Annette Onyango, Virtual Assistant/ Copy/Creative Writer

06/12/2023

Where sanity goes..

05/12/2023

Own the name! Walk it..

05/12/2023

05/12/2023

Appreciating the roots

01/12/2023

Today is World AIDS Day, a day to remember those we have lost to AIDS and to raise awareness about the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.

Let us come together to support those living with HIV/AIDS and work towards ending the stigma surrounding this disease.

We can all do our part by getting tested regularly, using protection, and educating ourselves and others about the importance of prevention.

Just to mention, multiple s*xual partners doesn't make you any greater. No award for the most laid person out there. Choose you.

Together, we can make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

28/11/2023

We roar despite the challenges!!

28/11/2023

To own the moment, feel it!

27/11/2023

Sometimes all it takes is to write it down!

03/11/2022

15/09/2022

THE DEAL
"You don't know my story...." this is a statement most of us get to hear frequently whenever we meet all kinds of people. Man is a strange creature! Egocentric, solipsistic and very mean!
We always assume that it's just us with a 'story'. See, every person, dead or alive has their stories! We are just too consumed in our world and refuse to be humane and think!

People are always quick into accusing others of abandoning them during their hard times, both family and friends. The big question is, did you play your part when you were needed the most? My high School CRE teacher made us understand that 'the measure you give, is the measure you receive. This was in regard to grading our exams. If you have too few answers, be assured you will get too few marks in return. Now being older and I understand this literally applies everywhere.

When you confidently say you were abandoned, did you stay for a friend or relative who needed your attention, time, company, encouragement, a listening ear, advice, hope, prayers and maybe financial help? If this was not the case, why then play the victim?
It is a fact that there are those people who 'use' others. They will drain you financially, use all your connections towards their business gains, cross you in your dealings, and leave you high and dry. They move on without blinking an eye.

There are those who will take advantage of your kindness when they are at their lowest points, those who will use you even s*xually and make it clear that it is all they wanted.
Well, don't kill yourself for being a good person, pick yourself up and move on. The absence of shame is part of a disorder. Psychopaths are incapable of feeling shame, these people lack emotions! Be happy you were there for a sick person. Good always pays well.

When you said you don't have friends, look at yourself, can you be that friend you want others to be to you? You attract what you are. If you believe it's by bad luck you don't get what you deserve, if you are a believer, take it to the Lord in prayers. He performs miracles.

15/09/2022

The weather is perfect today. No sun, a little chilly, the aftereffect of the night rains makes the temperature more heavenly. The kind of weather ideal for committing adultery! Well, just saying.

I am in good mood today. I slept okay, maybe it's because yesterday I spent some time with two people I genuinely love. Good vibes have a way of lifting moods. That's why I always tend to choose positivity.

I came across a lady who was so excited about her marriage proposal. You know the kind that the man (nicely dressed) goes down on one knee and pops the 'will you marry me’ question while holding a beautiful diamond ring? Yeah, that kind of proposal. The damsel didn't disappoint either for the event; she was dressed in a long sleeveless fitting gown with a s*xy side cut!

It reminded me of my best friend's wedding some years back!
Our usual girl squad was the lineup! All of us. My cousin was to be part of the make-up team. As the norm, the bride’s maids were to sleep at a central place with the bride the night before the wedding.

We were all looking forward to this big day, with bated breath. But for this day to come, it was not a walk in the park. We couldn't agree on anything. The bride just informed us the theme color was purple. Obviously, we were to go for purple dresses, but the problems started with what shade of purple! Was it violet, orchid, iris, amethyst, or just PURPLE!! The solution was to use one Fashion Designer! I will not say a tailor. In the Luo world, we don't know what that is.

We planned for a day to see our fashion designer for the measurements and settle on a particular design. We were all present, but we disagreed on a design. Our host was tired and depressed! She ordered a cold Fanta orange soda to drown her frustrations as we sort other alternatives. We still didn't agree!!
Everyone decided to go for their own design, as long as it would be the same length.

WOMEN!!

What type of shoes do we go for? Your guess is as good as mine. We just agreed on the color.
On the wedding eve, I was sharing Judy Boucher's predicament of being at two places simultaneously. If only it were practical.
My cousin works out of town to date. We always managed to create time and do what we do best to ventilate. We had plans for this particular night, but we needed to be with the other brides' maids in preparation for the wedding the next day. We made it, albeit late.

