WHY WE SHOULD ACT.
The prison floor was cramped and crowded. Dangwa moved and sat in the chilled corner shivering. He was the only new inmate in the room. He was restless and wretched. He had to do something about his drinking habits, he thought bitterly struggling to absorb the reality of the situation which spread on every inch of the room he called his new home. The dark grey colour on the dirty livid walls had peeled off. The scar of the peels, decorated the walls like wild flowers. The four square room walls towered majestically endlessly up as his eyes could afford to see. The rusty smelly bars hanged firmly in all holes left deliberately by the tormentors. The place looked scary ---- a dungeon of the medieval castle. If only he didn't drink like a teenage boy that fateful night, he wouldn't have been here; here ---cornered like a wild deer. He cussed and shifted slightly avoiding to rub his silk coated feet on his immediate floor mate who seemed to be first asleep.
Dangwa, was considerably tall, with a dark complexion. A fresh bowl cut sat on a square head. The result was a horrid look. On his left eye was a sunken scar.
Out, the prison guard rapped his metal rod at the rusty bars on the only door that stood between Dangwa's freedom and the cramped room.
" Nkasoigi" shouted the guard.
There was a murmur in the crowd. " Nkasoigi, Nkasoigi" they whispered.
As Nkasoigi made his way through the crowd to the door, the prison guard added angrily.
"Listen to me, listen to me Nkasoigi, and listen to me very carefully." He spurt "When you're here, you nolonger have control over your life"
Everyone glared at him.
Nkasoigi was a well-known prison inmate. Very calm. Willing to offer assistance whenever one called for it. Soft spoken. When he spoke everyone listened with enthusiasm. He never judged anyone based on his appearances or education, he consindered them to be of little importance and always deceiving. People said he never mentioned why he was incarcerated. He would respond cautiously if asked and changed positions.
" I understand that we all make mistakes here and there and perhaps more repeatedly than expected!" Said Nkasoigi grinning. " Which kind of trouble brings you here?" He found a space between Dangwa and the other sleeping inmate.
" Assault, assault" said Dangwa reluctantly. "I'm not sure if l want to talk about it"
" Of course you can" said Nkasoigi confidently." There's always a way out"
Dangwa gave him a weird look." The complainant is a woman" his voice was weak and deliberated.
" A woman I see." He stole a look around the cramped room as if he feared someone in their presence was listening. " We can always make an arrangement"
" It's always hard to win a case against a woman as complainant" said Dangwa apprehensively and swallowed his lump.
Smiled, Nkasoigi. " Either way" he learned forward, sucked on his reddish lips and with utmost assurance his demeanor could service, added: " when you're here, you nolonger have control over your life".
" Are you doing drugs?" Asked Dangwa almost shouting.
Again,Nkasoigi stole a look around the room , " what is in control here is money, description and to some few who have failed miserably; God" he beamed appreciating his knowledge on the intricate faculty.
" If I were you , I would chance on all the three " said Nkasoigi.
" Deception, money and God? " Repeated ,Dangwa confused.
Yes, Dangwa was an arms dealer and a pimp but it seemed to him he knew very little on this prison subject. He felt powerless. It was just yesterday when he was a feared boss more so a demi-god in his own world of crime. He shook his head in awe. Turned his gaze towards his floor mate who had stirred in his sleep. The man coughed and said.
" Nkasoigi , you seem to have forgotten something more important" he stretched and sat upright." The Mungiki". " A very powerful sect more powerful than any other secret fraternity there is!" He said reassuringly. With a gesture of his index finger,he tapped on his lips repeatedly.After a short disturbing silence, the man added. " The fraternity is deadly; everyone is a cadre from simple police officers to senior government officials. Self declared women protectors" he searched Dangwa and Nkasoigi's faces for acceptance.When they said nothing, he pushed on quite happy with his knowledge.
" The Mungiki are more politically inclined. Spread in Churches, mosques and across the spectrum. They kill for money or for mere extortion. But very protective to it's loyal members"
" Slow down man, don't call trouble upon yourself" said one of the many inmates who had picked interest in the discussion." Those Muguki's are every where ; you can easily get involved and get killed here" he looked over his shoulders nervously and added." Especially if you have anything to do with women's right violation, the Mungiki's take a very keen interest in women issues" the inmate slipped back into his sleeping position on the floor.
