I AM A MUSLIM, NOT AL SHABAB by Daisy Waitherero Wambua

Cripples, blind, albinos, Blacks, Asian, Jewish, Muslim and to some extent women are the chosen minority in the world. But who determines this list? We live in a world that depicts different as unsubstantial. Therefore anyone or anything that is not of, for, by, with the majority is perceived to be of lesser value. Being different is a curse. I am not sure which SI unit is used to establish which human is better than the rest in our existence. However, the methods/procedures/protocols they use to arrive at certain conclusions are definitely faulty and they should find a replacement.

Diversity is meant to be embraced so that we can all be unified by the fact that we are different but yet the same. This has now been corrupted into thinking diversity is seclusion of the most deserving in the world from those who deserve death. At the end of it all we all suffer the same catastrophe; six feet under. Everyone’s mindset seem to take a reverse sail of there are those that are more equal than others. Hence losing vision that we are all joined by love and coerced to live in the same universe. We live together and we will die together.

Being Muslim has now been associated with violence, unrest, fear and war. The veil no longer stands for decency, it serves as an instigator of violence. Unworthy and despised. Anyone with curly hair and a light skin tone is now considered a threat, a menace waiting to happen, a dormant mountain erupting, it’s no longer as pure.

Because of other people’s wrong choices and their strife to rebel. The entire religion suffers. Everyone undergoes scrutiny. No one is spared and no one will be allowed to be free. Doomed to suffer the confines of a sacred religion, of the subscription to follow and obey Allah. Scrutinized for choices is one thing but being discriminated and intimidated due to spirituality is inhumane. Don’t persecute because you don’t read from the same scripture, persecute yourself for not adhering to your own.

We as comrades need to move beyond backward and unsubstantial thinking, ape-like comments must stop. We need to create a form of healing for our fellow students and use this as a momentum for larger and more important structural issues. This is a starting point for unity. Be the flag bearer. Be the inspiration to the rest of the population that indeed Muslim, Christians, Pagans and all other denominations can live peacefully. You must be the first.

With that said, I welcome all students from the Moi University branch; Garissa Campus, here you will find a home.

WHERE WOULD YOU BE WITHOUT READING? By Daisy Waitherero Wambua

I recently decided to go back to the Genesis of the blog, reminiscing the times I had just started writing. Man those were the days! I would write up to two thousand words worth of an article bearing eight paragraphs each having fourteen lines and in each twenty words, all in one hour. I was quite the writer you would say; messy in every sense of the word.

But I didn’t care, I still wrote and forced everyone who I considered literate to wallow in my new found obsession. Apologies to you all, let’s just say I was young and determined. I was able to write during the day, the evening, the morning, Heck! Even during the afterlife I would have written.

While I was quietly reprimanding and congratulating myself on the growth and the need to do better, my seven year old nephew comes and stands beside me. Probably expecting me to be playing our favorite family game; subway surf. Then he sees my picture which is usually at the bottom of the blog. ‘Unafanya?’ he asks. Common inquiries by children below see level (play hide and seek with him and lose fifty pounds).

I vividly expounded to him what it is I normally do and as expected he takes no interest and goes to his next agenda like mine was of no consequence. I have never had my work being treated like a side "chic" but (sigh) men these days.

At no point did I pay attention to his reaction, was there a reaction to begin with? Up to date. The more I think about it the more it buffers me. Of course seven year olds should not find reading interesting, I am grown and I still don’t find reading interesting unless its zeros after the one in my bank account. But the level of his disregard, makes me want to go back to the drawing board.

Enough said.

Dear writers, writing might become extinct in a couple of years. I have conducted research using one sample representing a whole country of children. Not entirely research but you get what I mean. Writing is art and with art comes a lot of passion, sacrifice and requires a lot of soul. With that said, next time don’t treat writing or reading like a side dish. It is the main! That is why you are reading this right now.

MOTHERS OVER FATHERS by Daisy Waitherero Wambua

When I am asked what my greatest fear is, I go mediocre and mention the likes of cockroaches, snakes, spiders, and of course on everyone’s list; the dark. Mostly because I never really quite put much thought into it, sometimes I stretch it and say fear itself. This is just to deter people’s thoughts and to seem mischievously witty and add a little spice of drama to it. 

