Mud (matope)

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Mud (Swahili : matope)

***** Location: Kenya, other areas
***** Season:Long rains, short rains
***** Category: Earth

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Explanation

Kenya is a muddy country when it rains. The soil is heavy, and people get busy cultivating and planting seeds as soon as the rains look established. Working on the land is a very muddy job at such times of year! The mud is carried, on people’s shoes, into buses, matatus, churches, shops and offices. Coconut fibre doormats need to be shaken out as soon as the mud has dried overnight, ready for the next day’s deposits.

The major city roads are tarmacked, but as one ventures into the poorer areas at the outskirts of town, and into the rural areas, murram roads take over. These are rightly called mud roads at this time of year, as the floods wash out the mud from between the stones, and the edges (no longer footpaths!) are in any case a mix of mud and flood.

Nairobi has a great variety of mud. In Eastlands, including Kayole, on the way out to Ukambani, the black cotton soil turns into a black, heavy mud, so stodgy and clingy that most of the inhabitants prefer to walk in their bare feet, carrying shoes in plastic bags, ready to put on once they reach town. In Westlands and beyond, moving into Central Province, the red soil turns into a red, much finer sandy mud, which nevertheless clings heavily to one’s hoe or shoe. The city centre has beige soil, which is perhaps the least muddy, as most of it is covered in buildings, parks, streets and pavements!

As the rains fall heavily, over a short period, much of the soil, once turned into mud, is carried away by the rivers towards the sea, which runs brown at the river mouths.


http://corbinball.coronaware.com/assets/eventphotos/art-ke26.jpg

Kenya loses much fertile ground each year as a result. The colonialists tried to limit rainwater erosion by means of terracing; in parts of the country, e.g. Ukambani, this has been moderately effective.

In the rural areas, the rainy season is also the season when mud is used to build or repair traditional mud and wattle houses. While house building is mostly men’s work, house repair is women’s work, and may take up to several days during the rains.

At the end of the rainy season, the mud gradually dries out. For a while, it remains in the shape it took, often resembling bizarre sculptures -- then, with time, it is eroded away and flattened by human, animal and vehicular traffic.

Isabelle Prondzynski

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. MORE PHOTOS
by Caleb David Mutua 　





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Elephants wallowing in mud -- their colour always reflects the colour of the mud of their habitat!

Look at a great photo here
http://www.pbase.com/flemmingbo/image/55500343

© Flemming Bo Jensen

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Two of the many types of mud-built houses in Kenya :


http://www.leavenworthbaptist.com/images/Missions/KenyaTrip/DSC00321_640.jpg

http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Africa/Kenya/photo276173.htm


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Worldwide use

Japan

The word mud (doro) just like that is a topic for haiku.


spring mud, haru no doro 春の泥
..... shundei 春泥
kigo for all spring

A phenomen when the snow melts. Mud is usually something one tries to avoid, but in spring it expresses the joy of the long winter now being over soon.


お上人の足袋の春泥ご開帳
o shoonin no tabi no shundei go-kaichoo

spring mud
on the socks of the priest -
showing the secret statue
(Tr. Gabi Greve)

Seiji せいじ
http://www.hb-arts.co.jp/haiku_html/030510kekka.htm

Quoted from
Secret Buddha Statues
by Gabi Greve






秋しぐれ泥人形と生まれて泥
aki shigure doro ningyoo ni umarete doro

sleet in autumn -
born as a mud doll
this mud

source : Keiji Minato. Sep. 2008
Tr. Gabi Greve

Other translation versions are possible.
reference


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Trinidad and Tobago
Kigo for Dry Season ... Feb/March; Spring.

In Trinidad and Tobago, a great part of the fun on the first day of the two-day carnival masquerade, is playing mud mas. Mud mas is a must at Jouvert,( the opening hours, on the first day of Carnival).


www.tntisland.com/images/c2k5-06.jpg

mud smeared bodies
welcome the dawn
jouvert

related words: carnival; jouvert; ole mas; masquerade; street festivals.

Gillena Cox

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Things found on the way


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HAIKU

home at last --
heart runs in greeting
while feet drag in mud

~ Isabelle Prondzynski

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Haiku from the August 2006 Shiki Kukai :
http://www.haikuworld.org/kukai/current.html

monsoon …
rising from the mud
a buffalo's horns

~ Ella Wagemakers


rainy season –
a muddied welcome
on the doormat

~ max verhart


through mud roads
a jostling bus ride --
smell of sweat

~ Kala Ramesh


ground-breaking
the politician poses
with a shovelful of mud

~ ed markowski


you call it a slum
because of faeces and mud
the big deal is life

James Omwimwa (Peacock Haiku Poetry Club, Kenya)


a student --
walking down a Soweto Street
his shoes squelching in mud

Caleb Mutua (Peacock Haiku Poetry Club, Kenya)

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Soweto streets --
my feet slide
in mud