At 5 am in the morning, we had to look for hot black tea and direct the steam in our eyes. We were drunk. We needed to be sober by thunder by fire. Someone came up with the 'strungi in eyes theory' for our eyes to be white. We passed that tea jug like we were smoking some joint!

The church ceremony was spectacular; the setup was simply amazing; the red roses loosely thrown on the white runway carpet were quite eye-catching.
Our bride was a sight to behold! Almond eyes, bright gleeful smile, she had the fairest skin of them all. She was definitely a Cinderella on this particular day.

There's something about being inside of a church that just changes people/things. My mama says when in a church, you meet God/Jesus. I agree (This is purely a personal feeling. When you are in sync with your soul and you seek God genuinely, you meet him)
The church was warm, warm in the aspect of the reasonable space all filled up with familiar faces, brilliant smiles, and shy giggles, then the presence of the holy spirit! My cousin's 'sigalagala' just felt tight and right in place.

Vows were exchanged, and we had our 'aaaw and wow' moments.
The photo session was the beginning of 'our wedding.' The bridal team's wedding! Our climax for the event! We were super psyched.
As soon as we got there, everyone was walking everywhere looking for a TUMBLER!
(Except for the bride, she was clueless)

This moment was special, delicate, and very sensational. It was the designated time for the 'nectar of the gods.' We had to bless this beautiful union. The gods commanded us.
We had to obey!

The sun was hot, and the scenery was green, the surrounding area was exceptionally cool and quiet, the people around were neatly dressed!

We gulped it NEAT! The pleasure...
Whiskey has never been that sweet!
Then a second toast!
This feeling could only be compared to what you experience when you have a glass of pure 'Moldova water' from Ugenya!

15/09/2022

It's one of those random days I decide to go to a club just to clear my head. I settle for my usual pub, take my favorite spot and order my drink. I hungrily gulp down my first tot and order a second one as I had this immense desire to get tipsy.

In about half an hour am already feeling the effect of the alcohol in my system and I like the sensation, light headed and am feeling some sort of inner peace that I really needed. The music in the background makes it all perfect.
Am really in my own world until I caught a balsamic cologne, and then a warm embrace from behind. I turn around only to see my old-time friend Steve. I happily hug him back wishing I drown in his sweet scent.

He decides to take a seat next to mine, happens he is bored too and needed to unwind.

Lucky me.

My day is just getting better. We order more drinks as we catch up.
See, this gentleman is among the few I would describe as a perfect piece! Most women prefer tall, dark, and handsome as the ideal male species. Well, he is that and more. Gentle s*xy eyes, a bright flashy smile and to top it up he is intelligent and his sense of fashion is impeccable.

I have had a crush on him for eternity. Only that I have been silent with my feelings for fear of ruining this perfect friendship we have had over the years. I was OK being in the friend zone other than losing it all.
We get so comfortable around each other and share our memories and I timidly laugh them off.

In between our talks, Steve touches my hands and occasionally rubs my thighs. I have no idea if he is aware of what he is doing but I notice every touch and rub. I like it and secretly wish it never ends.
Just at the moment, he asks me for a dance. I like the music playing and I say yes. On the dance floor, he holds me so close. As we dance and sway to the slow tunes he seductively rubs the middle of my back. The feeling is sort of ticklish. It makes me move closer to his chest. He obviously feels my b***s on his chest because the response I get is coming from his loins. We both don't say anything about it but continue dancing, only now closer.

Obviously, we have some sort of chemistry but there is that fear of the unknown. Steve plants a gentle kiss on my neck and it makes my hormones start raging. I feel my ni***es become hard and he too feels the effect as his hard-on grows undeniably bigger.
The music finally comes to a stop and we go back to our seats holding hands. I could not wait to have a drink just to cool off my hormones.

Back at the table, it's not the same anymore. There is some tension but for some reason, Steve did not want to let go of my hand. He went ahead to pour me a drink. I don't hesitate to gulp it down. It kind of relaxes me a little and I let loose once more. My mind is blank but my body is giving me strange emotions. At this moment my hand is resting on Steve's thigh, he is gently rubbing it, drawing some imaginary lines on my palm.

