ALL HAIL FIRST YEAR STUDENTS:

BY EMBUKANE VINCENT LIBOSSO

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f you are reading this piece and you are a first year student; then you made it to campus. I wanted to do apiece that you as a first year will treasure and remember too since this will be your first Involvement issue.

New blood is ushered into campuses all year round. If there is anything any student remembers for life; it’s the day they were admitted to college. For me; when I landed my admission letter to Daystar; on the eve of the orientation week; I did not find any sleep.

I am sure it was the same with you, if not worse- thoughts lingering your mind; anxiety kept you insane as happiness takes the better of you.

For some; of course they had done “research” from rather unreliable sources about campus life and studies among others and thought; this will surely be a breeze.

Then came the orientation week. Accompanied by their parents; they arrived in style; pomp and color, some as early as 5 am; a time reserved only for a Kenyan voter! Our parents (God bless their hearts); as much as offices are opened at eight (Kenyan/African time of course); parents choose to start their journey early in fear of being late.

After successfully being admitted; a four year journey starts for this student who knows what lies ahead- or he thinks he does? For public universities; a Freshers Bash” is organized to welcome the new students in style and where the older comrades: ponyoka with a fresher”. For Daystarians; song and dance fills the air for a Friday night romantic dinner; as dust is blown.

Usually, first year students are put in those hostels where they are oriented again by the older comrades.

Tracing lecture halls is usually a problem. Many realize when it’s almost too late that they have been attending wrong lectures and a few even sit for the wrong exams!

The first month is all about “ballin” at expensive dining joints since you have the finances after your village flocked to wish you well and give you a lot of money. It is not long enough though; before you become old; and the “honeymoon” season ends; and you are welcomed to the “masafaras” club.

These signs and symptoms are normal for a “fresher”; so do not worry. It takes long for a first year scholar to identify their course mates by names or faces, to write their registration numbers without referring from their school identification card (don’t worry, we all hate those I.D photos too); to master unit codes and equally takes the same amount of time to know a lecturer by name.

But this doesn’t last for too long. Acclimatization happens very fist and the girl or boy who walked with their head down is now the nosiest.

They know that exams are not a big deal and the biggest discovery of them all; Google! Once they know this is a bigger source than the library; they are ready for the world.

They also know that weekends should not be spent in the boring hostels and they know all the waiters at the “local” by name. They change their dress codes; no more long skirts; no more polo necks. They now embrace fashion with both hands.

To some; dating one boyfriend looks odd and village like. They learn that they can drink from two glasses and walk unnoticed. They master the art of skipping classes and showing up during exams. And after it all; they now graduate to older students and watch first year students take their baby steps in the jungle that is Kenya University.

-this story is inspired by a piece that appeared on Sunday Nation’s Buzz; Campo Sanity segment on May 5^th 2013.

THE MUCH HYPED “MASHEMEJI”DERBY ENDS UP IN 2-2 DRAW:

BY EMBUKANE VINCENT LIBOSSO

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Ast weekend; the much hyped “mashemeji derby” pitting two of Kenya’s oldest football clubs, Gor Mahia against AFC Leopards; lived up to its billing as both teams bagged home a point a piece. The thrilling Sunday afternoon encounter at Moi Kasarani; ended in a 2-2 draw.

But away from the grueling battle on the pitch; chants, raves, dancing and the noise from “Russia”; the terraces as they are known in local football language; kept the derby alive; motivated the boys and frenzied throughout.

From as early as 10 am; fans from both teams had began thronging the Kasarani stadium- some on foot; others on public service and those with swag; on their classy cars. Fans from both teams turned out in large numbers donning their team colors with pomp and pride.

The crowd deserves a pat on the back for maintaining peace. Despite the occasional taunting; the peaceful atmosphere from both sides prevailed. At certain points; the friendly mien was completed with a Mexican wave. What a fun place it was to be in.

Back to the pitch and the rivals displayed a thrilling game from the onset with Paul Kiongera’s close range strike hitting the wood-work in the opening minutes. Come the 15^th minute and Kiongera was at it again; when he beat his marker and faced Patrick Matasi in the Leopard’s goal, but the custodian stopped the first shot.

Kiongera could not score from the rebound either and instead; hit the post and was cleared by Leopard’s defenders.