~ John Mutahi (Falcon Haiku Poetry Club, Kenya) and Chibi

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muddy Soweto Road--
the crater left by a lorry's
large wheels

zebra crossing--
uneven footprints of mud
on the white strips

Caleb Mutua
December 2010


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February 2011

. Mud Haiku .
Sibiko Yamame


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leaning eucalyptus--
he cleans his muddy shoe
with a branch

heavy downpour--
a termite sticks on
the muddy floor

water puddles--
I am the fifth on the line
to the stepping stones

muddy path--
I squat to empty my bicycle's
mudguard

James Bundi

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sunset —
a farmer scraps mud
from his hoe

Victor Obutho

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raising mud
to the pond's surface
a spring toad

--Shoji Sugisaka (Yokohama)
http://www.asahi.com/english/haiku/060320.html

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どろ人形にはお父さんもお母さんもいない 僕が育ててあげよう



This mud doll
Has no dad or mom
So I'll raise it .

Sheng Tao age 10, male SHANGHAI (上海)
http://www.jal-foundation.or.jp/html/haiku/sakuhinY/e1998sakuhinY.htm

Mud dolls or clay dolls, as they are called in Japan, have their own space provided in the
Daruma Doll Museum by Gabi Greve　 　　　

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Bahati street--
a little boy on fours
drives mud oxen

Patrick Wafula
November 2012


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Related words


***** Brickmaking
non-seasonal haiku topic

Patrick Wafula went to see the brick works in Githurai on the Thika Road outside Nairobi :

busy hands firmly
kneading mud, preparing bricks--
black smoke from the kiln

Patrick Wafula, Kenya
http://www.haikuworld.org/kukai/current.html

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***** Dry mud
beginning of dry season

rain has ended
footprints remain dry on the paths
kids stumble and fall

梅雨明けや　足跡残り　　子は倒る
tsuyu ake ya / ashiato nokori / ko wa taoru
(Translation : Sakuo Nakamura)

~Raymond Otieno 　 　　　


© Photo Isabelle Prondzynski


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dusty ride
along a murram road---
Murang'a town

Catherine Njeri Maina


murram is a mix of stones and soil used for road building. There are still many rural murram roads in Kenya. They are reasonably stable but are nevertheless muddy during the rains and dusty during the dry seasons. They are also not very level, so vehicles have to drive slowly on them.
Isabelle Prondzynski


MORE
- Catherine in Murang'a


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***** Bukusu Initiation (Circumcision)
cool dry season

Bukusu circumcision usually takes place in August of every even year. Mud is used for three purposes : 1) to prevent excessive bleeding after the cut, 2) to prevent the candidate from blinking or wincing, and 3) to commemorate what Mango (the hero who originated the rite) did in order to kill the monstrous serpent that had for a long time terrorized Bukusu people and their livestock -- he anointed his whole body with mud to rid his body of the human odour; in this way, he approached and killed the serpent without it detecting his presence.
You see the same tactic being used in "The Predator" by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

a young Bukusu
circumcisee smeared with mud --
circumcision rite

Text and haiku : Patrick Wafula, 2006

Bukusu Culture, Babukusu People Kenya Saijiki



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Mourning

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Mourning

***** Location: Worldwide
***** Season: Non-seasonal Topic
***** Category: Humanity

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Explanation

Plane Crash in Kenya Kills 14 Members of Peace Delegation

By Emily Wax
Washington Post Foreign Service

NAIROBI, April 10, 2006

In heavy fog and torrential rains, a military plane carrying Kenyan political officials along with police and religious leaders crashed in a town north of the capital, killing 14 people and sending the East African nation into a period of mourning.

The plane crashed into a hill as it was trying to land in Marsabit, a rural town 280 miles north of Nairobi, according to news service reports. Three of the 17 people on the plane survived, including the two pilots.

The dead included two assistant cabinet ministers and the deputy leader of the main opposition party, all of whom were en route to a peace conference to discuss violence along the Ethiopian border.

"It is unfortunate that this tragedy has occurred when the peace delegation was on its way for a crucial meeting of bringing harmony among the communities living in the region," President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya said in a televised address to the country. He declared three days of national mourning.

Kenyan television showed graphic footage of charred corpses and harried emergency workers in white coats lifting bloodied bodies and covering them with sheets. Some of the workers cried. Witnesses said the aircraft, a Y-12 twin-engine cargo plane, burst into flames when it crashed.

"This is the worst tragedy to hit the National Assembly," the parliament's speaker, Francis ole Kaparo, told reporters with tears in his eyes. "We have lost a lot of very good people in this crash."

Officials said the dead included Mirugi Kariuki, assistant minister for internal security; Titus Ngoyoni, assistant minister for regional development; and Bonaya Godana, deputy leader of the Kenya African National Union opposition party and a member of parliament.

Kenya is known for its air safety record, despite frequent hailstorms. The last crash of a government plane, which killed Ahmed Khalif, the government's labor minister, was in January 2003.

The crash Monday was particularly upsetting to many Kenyans because the officials had traveled to northern Kenya to help ease regional tensions, government leaders said. Violence has broken out along the border over a scarcity of resources and cattle-rustling during East Africa's recent drought.