I am left wondering what to do with my spare hand. I decide to play along and gently start to rub the back of his head. We are both more relaxed now and chatting our hearts away, only this time we are teasingly touching each other. At this moment I really did not know what was going on in his mind but I was enjoying every minute of it.

I needed to go to the washroom. I excuse myself. Steve, though with a heavy heart, releases my hand. I get to the ladies, remove my G-string and it was wet. Obviously, I was h***y and the alcohol was not making it any easier. For a moment I thought of playing with myself to tame my desires but I decided otherwise. I did my business and as I unlocked the door someone gently pushed it back and got in. Steve was staring at me as he locked the door behind him.

He didn't say anything, grabbed me, gently pushed me against the door, and hungrily started kissing me, gently massaging my breasts, using his legs he spread mine apart. I was now very h***y and the only thing I wanted was to feel his bulge.
...TO BE CONTINUED....

11/07/2022

AGWENG, PAPER ONE.
The slow pitty-patter sound of the rains made me lazy to leave the bed. The feeling was heavenly. The grounds sighed with pleasure, the musky fresh air lingering in the room wasn't making it any easier.
My drive to the village yesterday was smooth, was in the company of interesting cousins. We arrived late as we had to ensure all the necessary arrangements were in order before we embarked on the journey.
Arthur was our primary schoolmate. Although we came from the same village, we were good friends. We had kept in touch all through the stages of life even after he relocated to the United States to pursue better opportunities. He had initiated a project a while back in the village. The DigiTek center had indeed changed the face of the village and was a promising facility as far as development was concerned. The official launch is the very reason we traveled.
The petrichor scent of the rains had me relishing the moment despite the busy day ahead. A light knock on my bedroom door disrupted my quiet thoughts.
“Akello, oyaore breakfast is being served” My young cousin Awino called out.
“Oyaore, kwani what is the time”
“Saa adek chiegni romo”
Damn! Our function is scheduled to start at 10.30 am. I had to prepare, fast.
I was undecided whether to take a shower first then head for breakfast or have breakfast then shower, but I needed to bond with family so I opted for the latter. I grabbed a robe, brushed my teeth, and headed to the dining area.
My mama and two of my aunties were already seated. Aunty Pammy and Apiyo. These ones were a gang. Always showing up to offer support for their own. They must have arrived in the early morning. We hugged and exchanged pleasantries.
“I ran into Cliffe heading to the center already” Aunty Apiyo mentioned. “In oke iseleo”
“Nyathima tiyo matek ahinya” My mom responded
The mention of Cliffe kind of got me excited! I hurriedly finished my breakfast and rushed to get ready.
Being well-rounded and b***y, I settled on an outfit fully cognizant of my role and the surrounding. A decent sky-blue skater dress, red stilettos, and a dash of matching lipstick. I wear my cologne ready for the day.
At the DigiTek Center, I head straight to the administration block. I meet very many familiar faces, a little catch up here and there. Everything is in order; we still have some time. I need to meet the event organizer, so we align our responsibilities. My phone rings, It’s Arthur. I walk towards a quiet corridor to answer the call.
“Hey Laura…,”
“Hey A…..good morning…”
“Morning… We set? On my way….”
“Sure, we are good to go, how far are you?”
“15 mins or less..”
“Kindly ask Cliffe to call me, he isn’t picking up, The school principals needs a brief on how the students will do their presentation”
“Sure, let me get ahold of him.”
“Cool”
Directly across the corridor, I see Cliffe issuing instructions to two people. A man and a woman. I walk towards them. As I neared them, I could clearly identify Mr. and Mrs. Mochi. Cliffe’s long-term farm house employees.
“Still, I’ll be a lot happier once I am assured everything is in order”. The couple silently nodded in unison then giggled at their synchronization. “Alright, you can go ahead” Cliffe dismissed them while turning towards my direction.
He was almost six feet tall, attractive, his perfectly made-up face, chiseled jawline beautifully hosting his dimpled warm cheeks. I took the greatest satisfaction just watching his flashing white teeth surrounded by the well-groomed beards. He was by my side now, much taller, built, and athletic. He had his shirt sleeves rolled up, a detail of dress that I had always found seductive. He opened his arms for a warm embrace.
“Finally, the emcee shows up all glammed and s*xy”
“I see you are on top of things Mr. Organiser”
“Keep using such words and see what happens”
“What will happen?”
I was flirting. Not, of course with any serious intent, all that was in the past. This was just practice.
“You want me to show you?” He pulled off the embrace.
“So, what’s new? I asked smiling sheepishly.
