that while the people were celebrating and making merry at a beer party that a crow came and warned them that a rock was falling from the sky. ''There are no rocks in the sky,'' the drunk men argued as they chased away the crow. But the crow was persistent. All over sudden, the sky was engulfed by a strange darkness. When the men looked up, they saw a huge rock falling on them. They made desperate attempts to run, but it was  all in vain. All but one of them were trapped under the huge...

Photo credit/Source: Fr. Florian of the Benedictian order By Thomas Chemelil Sometime in 1999, I was at St. Benedict's Arror Secondary School. As fate would have it, I was the only teacher on call that day. Tired from the overwhelming heat, I rested under a Mango tree. I savored the delicacies of the Canaan that is Kerio Valley as I cooled my system with juicy 'papai', My eyes strayed to the distance as I was still savoring the juicy contents of the 'papai'. Out there, a mzungu man who was humbly dressed in faded t-shirt and pants and traditional sandals approached. For a moment, I was lost in thought for I thought that the man could have been a child left behind by colonial forces who were fighting around Kolowa area(God forgive my thoughts then). The man interrupted my thoughts as he humbly greeted me. Handshakes exchanged, I offered him a chair  as I went for my stock of assorted fruits to welcome him. He introduced himself as Fr. Florian of the Benedictan order....