One day while reveling (read enduring) the breeze at Moi University’s great academic walk my mother calls. Like all mothers, she calls randomly and talks for centuries on. I have no scuffle with this because I tend to relish in her long talks; they have a calming effect.

Sometimes I do not pick up; depending on the location, nature and state of my surroundings. If you have been to University, you need no explanation. Mother, if you are reading this, my blog has been hacked; I promise. Aside from that, this time I picked the call, we conversed about everything and everyone and in due time I had already reached my place. At the end of the call, I realized something that I have never paid attention to.

Contentment. Zeal. Ease. Relieved. It’s like bursting out an overbearing secret, or like feeling hungry in the middle of the night then waking up only to find leftovers, or staying up until late to write an article about your mother. Its unexplainable, its mystical, it’s the undying ‘yes’ feeling we all experience once every black moon and it’s downright mine. So what is my greatest fear?


Losing my mother. The meaning of treasuring someone has been demeaned and regarded as something of monetary value but when I say treasure I mean exactly that and in that order. When you treasure someone to the core of your very being, their status becomes automatically elevated to the top, your whole existence is covered with their ambiance and halo. You get to realize that one plus one can actually be one. The kind of love a mother gives is unfathomable hence the saying ‘a face only a mother can love’ meaning everyone might go blind upon seeing you but a mother would still call you a handsome boy. Not to sound sexist.

A mother would blow your nose with the corner of her best blouse, she would take her saliva and wipe of food from your face, she would hit you with a dirty slipper only to give you a bath, let’s not forget the way they would tie a handkerchief around our waist so as not to lose it, or put coins for snacks in a handkerchief and of course singing lullabies and soon after beating us so that we can sleep faster.

If thank you could be able to feed all the sacrifices, turmoil and pain you have gone through I would be happy but just like 2 Pac I only want to show you that I understand; you are appreciated. 

TALENT THURSDAYS WITH DAISY WAITHERERO WAMBUA

15 QUESTIONS WITH THE SASSY SHEILA CHELANG’AT RONO


How long have you been modelling?FOR ABOUT FIVE MONTHS. SINCE I FINISHED  HIGH SCHOOL.


And after how long did you get discovered? I GOT DISCOVERED WHILE STILL IN  HIGH SCHOOL BUT I WAS NOT THAT EXPOSED TO MODELLING BECAUSE I HAD  TO STUDY.


As a child, did you aspire to be in this industry and if so who inspired you? I  NEVER REALLY ASPIRED TO BE ONE. BUT I USED TO GET COMPLIMENTS FROM  FRIENDS THAT I HAVE A MODEL’S BODY.. SOME ASKING ME TO TRY MODELLING  AND THERE THE THOUGHT CAME. I WENT FOR IT.


With so many people in your industry, did you have second thoughts in pursuing  this career?I HAVE NEVER THOUGHT OF THAT BUT I BELIEVE IF YOU ARE MEANT  FOR IT YOU DON’T HAVE TO WORRY. EVERYTHING IS A COMPETITION IN LIFE  AND LIFE IS AN EXPRESS ROAD. SO IF ONE GETS THERE BEFORE THE OTHER.. LIFE  IS AN EXPRESS ROAD AND OVERTAKING IS ALLOWED. SO IT IS FOR ONES LUCK.


Every model usually works on contract, which company are you currently working  for or have worked for? CURRENTLY AM WORKING WITH ELDORET FINEST  MODELING AGENCY (EFMA) AND AM ALSO LOOKING FORWARD TO JOIN BIG  COMPANIES IN THE FUTURE. GODWILLING.


How is your availability? Do you work part time, full time or any hours?FOR NOW  I WORK ANY HOUR BECAUSE I DO NOT HAVE MUCH RESPONSIBILITIES TO TAKE  CARE OF.


Different models serve different brands, what would you say your brand is? What  cause do you stand for?I STAND FOR HELPING WOMEN AND THE LESS  FORTUNATE IN THE SOCIETY BY OVERCOMING POVERTY.


What makes you stand out if you were to be grouped with fellow models? What  do you bring to the table that you think other models do not? EVERY PERSON HAS  SOMETHING THAT MAKES THEM STAND OUT OF THE GROUP. I BELIEVE MY  BODY BEING  SLIM AND ALSO MY SMALL WAIST WILL STAND FOR THAT.


Most models usually support different products or services by partaking in  advertisement, have you done any advertisements so far?YES.I HAVE  PARTICIPATED IN A SHOWCASING FUNCTION, KITENGE FASHION FEST.