“The usual village life, work, sun, s*x, drinks, a little shopping, and sightseeing.”
Jealous confusion twisted my gut the minute he mentioned s*x, he couldn’t just have another woman.
“Kindly call Arthur, he needs to update you on some urgent matter before the function begins.”
“I am not done with you just yet.” He answered gently massaging his temple.
I was left with the scent of his cologne as he walked towards the admin block.
In the early days, I had this unnerving habit of banging on about Cliffe’s ‘winning aura’. I was always convinced that Cliffe was destined to achieve hugely. He had.
Cliffe was thirty-nine. He had his own house, car, and a company he started immediately after he decided to permanently reside in the village. We had met years back when his parents settled in our village after buying a substantial chunk of land. He was a city dweller by then.
Cliffe was happy he was doing something that no one couldn’t control, criticize or influence in any way. He was happy with the farming venture that made him famous and rich. He doubled as a consultant with some agricultural government parastatals. Seeing him today, this moment gave me heebie-jeebies.
The launch podium was decorated in soothing neutral colors, it was comfortable and professional. The guests had already started streaming in. I noticed my Mama and my aunties already seated in the crowd. The students were agile and excited about their presentations. At the further end, I saw Cliffe talking to a group of school principals. I was already taking charge of the function. It was my responsibility to keep the event on time.
Arthur drove in with our three guests of honors. I acknowledged their presence and a team in charge went to usher them in. Once everyone was seated, I identified the specific guests and principles and welcomed them individually. From the corner of my eye, on my left, I noticed Cliffe staring in my direction. Our eyes met. It was a seductive look. I blushed.
I invited Arthur on the stage to give us a brief on the project and the future goals. He was all excited and once on the podium he gave me a hug mumbling how great I looked. He took over and I headed to my seat. My eyes were wandering, searching for Cliffe but I couldn’t trace him anywhere. My phone vibrated. A text message. “In celebration of red dresses and stilettos. You look beautiful!” That got me smiling. My eyes wandered again, searching….
Arthur’s speech was brief, I thanked him and lightly touched on the goals of the center while he was still standing by my side. The mood was all hype and the Djay never disappointed. I bridged in the segments, welcoming the school principals as Arthur was exiting the podium. Everyone was in their rightful place. The principals took over.
A text message from Cliffe. “I will be dragging you out from there anytime, there are things I want to do to you.” My heart skipped! Cliffe from the past always had a way to get to me. It was hard to concentrate not knowing where he was sitting. I didn’t bother looking this time but replied to the message.
“I need my senses to finish this”
“Not everything makes sense all the time” he responded.
The last principal had now finished introducing their students and the projects to be exhibited. The students were now preparing their props. Had to get back on the podium to hype the crowd. When they were starting the presentation, Cliffe walked over and whispered for me to follow him. Like it was an emergency sort of. I obediently followed.
He stopped a hundred feet away, in some room, “Over here” He calmly said.
“Free orientation?” I chided
“On a temporary pass.” He answered closing the door behind us.
His hands stroked my arms, his face so close, his dimple crinkling up the skin near his lips, I will not look at his lips, I said to myself… “Look at me my Akello” He ordered. He kissed me on the forehead, nuzzling my breasts, and I ran my fingers over his cheeks, touching his dimples, caressingly playing with his beards. He bent slightly to give me a kiss, a warm wet, passionate kiss. He abruptly lifted me up, and moved to the wall, my back touching the wall, legs spread carefully wrapped around him, my arms fiercely holding into him, never wanting to let go We were both sinking into that level of commitment we have always had.
Lo******ng with my current boyfriend was an equivalent of a Janet and John book, simple, with a lot of repetition. Just like his socks!
If there’s love, smallpox scars are as pretty as dimples. Cliffe was burying his face in my neck, I could hear his heavy breath against my bare neck, his grip tightening, so my head pulled backward. As he gently rubbed my ni**le with his tongue, my body sparked to life, making me aware of how much I needed him. This old lover of mine… I reached down and felt his er****on and there was no turning back. “I can’t have you here” he whispered. He pulled back, gently lowered me, and gave me a gentle deep kiss. “I want to take you away from this place, take you home, to my bed. I will surely make up for everything. Waiting at the door.”
I was surprised to feel how wet I had become, I took a deep breath and collected myself before joining Cliffe and heading back to the crowd.