Dangwa felt renewed pungs of fear sweep his body. He had known a few Mungiki's through his dirty business dealings but never known the extent of their interest in women issues. He cussed as he listened to the uneven breathing pattern of sleeping inmates.
He knew he had to do something quickly. When his case was first reported to the police, the lady had opened up a rape case. But through his connections with the police captain and other senior police officers, an assult case was opened against him. He paid almost half of his fortune. How about if these Mungiki Knew the full extent of his case? Alash! He feared what would happen to him and his business. He had survived the hell with it. It fed his sickly mother, and paid tution fees to most of his extended family relatives. Knowing where he started as a simple hustler, he desired less to go back to the start line. He sat there, closed his eyes mulling over the same questions. While Nkasoigi's words danced in his ears like the sound of sweet rain. "Deception, money and God.
Dangwa and Nkasoigi were now for the past one year, the best of friends. Dangwa a times thought, Nkasoigi was an angel. He had grown fond of him that there was nothing he could hide from him. A friend who was always ready to listen. Nkasoigi was the definition of a true friend.
Nkasoigi sat steadiy looking at Dangwa,in Dangwa's church office. He didn't consider Dangwa to be an old man at forty two. But he was already bald. His bald head shone like the back of those cowrie shells. Though Dangwa had been a pastor for over a year now, he still had a look of an hardened criminal like those you see on Hollywood blockbuster Films.
There is always a way one resembles his trade, thought, Nkasoigi, but it always surpassed his knowledge to why Dangwa still looked like a criminal. Nkasoigi moved his eyes slowly around the office like an old fashioned Jet printer--- like it did when printing.
The office had a majestic shinning brown mahogany table slightly sitting off the center floor. Six or seven black, white, grey and mod brown --- high filing cabinets stood pinned against the walls. A Nepali red-black expensive wool carpet spread out on the floor. And several picture flames were dangling on the silky walls like pendants . A strong fragrance wafted through the office like a ghostly soul. Light flood the entire office from the window that stood open on the right overlooking a busy street.
If one asked Nkasoigi, about the stature of Dangwa; Nkasoigi would gladly say in one go that his best friend, Dangwa was an accomplished pastor.
" I have been sickly lately" said Dangwa softly. I thought you would find me in the hospital or the morgue" he said stretching his elbow on his table and placed his chin on the formed fist.
" Now I can see why you're wearing a jacket over a sweater on a sunny day like this" said Nkasoigi jokingly.
" Oh! Yes, I still feel cold" said Dangwa shifting in his leather high chair." But I'm sure I will be fine soon. Actually I haven't been able to preach of late. My wife Namelok does the preaching" he said smiling wildly.
" She is very good at it, but be extra careful she might override you" he added jokingly.
" I wouldn't mind at all she is such a big help" said Dangwa " sometimes I wonder how my life would have been without her"
" Let me see, let me see" said Nkasoigi counting his fingers silently " it has been six months since you got married, isn't it?" He asked leaning backwards.
" Yes, exactly six months, your memory is very good" said Dangwa." You think we should call in the secretary for tea or we'll go to the SHARKS AND OCEANS Restaurant later?"
" I have been thinking of the same thing. You got into my mind. Laughed Nkasoigi. " Call in the secretary, I don't have the luxury of a woman like you. I don't eat in the morning before I leave"
Namelok entered afew minutes later , hurriedly shut the door at her back. " Will you take the tea from here or from the pastor's mess" she asked looking at Dangwa intently.
" I thought I called in the secretary?" He asked angrily." Since when did you become a secretary?"
" My lord the secretary didn't come in today" she trailed off and waited for a few minutes before she added with great care " as you know my lord , the Secretary's husband has issues with the church elders; so she was asked to come on Sunday with her husband"
" I see , in that case bring our tea here" said Dangwa shifting his gaze from Namelok his wife to Nkasoigi who was staring at Namelok intently.
Nkasoigi, thought Namelok was a goddess. Though he knew her too well; but he never seemed to get satisfied with her beauty.
Namelok was exceptionally tall, with an ethereal glow. Her hair hang like overgrown palm leaves. Her face was a long pointed face with sleepy beady eyes and pink lips. She had a curved figure and a Mona Lisa smile that sucked men's breath. Her beauty was the source of Envy to other women. Nkasoigi thought she was as beautiful as the Mona Lisa , she was equally calm actually her calmness scared her husband Dangwa.Now, Nkasoigi murmured absent mindedly. " Of course we can't reject such an officer"
" An offer you say? " Asked Dangwa confused " you don't think we are paying for this tea?" He laughed and coughed, his left hand holding his chest tightly as if to stop it from cracking open. He closed his eyes fighting to swallow the deep pain that went through his body like a typhoon.