Of recent days, being a model and being a socialite has a light shade of difference  between them, do you feel like you are any different from them?YES. A  SOCIALITE IS MUCH MORE POPULAR THAN A MODEL SINCE THEY ARE WELL  KNOWN OF THEIR FASHIONABLE SOCIETY AND OFTENLY ATTEND SOCIAL  EVENTS. BEING A MODEL DOES NOT PARTAKE MUCH OF THAT.


Where do you see yourself in a year’s time? What is your definition of success in  this industry?I SEE MYSELF IN A BETTER POSITION. ALL I HAVE TO DO IS  STRUGGLE. EVERYONE NEEDS A STRUGGLE TO MAKE IT IN LIFE.SUCCESS IS  ACHIEVING WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY IN THE INDUSTRY. SOMETHING THAT  YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH AND FOR YOU IT IS FOR THE BEST YOU ACHIEVED.


With such a big and varied ambition of becoming a successful model, have you  taken up any model related course?NO. I DON’T THINK MODELING WOULD  REQUIRE MUCH LIKE HAVING TO STUDY FOR IT BECAUSE IT IS SEEN AS A TALENT  OR HOBBY IN SOMEONE.


Being a model is identified as one of the hardest careers world over as it involves  what is visual. With that said how many times do you work out? What is your diet  like? And do you use any or recommend any beauty products?I RARELY WORK  OUT  PRETTY MUCH BECAUSE I HAVE A GIVEN BODY. I ALSO DON’T HAVE TO BE  ON A DIET TO MAINTAIN MY BODY.I NORMALLY USE THE COMMON BEAUTY  PRODUCTS.


People come in different shapes and forms and this limits one to a particular style  of dressing. Are you flexible to wear any kind of clothing? What are your  limitations?I AM FLEXIBLE TO ANY KIND OF CLOTHING. BUT THAT DOESN’T  MEAN I DON’T HAVE LIMITATIONS. I ALSO HAVE TO BE KIND OF EXPERIMENTAL,  DECENT BUT PROVOKING.


Most people do not value modelling as a career, what do you have to say to  them?MODELLING IS FAR MUCH AS A CAREER. WE DO WHAT WE DO  BEST SO  LONG AS WE YOU GAIN SOMETHING FROM IT.

TRIBULATIONS OF A MOI UNIVERSITY STUDENT by Daisy Waitherero Wambua

RUNNING STOMACHS NOW FLYING
Cases of comrades suffering food poisoning, typhoid and spending more time in the restrooms as compared to lecture halls has definitely been on the increase. Evidence being; shopping bags consisting of ten pack rolls of tissue paper instead of the normal four pack that would last a semester. Of course knowing our beloved dispensary and their quack prescriptions that involve Flagyl for a fracture and a bandage for an intestine rapture, nobody is ever cured. If symptoms persist seek your own advice; otherwise you will be treating an ailment that you never suffered from.

TARMACKING ON NO TARMACK
I have been a fan of walking since ‘neveruary’ so the few times that I walk I do not expect to; have my closed shoes becoming slippers, abruptly switching my color pattern (I hate brown), looking like I hail from somewhere in Budalangi (‘naomba admin itusaidie’) nlor washing my feet at every stop I make. Complaints have run for centuries now and would probably not end but I will not stop until there is change or rather until I can afford my own car. I doubt I will stay here that long.

NAIROBI FLIES INFESTING ELDORET
This period is definitely a throwback for Pharaoh and his people if they were still here only that they got locusts instead of Nairobi flies. Personally I have never had the extreme pleasure of exchanging acid with the creature but recently one of them decided that my beauty is too much. Having a scarred face is no big deal, just ask Michael Jackson, Vera Sidika and now one of your own; Daisy Waitherero. These are the days we say beauty lies on the inside and frown on anyone who says leave that to the worms. The flood gates have just broken lose therefore dear comratdes shake your clothes after hanging and avoid a stripped black and red insect.

POVERTY STRIKEN COMRADES
It’s a dry spell during a rainy season. Everyone seems to be broke during these times. Those used to boarding a motorbike twice a day have now resulted into once a week and only if there is a CAT. Those used to eating out have now started scramming for their lost sufurias. Those who have not paid rent still haven’t paid rent yet. There is no longer the haves and the have not’s; everyone is in the have not’s category. Keep calm end month is coming, parents are getting paid. For more encouragement stay with fellow comrades and read Ecc 3; 1-3.