11/07/2022

"It's not what you think it is, don't believe your eyes" He rushed to pick up the beddings to cover their sweaty, clearly wasted bodies from their fornicating act. I didn't know what to tell my eyes since it had seen enough. I had no energy left nor the strength to question what just happened.
I have always suspected my husband had affairs and despite the numerous evidences that he unknowingly left everywhere, I never imagined that I will one day get him in the act.
I slowly walked out, without a word, it was the right thing to do. It was the only thing to do. I felt empty. My feet felt heavy. My heart was sad.
I walked blindly, not knowing my exact destination but I needed to be in motion, the cold weather didn't matter anymore. It was much better being in the cold than the place I call home.
In the previous years, Timothy had parked and left us, he left to be with one among his many women, his boss by then. He was gone for two years. Apparently, the grass stopped being greener on the other side. "She wasn't warm and understanding as he thought." He said when he pleaded to come back home.
He was the father of my three adorable children.
'Mikayi kiloki" the society loudly echoed.
I accepted him back.
I am a good wife.
I needed to support my husband during those trying moments.
Ending the affair with his boss had it's consequences. You can't cut the hand that feedeth you. He came back jobless.
Running our house fully became my responsibility. From upkeep all the way to the bills. My 'loving' husband was trying to look for other job/jobs, anything that could suffice.....So I thought!
In a matter of time he got a job, a property Manager in one of the Commercial buildings in town. He didn't provide much but I appreciated the little efforts. I was just happy to be lifted off some burdens however small.
I was an empty shell. Had been for a long time.
Those moments where you don't care deeply of what really happens around you but waking up to the norm and try to make every new day bearable for the sake of the kids. I became cold and withdrawn.
As fate would have it, my husband became more financially stable. He was living the good life, only the same was not the case in our house. He still never provided much.
Our company was restructuring. I was given a transfer to a different town. My husband declined. I ended up losing my job.
In no time my children were out of School due to fees arrears. Our house rents kept pilling.
My husband resorted to moving upcountry. He would support me to start some business.
We relocated. The kids and I.
After two weeks in the village, he left for the City. He was to facilitate the finances for our Mini Supermarket business and the Kids School fees in their new school. He was to be back in a weeks time............................

17/05/2022

Bitter Lesons For Better Tomorrow

5.30 am, woke up by my regular alarm to prepare my baby for school. Then I realized I slept with my bedroom door open! Bad start for me. I hate sleeping with my bedroom door open. I have these imaginary thoughts that everything that crawls or flies in the house just came to my bedroom!

The open door also made me think about how it was left open. See, last night I didn't think I was going to sleep that early. I was taking selfies with my son and sharing the day's pleasantries with my sister while at it, I was drained, and I recall telling my son I will have my dinner later after I rested a bit. I went to my bedroom to pick something and that's how I was awakened by the alarm.

Yesterday when I left my house to go to work I was very optimistic that things will go perfectly well. They were until our last meeting for the day. Then a few viewings here and there…all was fine. As I was winding up my business day, a phone call, from one of my clients I had a meeting with during the morning hours, I answered the call hoping for a positive update. It wasn't! That phone call literally drained every little energy I had left. In any kind of business dealings, such moments happen a lot. In my line of work, I have learned to accept things I cannot change, I have had my disappointments in masses but I still strive to get the best I can.

Years back when I was still young and full of life, I had just completed college and a few months out looking for work. I was struck by lady luck on this particular day, I bumped into one of my lectures in the streets of Nairobi when running my errands. We had a casual tete-a-tete and exchanged numbers with the hope of him helping me secure a job! He made a call to some company CEO in my presence, the said Company was dealing with houses, he explained. I had to wait a few more months till when they were hiring next. I forgot about it.