Dangwa sat up and walked to the window with his cup of tea. He peered through the window with mixed feelings, turned towards his friend Nkasoigi and said " I called you here" he looked at his cup questioningly and added." I'm in deep trouble my friend. Again he peered through the window nervously.
Nkasoigi, drew a long breath and walked towards him. " You look absolutely troubled, I noticed the moment I came in. Is it this sickness that worries you?" He placed his hand upon his shoulder in away of consolation.
" It's over two years now, ever since I was imprisoned" he said nervously still his eyes staring at the blank space across the street as if all his worries rested there. " The DPP and the police captain , the Captain who handled my case called to say, a woman that complaint and a middle aged man went inquiring about the Statement of Facts , Charge Sheet and the Judgement"
" Judgment "said Nkasoigi.
" Yes, the DPP and the Police captain called to say, they fear it might be the Mungiki" he frowned.Moved back to his seat bitterness painted all over his face.
" Have you talked to your wife about this yet?" Asked Nkasoigi taking turn peering through that window as if he was expecting an answer from it.
Dangwa coughed out his lungs. He laid his head down on the table and rested his hands entetwined at the back of his neck.
" Nkasoigi, Nkasoigi, you know Namelok, telling her or not changes nothing" again he coughed bitterly. "I told her but her demeanor was the same , calmness, Nkasoigi her calmness bothers me --- at times pushes me to the edge" he glunched.
" I see" said Nkasoigi.
" I got her through you. You knew her before I did . You seem to share the same character" he stared at Nkasoigi " that calmness. Same calmness, at times it scares the wits out of me"
Nkasoigi smiled. He had studied with Namelok at the University and when Dangwa wanted an honest, loving and caring woman to marry; Nkasoigi turned to Namelok.
" Why would the Mungiki pick interest in that case after all this long?" Asked Nkasoigi.
" I heard it all started after the lady complainant was denied a Canadian visa!" Said Dangwa stratching his scar as if it was itching.
" A Canadian Visa!!" It was more of a statement than a question." It doesn't make sense"
" It's a matter of time, and these Mungiki are here" snorted Dangwa.
He had sold all his old businesses, put together all the collected funds into establishing his Church. God was in his favour, perhaps He ( God) wanted Dangwa to quit dirty work. The Church grew steadily. Dangwa's fame throw great fear into other pastors. He was highly respected in the Christian fraternity. His Church--- WORKING GOD MINISTRIES. had seven other sister churches across the City. There was no way Dangwa was ready to lose his hard earned achievements to the Mungiki.
Dangwa coughed. And this time, he coughed blood. Nkasoigi helped him out.
When Nkasoigi strode into Dangwa's office, Dangwa was pacing frantically about in the darkness. The sleeves of his white shirt were ripped. His bowl cut unkempt. His belt hang unfastened on his black trousers. His knuckles bruised.
When Nkasoigi switched on the lights, he was shocked. He staggered a few paces back and caught his breath. Literally--- holding his palm on his mouth. Nkasoigi surveyed the office before he made to a jar window. Dangwa took a deep breath , looked several minutes to his motionless friend Nkasoigi, his mouth agape; when he found his voice: he said, " Nkasoigi I'm doomed" he gasped " I killed her" he lifted his heavily set hands in a gesture meant to confirm his villainy. And added, " I strangled her, she was..." He trailed off.
Nkasoigi stood motionless. Dangwa's heart thumped against his chest . His eyes constantly drifted around the office. Nkasoigi fell unusually silent. Then, he cleared his voice and said " calm down, Dangwa you need to calm down" he moved towards Dangwa, put his hand on his shoulder and added." You need to sober up , gentleman. It will be your only ticket out of this mess".
Dangwa nodded and moved towards the window and jerked. He was trembling. He dug his hands into his pockets and produced a white container and an identification card, he stared at them blankly, turned and put them on the table. Moved quickly back to the a jar window and peered through it as if expecting an intruder to make his way through it.
