7's

Funny how the aptly named (Shujaa) Kenya's "second" string seven-a-side rugby team always manages to upstage there first team counterparts. This year wasn't any different with the second team picking up a trophy while the more experienced counterparts leaving the tournament empty-handed and upstaged for a second time in recent history by Zimbabwe and South African kids emerging spring boks.

Coach Benjamin Ayimba's reasons for losing could be valid but he should also try and understand the Kenyan fans. Who were willing to pay a premium price and watch the likes of the British Army, Samoa and Fiji, all of whom pulled out at the last minute, but were forced to watch there team play second fiddle to "lesser" teams. Thus the fans frustrations were not entirely squarely on coach Ayimba and his charges, but it was a number of things that went wrong before, during and at the culmination of the event.

For one, the pulling out of the top teams did not help the cause of the National team. It meant pressure for them to perform being that with these teams pulling out they automatically became the favorites to lift the trophy. But unfortunately they couldn't fulfill that potential. In addition, the weather on Saturday disappointed the fans who wanted to see local Kenyan musicians perform. The fans frustrations were further compounded when Kenya lost in the semi-finals to the Zimbs. This after paying a lot of money.

Though I guess it was worth it in the end as the atmosphere found at KRFUEA is second to none in Africa and probably in the world for any rugby sevens tournament.

who is a hero

Yesterday I wasn't able to post anything, partly due to poor planning and in the search for my own definition of a hero. I found that according to me; a hero is one who seeks to postively affect/change the status quo for the majority in the long-run. Though one might be tempted to condemn my definition for being ovely simplistic; it is what I came up with and what am proud of. Over the next few weeks I will seek to see what others have defined the word as and look into to modern day hereos.

personal heroes

Today I thought I should share some of the important people in my life. Guys that have had an impact in my life (at least those who I remember). You see in our world, especially the media has usually glorified politicians and war survivors as the real heroes in our society. At times leading to a major misconception that these are the only heroes in society. Like in the case of Rwanda where the sitting President has a problem with the portrayal of certain individuals in this light. Thus reiterating my point that the real heroes in our life are usually unsung. Yo curb this trend I am making an active effort to name important people in my life whom I consider hereos.

First my two grandmas, both for their strength (though diverse) evident in themselves and in their children alike, both today and in the past. Next folks, without whom I wouldn't have been here, there guidance throughout my life has been required though not always appreciated. Next my siblings all of whom have contributed in one way or another during the formative stages of my life. Being a last born everyone of them at one time or another had an opinion on how I should leave my life. Next my good friend and neighbor Gilles, you have been ever present in my life and I truly thank God for you.

In my educational exploits, I think I will start with my Standard one teacher (Westlands Primary 1988 - 1P3) Mrs Kinoti, she was instrumental for what most of you who I produce various stuff for get. The rest I will name in passing: All my class teachers; Mrs Arodi (3P1), Mrs. Musundi (4P4/6P4), The Late Mrs. Njagi (5P2), Mr. Kamau (7P4), Miss. Karanja (8P1), other teachers Mrs. Nga'ng'a (the gratest music teacher ever), Mr. Karianjahi, Mr. Muchoki, (All who filled me with God given fear all through my upper primary education) and the rest from high school Mrs. Sifuna (God knows why you did what you did?), Mrs. Kaliuki (who learned the hard way how to deal with teenagers who have just discovered that indeed they are just that) and the support cast Mr. Masolia, Mr. Okwemba, Miss Njomo, Mr. Kivai (all of you for all the strokes directly and indirectly incurred from U). Daystar Jacky, Mr. Mutua (You are real stars) and the rest Mrs Martha Mbugguss, Mrs. Nyagah, Nancy Booker, Anne Kinuthia, and Mr. Theuri.

Mabeste wa flats akina CCW (Chama Cha Walevi) (munajijua) na Matee (DU).

Nyinyi wote ni mashujaa in my eyes.

I urge you to find your own heroes in your life.

uhuru

We have been liberated. Coz we can't remember our other first's, (largely due to a lack of medium to record proceedings) e.g. the first time one went to school. At least we wont forget this one. Firsts usually draw a catalogue of emotions from most of us. Likewise I am excited this being my first time to post something on this page. Such that I keep deleting every statement that I come up with. (hope in the future, when I look back at this day I will be proud of it). New and expirienced bloggers alike might be able to share this feeling with me.

Kwa wakenya wa enzi yangu: Nani anakumbuka Goody Goody?