It was a rainy chilly day in Nairobi this particular day, for some reason I wasn't warmly dressed, I had a red blouse and a black round short skater skirt donned with a black neck scarf. My phone rings, a strange number. I answer it and the caller tells me I am invited for an interview in an hour's time in their Upper Hill offices!! By then accessing Upper Hill offices were something else! No direct mats unless you used the Ngong Road mats and alight at NHIF offices, or commute through KNH buses and walk the rest of the way!

I got to the offices, albeit late, wet and freezing!

The receptionist just confirmed my name and appointment time but I bet she was thinking 'sasa huyu….' based on how I looked. 'The board is ready for you.' I didn't know how to react! I just mumbled 'Hhhh'

Let me take you back on time here.

My whole life, the only time I got some professional exposure was when I was an intern at KBC. I was a reporter in Current affairs department then later to the Sports department.
At KBC it was a beautiful training experience. All those journalists who have gone through KBC you understand best what I am saying here. KBC is like some national museum. The equipment used there (then) was something else! Typical original old-school equipment! You had to be hands-on when it came to dealing with any kind of equipment. Recording your pieces to be on the broadcast was something else! Beautiful memories I must admi.

At KBC it was a beautiful training experience. All those journalists who have gone through KBC you understand best what I am saying here. KBC is like some national museum. The equipment used there (then) was something else! Typical original old-school equipment! You had to be hands-on when it came to dealing with any kind of equipment. Recording your pieces to be on the broadcast was something else! Beautiful memories I must admit
At KBC dressing code was never an issue! At least for most of us who were always in the field. Our office schedule was the same in most circumstances. It was always reporting, check the duty roster book to see what function/event you are assigned, and then book the next available driver based on your timings to your event. The fun began when out of the office.

After the assignment, back to the office you would write your story then take it to the editor's desk for approval then do the recordings and hand over your recording to the next party for broadcast. Inside a media house, especially the production end, it's always like a garage, everybody running everywhere doing something. Always a rush against time!

It is while at KBC that I had my first encounter with a mean boss! My editor! Woe unto you if you covered more than one assignment and you had to write and record all of them! Wuueh!!

In the Board room, I felt so tense! I had never seen people that neat! Most of them were in suits and they all looked warm. I felt so odd and so out of place! I felt like an Eskimo who just walked into a private wedding after-party! I later learned that during my interview the panel had the CEO, one director, marketing manager, HR manager, valuation department manager, agency HOD, chief accountant, and the position I was being interviewed for? An assistant to the marketing manager!

So all these warm ladies and gentlemen were ready to ask me questions. All I had was my bright big eyes and a warm smile.I was already panicking. I was told to have a seat. I did. By the way, at this point, I was wrapping myself with my scarf. I couldn't bear the cold. I was just waiting for them to offer their worst.

I excused my style of dressing, I explained I was not prepared for the Interview since I just got the call an hour ago.

I answered all the questions asked to the best of my knowledge till I was asked about the company! I had no clue about what they do! I however had an idea they deal in housing since a quick glance at the office from the reception through the corridors to the boardroom I saw wall hangings and everything screamed houses. I thought they were developers and that clue is what I gave as an answer.

I relaxed a bit and I think the tea I was offered did me some good. I don't remember how it tasted due to the tension but it made me warm. Then the Kasuku in me started talking! I asked what they dealt with, and they explained in detail. That was the beginning of my Real Estate Journey to date.

All I am today is because of a beautiful woman, a lady who held my hand and taught me all I needed to know to make the next move in my next conquest! Karegi Esther made me face all the challenges with a smile! She was more than just my boss but my friend. All the tendering and marketing events and presentations were more of play instead of work!Then I got transferred to a different department!
The beginning of my problems under a monster female boss!

I'm not so loyal to bossy people! You can guess how that chapter closed.

Always striving for better.
At KBC it was a beautiful training experience. All those journalists who have gone through KBC you understand best what I am saying here. KBC is like some national museum. The equipment used there (then) was something else! Typical original old-school equipment! You had to be hands-on when it came to dealing with any kind of equipment. Recording your pieces to be on the broadcast was something else! Beautiful memories I must admit.