Nkasoigi reached the contents, Dangwa had thrown on the table, with careful delibaration , he read the wordings on the white plastic container: Truvada ( emtricitabine and tenofovir).
Nkasoigi was unmistakably gaining his usual calmness. He unpacked the the content from the white container looking for clinical particulars--- therapeutic indications. 4.1. HIV-1. Infection.
Nkasoigi stole a look at Dangwa who was visibly shaken and wretched. He then picked the identification card. Again with the same unbated effort,he read the inscriptions that seemed to march the picture on the card.
Mungiki. frt.
Angela. Wamboi .Karanja
Ki0 city center.
16th/ 08/ 2009
0543-370216
Nkasoigi placed the identification card and the white plastic container back on the table and said slowly. " Do you still have the strangled body around or you disposed it already?"
Dangwa held his breath for a moment and said afterwards. " She is in the house, our house" he moved and sat down on the floor leaning his back against the leather sofa. He was absolutely hurt.
" Are you sure , Dangwa before you killed or rather strangled your wife , you had taken an HIV/AIDS test?" Asked Nkasoigi. Studying his friend's reaction.
Dangwa's heart sank as bile rose in his throat , he swallowed the bitter stuff and said " No, I didn't and I have never tested before for HIV, but when I saw those ARV- drugs, I definitely knew Namelok was all along on drugs" he grumbled " she infected me with HIV , Nkasoigi, she killed me first, she finished me" he trembled with rage.
Nkasoigi moved and sat on the sofa right behind Dangwa " have you thought about the possibility that you might have infected her first?" He said softly, " chances are , you were infected before you married her" he struggled to maintain his calmness.
Dangwa opened his mouth as if to say something but dropped. He closed his eyes tightly avoiding to remember how he strangled her with his belt. How they fought like two alligators fighting over prey. He was violent when his belt sucked her breath out. And then he remembered that fateful day when he raped his secretary. And likewise he remembered the assault case--- rape. Who exactly infected him? Why was Namelok hiding her ARV- drugs? Why were the Mungiki after him? Questions hit him like an evening breeze. " Have you ever tried to find out why the complainant lady and the Mungiki are on your trail? Asked Nkasoigi. " Or perhaps why the complainant lady was denied a Canadian Visa?"Nkasoigi stood up and moved to the window. He said as he pushed the window open. " Do you have any plan?"
Dangwa shook his head " ok! Let's say it's true I infected Namelok with HIV/ AIDS , found out , went for treatment ; then why the Mungiki identification card? Why the fake names, does it make sense to you?" He glunched.
" Well , you Know the Mungiki is a sect , a very powerful fraternity, people join it for protection among other reasons. Namelok being a woman , might have joined for protection or perhaps was a ' hitman' or perhaps she was introduced to Mungiki through someone." He peered through the window and added, " we need to get moving, gentleman".
" What do you think will happen to me if the Mungiki get me before the police?" Asked Dangwa.
Nkasoigi stared at him momentarily disturbed by the extent of his ignorance if not utter stupidity but then he said, " count yourself dead, they will relentlessly hunt you down . The only option left is run out of the country. But it's equally impossible in a very short period of time, because you will need a complete Covid-19 and HIV test results"
Dangwa turned sharply and looked at Nkasoigi, Nkasoigi nodded assuredly," Now I get it, Nkasoigi, do you think what I think?"
Again, Nkasoigi nodded " the complainant lady was denied a Canadian Visa after she failed an HIV test" the two men licked on the lips in unison.
" Dangwa do you see why women need to be protected? Why we should act!! Chances are you might have killed an innocent Namelok".
Dangwa sat in the car waiting for Nkasoigi who had gone to the ATM . Dangwa took a deep breath, cussed damn it. He had to make it to the airport, he had to get out of country before the Mungiki or police got their fingers on his dead skin, he thought and peered through the mirror. When he didn't see Nkasoigi return , he opened the glove compartment. It was out of familiality other than curiosity. Dangwa was utterly shocked. He let out aloud cry . He struggled to breath. For in the glove compartment, Dangwa saw .38 special revolver, a white plastic container with the same wordings as that found with Namelok. And an identification card ; when Dangwa scanned the card quickly it read.
James . K. Karanja
Mungiki frt
Ki0 city center
16th/08/ 2009
0543-370217
Nkasoigi's picture stared back at him. Dangwa made to open the door but Nkasoigi stood staring at him.