FALLEN COMRADES
Last but definitely the most heartfelt. Moment of silent for the 10 comrades we have lost since beginning of this semester and for the 147 comrades that have recently passed on. It is with utter despair and deep found love that embrace us with the departure of each comrade. I speak on behalf of all comrades and send earnest condolences to the families and friends of the victims. May God be with you. Rest in Peace.

SOCIAL IN THE MEDIA? by Daisy Waitherero Wambua

The felt need to display erotic and by far boring state of personal bedroom affairs on net is becoming quite rampant. I am not sure if people are doing this in a bid to mark their territory or it’s just for fun. Personally, I do not see the need to waste all that mobile data just to caption a moment that will most probably happen ten times over with different partners each time. But what do I know, I am team single; I dare not keep any knowledge of such.
Four things are key during lunch with the girls; boys, fashion, money and food. Lizzie is now four months into her relationship with Chris; they are quite the match if you ask me. Only one problem; his status reads single on Facebook. I never quite understood how that was a problem but then again it’s a different world we live in; a primary school student not having a pair of condoms will soon be illegal. Apparently, putting up pictures, changing one’s relationship status, posting lovey dovey remarks on social media is the ultimate form of love. All this time I thought being carried when am tired of walking in heels, eating pizza while playing play station and having someone to fight my battles was having it all.
I wake up every day hoping that I was born in my grandma’s era. Whereby I didn’t have texts as conversations, pictures as evidence of affection and let me not start on marriage without an actual ring. Things were simple back then. It was literally a walk in the park; especially Uhuru park. No being fussed over, stalked and definitely no group of girlfriends who are running what looks like CTU in the series ‘24’. Shout out to all the girlfriends who support each other; girl code, power to the women.
Instagram is definitely the relationship killer; a single double tap will make her conclude that you want to marry another woman and there is no convincing her otherwise. The Woman Crush Wednesday is now in the black book, you are not allowed to crush on anyone else unless you are crushing your car and that is only after you are dumped. I will try and avoid touching on who you should follow and who you shouldn’t; in the books, the only one you should follow is Jesus and it’s only because He is a man otherwise you would be going to hell.
Advice for free; don’t join any social media if you are married; it’s a divorce waiting to happen or a car ready to be burnt down. For those who keep putting up photos of how happy they are, no one cares plus the one you will marry must be somewhere laughing at your oblivion. Ultimately no need to be posting up photos when you know you get into a relationship twelve times a year. You are not Jesus; no need to share with the world your disciples.
All in all, no one died of privacy but somebody was killed because of publicity. Real cheaters do not post, real men don’t pose and ultimate people are busy reading this. Double tap on this article.

OF PIERCINGS AND TATTOOS by Daisy Waitherero Wambua

Beauty comes in all shapes and forms. Scratch that. Beauty comes in all pains and groans. The simple things in life are the hardest and unfortunately most people are drawn by this. There is beauty in simplicity and ugly in complexity so they say then they go get twenty piercings on their ears and their body looks like a drawing book. Who am I to judge though? A profoundly famous lightly skinned (rather light skinned) with a wholesomely blessed derriere woman once said ‘My Body, My Business’. I am not quite sure the number of transactions you will require to get a cheque with nine digits but if you ever reach there then am right behind you.
I have zero resentments when it comes to beautifying oneself but to what extent will you start to appreciate your beauty. Personally I have eight piercings and zero tattoos, frankly because my mum feels like they are cultic practices plus who spends all that money on a drawing? I understand some are in the business of getting money but what does the drawing book gain?
I am in no business whatsoever in discouraging general unbeneficial practices but what is the need of competing with the next art gallery? Wiz Khalifa and Amberose kindly take note, right after you put that blunt down and after you put some clothes on. Plus what is the point of having a magnet drag you by your ears? Is all that metal necessary? The only metal you should have is the one on your belt’s buckle, period.
Living in a generation where rebellion and controversy is accepted, compromises and faults have been made and appreciated. So yes to all those piercings, yes to tattoos, yes to sisal hair, yes to ‘Jiked’ skins and definitely an all-way approval to silicon body parts. If you have any of the above, my dear you have made the correct steps in the right direction. You are definitely the SI unit of a twenty first generation being.