My Life and Times at Tonga Omonuri Primary Boarding

Who told you that my minute brain can't remember my encounter at this primary mixed school. If 2011 isn't fair for you then you need to lay a curse on your forefathers for they must have messed somewhere. Staying hungry was part of the school subject coming before Mathematics that was captured in the class lesson."Mimi ni nani ninyongwe na njaa?"I used to outsmart other primitive classmates in scoping a high grade in 'Njaa lesson'. Our great cooks, Mr.Ongaro, Mr. Bosire, and Mr.Okemwa were cooperators but above all Mr.Bosire was a fine man for my stomach deals. One piece of Menengai soap worth ksh.30 was a catalyst for my survival as it could sustain Bosire`s family for two weeks or so.

I was that boy who operated a small mini-supermarket in my box. My colleagues knew I was from a royal family but my home neighbors could tell the reality upon their presence on how we sleep on earth back at home. Even after having a mini-supermarket in my box, I always lacked toilet paper and soap as this belonged to Mr.Bosire who could keep them for me as I could use his `kadude` phone to call home and ask for more toilet papers and soap only. Have I told you that I never accepted pocket money in cash? You will come to know why food and money were my core subjects.

Friday evening was the day I strucked an elephant deal with Bosire on how the teachers` chicken for supper was to be reduced at a given proportion as I wanted 12 pieces only. Though poor in Mathematics, I managed to identify the number of teachers present in the school and the number of pieces they could eat minus realizing some pieces were missing. Mr.Mguu Mbaya was the most feared in crushing chicken bones alongside a big chunk of ugali at the stuff room and. As per my estimates, he could wipe 6 pieces or so, as other teachers ate two or three. Immediately at 6 pm, the bell for supper rang and we dashed out for an evening meal at the DH. I took spot one at the queue as I was hungry beyond settling down my intestines. I ate very fast and ran back to class to avoid being wiped on my skinny ass by the teacher on duty.

Who knows how to stop time? Nobody, even Mr.Kalavanda our school time manager could not. While 8 pm neared, my hallucinations kept on doubling. As I kept on gazing my eyes at the window, Boom! Bosire appeared and signaled me out. He told me everything was ready and the chicken was placed in the old boiler at the corner in the kitchen and he left towards the school gate. I slithered to the kitchen and dropped in through the window. I Picked my bowl containing pizza and dashed out to the dormitory. Placed it inside my box and left for the class as nothing had happened. But before entering class, Katunge our class 7 snitch passed by and prended to be going to the toilet. On entering to class,almost all the students were looking at me more bokespecially my shirt,I went straight to my desk and sat down.I called my three friends and told them I had worn a chicken lottery and they needed to place an order as they collect money and give me. Sooner than I had received ksh.50 for one piece,Mr. Manga,our most feared teacher popped in and made a drastic announcement that the teachers` chicken had gone missing from the kitchen and suspects were needed instantly. My heart started to tremble and immediately I saw Katunge`s hand rising up ...