The prison floor was cramped and crowded. Dangwa moved and sat in the chilled corner shivering. He was the only new inmate in the room. He was restless and wretched. He had to do something about his drinking habits, he thought bitterly struggling to absorb the reality of the situation which spread on every inch of the room he called his new home. The dark grey colour on the dirty livid walls had peeled off. The scar of the peels, decorated the walls like wild flowers. The four square room walls towered majestically endlessly up as his eyes could afford to see. The rusty smelly bars hanged firmly in all holes left deliberately by the tormentors. The place looked scary ---- a dungeon of the medieval castle. If only he didn't drink like a teenage boy that fateful night, he wouldn't have been here; here ---cornered like a wild deer. He cussed and shifted slightly avoiding to rub his silk coated feet on his immediate floor mate who seemed to be first asleep.
Dangwa, was considerably tall, with a dark complexion. A fresh bowl cut sat on a square head. The result was a horrid look. On his left eye was a sunken scar.
Out, the prison guard rapped his metal rod at the rusty bars on the only door that stood between Dangwa's freedom and the cramped room.
" Nkasoigi" shouted the guard.
There was a murmur in the crowd. " Nkasoigi, Nkasoigi" they whispered.
As Nkasoigi made his way through the crowd to the door, the prison guard added angrily.
"Listen to me, listen to me Nkasoigi, and listen to me very carefully." He spurt "When you're here, you nolonger have control over your life"
Everyone glared at him.
Nkasoigi was a well-known prison inmate. Very calm. Willing to offer assistance whenever one called for it. Soft spoken. When he spoke everyone listened with enthusiasm. He never judged anyone based on his appearances or education, he consindered them to be of little importance and always deceiving. People said he never mentioned why he was incarcerated. He would respond cautiously if asked and changed positions.
" I understand that we all make mistakes here and there and perhaps more repeatedly than expected!" Said Nkasoigi grinning. " Which kind of trouble brings you here?" He found a space between Dangwa and the other sleeping inmate.
" Assault, assault" said Dangwa reluctantly. "I'm not sure if l want to talk about it"
" Of course you can" said Nkasoigi confidently." There's always a way out"
Dangwa gave him a weird look." The complainant is a woman" his voice was weak and deliberated.
" A woman I see." He stole a look around the cramped room as if he feared someone in their presence was listening. " We can always make an arrangement"
" It's always hard to win a case against a woman as complainant" said Dangwa apprehensively and swallowed his lump.
Smiled, Nkasoigi. " Either way" he learned forward, sucked on his reddish lips and with utmost assurance his demeanor could service, added: " when you're here, you nolonger have control over your life".
" Are you doing drugs?" Asked Dangwa almost shouting.
Again,Nkasoigi stole a look around the room , " what is in control here is money, description and to some few who have failed miserably; God" he beamed appreciating his knowledge on the intricate faculty.
" If I were you , I would chance on all the three " said Nkasoigi.
" Deception, money and God? " Repeated ,Dangwa confused.
Yes, Dangwa was an arms dealer and a pimp but it seemed to him he knew very little on this prison subject. He felt powerless. It was just yesterday when he was a feared boss more so a demi-god in his own world of crime. He shook his head in awe. Turned his gaze towards his floor mate who had stirred in his sleep. The man coughed and said.
" Nkasoigi , you seem to have forgotten something more important" he stretched and sat upright." The Mungiki". " A very powerful sect more powerful than any other secret fraternity there is!" He said reassuringly. With a gesture of his index finger,he tapped on his lips repeatedly.After a short disturbing silence, the man added. " The fraternity is deadly; everyone is a cadre from simple police officers to senior government officials. Self declared women protectors" he searched Dangwa and Nkasoigi's faces for acceptance.When they said nothing, he pushed on quite happy with his knowledge.
" The Mungiki are more politically inclined. Spread in Churches, mosques and across the spectrum. They kill for money or for mere extortion. But very protective to it's loyal members"
" Slow down man, don't call trouble upon yourself" said one of the many inmates who had picked interest in the discussion." Those Muguki's are every where ; you can easily get involved and get killed here" he looked over his shoulders nervously and added." Especially if you have anything to do with women's right violation, the Mungiki's take a very keen interest in women issues" the inmate slipped back into his sleeping position on the floor.