The miss left K’ogalo faithful in dismay as their Ingwe counterparts celebrated.

But as both teams tried to settle; Allan Wanga, who was a thorn in Gor’s defense, outpaced his marker in the 34^th minute before executing a superb cross that landed on Noah Wafula’s foot; who made no mistake in tapping the ball home with Jerim Onyango well beaten. It was Wafula’s first goal in the derby.

Come the second half; inspired by the first half goal; and Ingwe were back stronger. In the 50^th minute; Paul Were doubled the lead after a well-taken pass from Edward Seda.

A determined Gor side showed their intensity to fight back and a n amazing quality of football showdown that saw the same thorn that haunted Ingwe; Dan Sserenkuma capitalize on AFC’S defensive error, to reduce the deficit.

But it was David Owino who brought the stadium down with his clinical volley in the dying 85^th minute. He scored a brace last year in Gor 2-1 win and a solitary goal in the first leg.

The derby now leaves Gor firmly on top of the log with 41 points; while Leopards are now third with 32 points. Ulinzi are second with 33 points; Sofapaka come fourth with 32 points and Thika United close the top-five bar with 32 points. Only 9 matches are remaining to the close of the Leagues’ season!

PIECES OF FORTUNE ART EXHIBITION…

Art and everything arty- these were the ingredients  and spices used to create an amazing exhibition opening this past weekend at the Safaricom’s Michael Joseph Centre.

Curated by Anyiko Owoko; who also doubled-up as the Mcee; the event brought together artists and art lovers; all in solidarity support of Edward Mnayonge’s exemplary art work.

“celebrating modern art”; as the befitting theme; Sunday afternoon was transformed into an array of great artistic works; talents and a great soothing background music of live performances.

Ranging from art on canvases; to art on recycled maize sucks and an 20 year old classic mirror set from Caracas; the event not only entertained; but it inspired and nurtured.

-the gallery is up at the Michael Joseph Centre all the way to September. Make a stop and get some art work. The artist; Edward Manyonge can be reached on: CELL: +254 721 576 503 or EMAIL: piecesoffortune@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.517872034956839.1073741868.440804702663573&type=3&uploaded=16

THE EAST AFRICA MOTORSHOW RETURNS WITH A BANG!

 

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ast week on Saturday saw all roads lead to the K.I.C.C courtyard; even as the cold period paved way for a pitch perfect time. This made a clear call that the August holidays are here! The previous Friday was abuzz with activities as the same night fans of Bongo music were treated to a stellar performance by the “Kesho” hit maker-Diamond from Tanzania.(read it here-http://bukhungubukhanga.blogspot.com/2013/08/tanzanias-diamond-thrills-his-kenyan.html)

 

Car enthusiasts attended the 6^th edition of the East Africa Motor Show (E.A.M.S) making its comeback after a 3-year hiatus; the event kicked off in pomp, swag and color.

Backed and courtesy of entertainment/events company True Blaq; Mash Auto and Eyez Modeling Agency; Mitindo Africa and Pulse Magazine; the show displayed some of the sporty; revved-up and rare rides from the 1955 Opel Rekord; American Muscle Ford Mustang; Chevrolets and Fairmonts.  

 

The beehive of activities continued with various tents hosting their services as the emcees of the two day festival; Big Kev and DJ Stretch continuously hyped the show to the delight of the large incoming crowd.

The bright stage was converted into a runway giving a platform for the hot Eyez Models to showcase the trendiest African Threads and dashing designs from Kenyan Ndula; Luccie; Stitch Stylez; among others.

The Mini Cooper Lovers; Subru Motors and Outriders Biker Group; stole everyone’s attention as they showed off their sporty cars and bikes.

That aside; performances by Ukoo Flani; Jeff Myrac; Hip Hop mistress Sugar; Khaligraph Jones and Kristoff gave the crowd more reason to stay till late in the evening.

 

Deejays Liquid and OTB took charge thereafter for the After Party. The culmination of the festival came the following day with many festivities taking Centre stage including racing and sound competitions with KSH 10,000 up for grabs; among other prizes.

The fun continued till later in the evening as curtains came down to a worthwhile festival.

 

-additional info from The Pulse Magazine.