Dangwa felt renewed pungs of fear sweep his body. He had known a few Mungiki's through his dirty business dealings but never known the extent of their interest in women issues. He cussed as he listened to the uneven breathing pattern of sleeping inmates.
He knew he had to do something quickly. When his case was first reported to the police, the lady had opened up a rape case. But through his connections with the police captain and other senior police officers, an assult case was opened against him. He paid almost half of his fortune. How about if these Mungiki Knew the full extent of his case? Alash! He feared what would happen to him and his business. He had survived the hell with it. It fed his sickly mother, and paid tution fees to most of his extended family relatives. Knowing where he started as a simple hustler, he desired less to go back to the start line. He sat there, closed his eyes mulling over the same questions. While Nkasoigi's words danced in his ears like the sound of sweet rain. "Deception, money and God.
Dangwa and Nkasoigi were now for the past one year, the best of friends. Dangwa a times thought, Nkasoigi was an angel. He had grown fond of him that there was nothing he could hide from him. A friend who was always ready to listen. Nkasoigi was the definition of a true friend.
Nkasoigi sat steadiy looking at Dangwa,in Dangwa's church office. He didn't consider Dangwa to be an old man at forty two. But he was already bald. His bald head shone like the back of those cowrie shells. Though Dangwa had been a pastor for over a year now, he still had a look of an hardened criminal like those you see on Hollywood blockbuster Films.
There is always a way one resembles his trade, thought, Nkasoigi, but it always surpassed his knowledge to why Dangwa still looked like a criminal. Nkasoigi moved his eyes slowly around the office like an old fashioned Jet printer--- like it did when printing.
The office had a majestic shinning brown mahogany table slightly sitting off the center floor. Six or seven black, white, grey and mod brown --- high filing cabinets stood pinned against the walls. A Nepali red-black expensive wool carpet spread out on the floor. And several picture flames were dangling on the silky walls like pendants . A strong fragrance wafted through the office like a ghostly soul. Light flood the entire office from the window that stood open on the right overlooking a busy street.
If one asked Nkasoigi, about the stature of Dangwa; Nkasoigi would gladly say in one go that his best friend, Dangwa was an accomplished pastor.
" I have been sickly lately" said Dangwa softly. I thought you would find me in the hospital or the morgue" he said stretching his elbow on his table and placed his chin on the formed fist.
" Now I can see why you're wearing a jacket over a sweater on a sunny day like this" said Nkasoigi jokingly.
" Oh! Yes, I still feel cold" said Dangwa shifting in his leather high chair." But I'm sure I will be fine soon. Actually I haven't been able to preach of late. My wife Namelok does the preaching" he said smiling wildly.
" She is very good at it, but be extra careful she might override you" he added jokingly.
" I wouldn't mind at all she is such a big help" said Dangwa " sometimes I wonder how my life would have been without her"
" Let me see, let me see" said Nkasoigi counting his fingers silently " it has been six months since you got married, isn't it?" He asked leaning backwards.
" Yes, exactly six months, your memory is very good" said Dangwa." You think we should call in the secretary for tea or we'll go to the SHARKS AND OCEANS Restaurant later?"
" I have been thinking of the same thing. You got into my mind. Laughed Nkasoigi. " Call in the secretary, I don't have the luxury of a woman like you. I don't eat in the morning before I leave"
Namelok entered afew minutes later , hurriedly shut the door at her back. " Will you take the tea from here or from the pastor's mess" she asked looking at Dangwa intently.
" I thought I called in the secretary?" He asked angrily." Since when did you become a secretary?"
" My lord the secretary didn't come in today" she trailed off and waited for a few minutes before she added with great care " as you know my lord , the Secretary's husband has issues with the church elders; so she was asked to come on Sunday with her husband"
" I see , in that case bring our tea here" said Dangwa shifting his gaze from Namelok his wife to Nkasoigi who was staring at Namelok intently.
Nkasoigi, thought Namelok was a goddess. Though he knew her too well; but he never seemed to get satisfied with her beauty.
Namelok was exceptionally tall, with an ethereal glow. Her hair hang like overgrown palm leaves. Her face was a long pointed face with sleepy beady eyes and pink lips. She had a curved figure and a Mona Lisa smile that sucked men's breath. Her beauty was the source of Envy to other women. Nkasoigi thought she was as beautiful as the Mona Lisa , she was equally calm actually her calmness scared her husband Dangwa.Now, Nkasoigi murmured absent mindedly. " Of course we can't reject such an officer"
" An offer you say? " Asked Dangwa confused " you don't think we are paying for this tea?" He laughed and coughed, his left hand holding his chest tightly as if to stop it from cracking open. He closed his eyes fighting to swallow the deep pain that went through his body like a typhoon.
Dangwa sat up and walked to the window with his cup of tea. He peered through the window with mixed feelings, turned towards his friend Nkasoigi and said " I called you here" he looked at his cup questioningly and added." I'm in deep trouble my friend. Again he peered through the window nervously.
Nkasoigi, drew a long breath and walked towards him. " You look absolutely troubled, I noticed the moment I came in. Is it this sickness that worries you?" He placed his hand upon his shoulder in away of consolation.
" It's over two years now, ever since I was imprisoned" he said nervously still his eyes staring at the blank space across the street as if all his worries rested there. " The DPP and the police captain , the Captain who handled my case called to say, a woman that complaint and a middle aged man went inquiring about the Statement of Facts , Charge Sheet and the Judgement"
" Judgment "said Nkasoigi.
" Yes, the DPP and the Police captain called to say, they fear it might be the Mungiki" he frowned.Moved back to his seat bitterness painted all over his face.
" Have you talked to your wife about this yet?" Asked Nkasoigi taking turn peering through that window as if he was expecting an answer from it.
Dangwa coughed out his lungs. He laid his head down on the table and rested his hands entetwined at the back of his neck.
" Nkasoigi, Nkasoigi, you know Namelok, telling her or not changes nothing" again he coughed bitterly. "I told her but her demeanor was the same , calmness, Nkasoigi her calmness bothers me --- at times pushes me to the edge" he glunched.
" I see" said Nkasoigi.
" I got her through you. You knew her before I did . You seem to share the same character" he stared at Nkasoigi " that calmness. Same calmness, at times it scares the wits out of me"
Nkasoigi smiled. He had studied with Namelok at the University and when Dangwa wanted an honest, loving and caring woman to marry; Nkasoigi turned to Namelok.
" Why would the Mungiki pick interest in that case after all this long?" Asked Nkasoigi.
" I heard it all started after the lady complainant was denied a Canadian visa!" Said Dangwa stratching his scar as if it was itching.
" A Canadian Visa!!" It was more of a statement than a question." It doesn't make sense"
" It's a matter of time, and these Mungiki are here" snorted Dangwa.
He had sold all his old businesses, put together all the collected funds into establishing his Church. God was in his favour, perhaps He ( God) wanted Dangwa to quit dirty work. The Church grew steadily. Dangwa's fame throw great fear into other pastors. He was highly respected in the Christian fraternity. His Church--- WORKING GOD MINISTRIES. had seven other sister churches across the City. There was no way Dangwa was ready to lose his hard earned achievements to the Mungiki.
Dangwa coughed. And this time, he coughed blood. Nkasoigi helped him out.
When Nkasoigi strode into Dangwa's office, Dangwa was pacing frantically about in the darkness. The sleeves of his white shirt were ripped. His bowl cut unkempt. His belt hang unfastened on his black trousers. His knuckles bruised.
When Nkasoigi switched on the lights, he was shocked. He staggered a few paces back and caught his breath. Literally--- holding his palm on his mouth. Nkasoigi surveyed the office before he made to a jar window. Dangwa took a deep breath , looked several minutes to his motionless friend Nkasoigi, his mouth agape; when he found his voice: he said, " Nkasoigi I'm doomed" he gasped " I killed her" he lifted his heavily set hands in a gesture meant to confirm his villainy. And added, " I strangled her, she was..." He trailed off.
Nkasoigi stood motionless. Dangwa's heart thumped against his chest . His eyes constantly drifted around the office. Nkasoigi fell unusually silent. Then, he cleared his voice and said " calm down, Dangwa you need to calm down" he moved towards Dangwa, put his hand on his shoulder and added." You need to sober up , gentleman. It will be your only ticket out of this mess".
Dangwa nodded and moved towards the window and jerked. He was trembling. He dug his hands into his pockets and produced a white container and an identification card, he stared at them blankly, turned and put them on the table. Moved quickly back to the a jar window and peered through it as if expecting an intruder to make his way through it.
Nkasoigi reached the contents, Dangwa had thrown on the table, with careful delibaration , he read the wordings on the white plastic container: Truvada ( emtricitabine and tenofovir).
Nkasoigi was unmistakably gaining his usual calmness. He unpacked the the content from the white container looking for clinical particulars--- therapeutic indications. 4.1. HIV-1. Infection.
Nkasoigi stole a look at Dangwa who was visibly shaken and wretched. He then picked the identification card. Again with the same unbated effort,he read the inscriptions that seemed to march the picture on the card.
Mungiki. frt.
Angela. Wamboi .Karanja
Ki0 city center.
16th/ 08/ 2009
0543-370216
Nkasoigi placed the identification card and the white plastic container back on the table and said slowly. " Do you still have the strangled body around or you disposed it already?"
Dangwa held his breath for a moment and said afterwards. " She is in the house, our house" he moved and sat down on the floor leaning his back against the leather sofa. He was absolutely hurt.
" Are you sure , Dangwa before you killed or rather strangled your wife , you had taken an HIV/AIDS test?" Asked Nkasoigi. Studying his friend's reaction.
Dangwa's heart sank as bile rose in his throat , he swallowed the bitter stuff and said " No, I didn't and I have never tested before for HIV, but when I saw those ARV- drugs, I definitely knew Namelok was all along on drugs" he grumbled " she infected me with HIV , Nkasoigi, she killed me first, she finished me" he trembled with rage.
Nkasoigi moved and sat on the sofa right behind Dangwa " have you thought about the possibility that you might have infected her first?" He said softly, " chances are , you were infected before you married her" he struggled to maintain his calmness.
Dangwa opened his mouth as if to say something but dropped. He closed his eyes tightly avoiding to remember how he strangled her with his belt. How they fought like two alligators fighting over prey. He was violent when his belt sucked her breath out. And then he remembered that fateful day when he raped his secretary. And likewise he remembered the assault case--- rape. Who exactly infected him? Why was Namelok hiding her ARV- drugs? Why were the Mungiki after him? Questions hit him like an evening breeze. " Have you ever tried to find out why the complainant lady and the Mungiki are on your trail? Asked Nkasoigi. " Or perhaps why the complainant lady was denied a Canadian Visa?"Nkasoigi stood up and moved to the window. He said as he pushed the window open. " Do you have any plan?"
Dangwa shook his head " ok! Let's say it's true I infected Namelok with HIV/ AIDS , found out , went for treatment ; then why the Mungiki identification card? Why the fake names, does it make sense to you?" He glunched.
" Well , you Know the Mungiki is a sect , a very powerful fraternity, people join it for protection among other reasons. Namelok being a woman , might have joined for protection or perhaps was a ' hitman' or perhaps she was introduced to Mungiki through someone." He peered through the window and added, " we need to get moving, gentleman".
" What do you think will happen to me if the Mungiki get me before the police?" Asked Dangwa.
Nkasoigi stared at him momentarily disturbed by the extent of his ignorance if not utter stupidity but then he said, " count yourself dead, they will relentlessly hunt you down . The only option left is run out of the country. But it's equally impossible in a very short period of time, because you will need a complete Covid-19 and HIV test results"
Dangwa turned sharply and looked at Nkasoigi, Nkasoigi nodded assuredly," Now I get it, Nkasoigi, do you think what I think?"
Again, Nkasoigi nodded " the complainant lady was denied a Canadian Visa after she failed an HIV test" the two men licked on the lips in unison.
" Dangwa do you see why women need to be protected? Why we should act!! Chances are you might have killed an innocent Namelok".
Dangwa sat in the car waiting for Nkasoigi who had gone to the ATM . Dangwa took a deep breath, cussed damn it. He had to make it to the airport, he had to get out of country before the Mungiki or police got their fingers on his dead skin, he thought and peered through the mirror. When he didn't see Nkasoigi return , he opened the glove compartment. It was out of familiality other than curiosity. Dangwa was utterly shocked. He let out aloud cry . He struggled to breath. For in the glove compartment, Dangwa saw .38 special revolver, a white plastic container with the same wordings as that found with Namelok. And an identification card ; when Dangwa scanned the card quickly it read.
James . K. Karanja
Mungiki frt
Ki0 city center
16th/08/ 2009
0543-370217
Nkasoigi's picture stared back at him. Dangwa made to open the door but Nkasoigi stood staring at him.
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