"They were trying to help, but the weather was terrible and foggy up there. It's a very sad day for all Kenyans," Alfred Mutua, the government spokesman said in a telephone interview. "We want to honor them with a good memorial service. They and their families deserve at least that."
© 2006 The Washington Post Company


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Worldwide use


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Things found on the way


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HAIKU

From the PEACOCK Haiku Club, Kenya

As you know, right now we are in a three day mourning period due to the Marsabit Military Plane crash in which we lost 14 people among them 6 members of parliament. The tragedy was caused by bad weather; poor visibility that caused the plane to crash on a hill. These wonderful people were peacemakers.

Here is a poem about the tragedy.

rainy windy Marsabit
peacemakers perish
in plane crash

hundreds left homeless
Kilifi thirsty soil drinks showers
in land slide

drizzly morning
my umbrella becomes
my inseperable friend

beloved ones drown-
showers of blessing
wash away Kibera slums

dark skies
shed tears at night
the sun wipes the tears by light

Anne Nechesa

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Mourning for KQ 507, May 2007

swollen airport...
a pressman struggling
amidst crowds

Read the report from
CATHERINE MAINA.

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MOURNING/FUNERAL

white-robed Catechist
prays for the red casket--
open prayer books

wails ring across
the green maize valleys--
wet handkerchiefs

with hoes and spades,
men in gumboots dig the grave--
wet muddy earth

framed photo
on the red casket--
wails and sobs

father and mother
mourn their beloved son--
hands on cheeks

heads bow
in respect and sorrow--
sun comes out of clouds

on three ropes
casket is lowered into the grave--
earth eats again

wooden cross
at the head of the grave--
end of life's journey

flowers planted
on the fresh grave--
new life

the Catechist
planting final flower on grave--
new life

Patrick Wafula, August 2007


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Related words

***** Long Rains

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THE KENYA SAIJIKI
Please send your contributions to
Gabi Greve / Isabelle Prondzynski
worldkigo .....

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Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro

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Mount Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro

***** Location: Kenya
***** Season: Non-seasonal Topic
***** Category: Earth

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Explanation

There is snow in Kenya too -- on Mount Kenya, we even have permanent glaciers, though unfortunately they are starting to melt now. As Mount Kenya is right beside the Equator, this is due to its great height (approx. 5,200 m -- Mount Fuji is approx. 3,800 m high).

Here are some web sites and pictures :

http://www.mountkenya.org/index.html

http://www.mountkenya.org/mtkenya.htm

http://www.kilimanjaro.com/kenya/mtkenya.htm

http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=800


And just across the border, in Tanzania and looking far into Kenya, is
Mount Kilimanjaro :

http://www.mountkenya.org/mtkilimanjaro.htm


Very few Kenyans have climbed either of these two mountains. But most view them with reverence. Mount Kenya is said to be the place where God (Ngai) resides. It can be seen very far away (for instance, from Kayole). There are days when it is possible to see both Mounts Kenya and Kilimanjaro from Wilson Airport, the domestic airport of Nairobi.

Most of the time, however, Mount Kenya, just like Mount Fuji, veils itself in clouds, and only the huge foot may be seen by those who know where to look for it.

Isabelle Prondzynski

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http://www.africaclimbing.com/mount-kenya-climbing/

Click HERE to see more photos of Mount Kenya !




Click HERE to see photos of Mount Kilimanjaro !

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Worldwide use


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Things found on the way


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HAIKU




I have been privileged to visit the Land of Mt. Kilimanjaro again; and this time round I had my camera with me and took a photo of
Mt. Kilimanjaro’s highest Peak: Kibo.

noon sun —
Kibo still sitting
in white snow

Patrick Wafula



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Related words

The volcanic Mount Meru is shadowed by his big and famous neighbour Kilimanjaro.

***** . Arusha (Tanzania) .


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Meeting November 2006

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Meeting of the Haiku Clubs of Nairobi
November 2006

Objective

The four Haiku Clubs of the Kayole secondary schools had their second big meeting on Saturday, 4 November 2006. At the invitation of the local community’s Tujisaidie Self-Help Group, the meeting took place in the Community Centre, where the Tujisaidie Nursery School is also based.

The first meeting had been a festive gathering and ginkoo, with participation from invited guests, including the Japanese Cultural Centre. This second meeting was an internal affair, called above all to present the computer students with encouragement and small prizes, and also to have a discussion on haiku writing among ourselves.


Photo : Patrick Wafula

Background

During the previous week, I had visited the Bamboochas of Bahati Community Centre taking their computer classes. I had also been invited to the Peacocks of St Mathew Secondary School, to discuss their Ramadhan haiku with them and gather information for the Ramadhan kigo page. The next week would take me to the Falcons of Lorna Waddington High School. I had been received with a lot of cheer, welcome and enthusiasm in each of these schools, and was looking forward to meeting the haijin together once more.

Patrons’ meeting

The students, with great enthusiasm, arrived early at the Tujisaidie Community Centre. They were made very welcome by the youth of Tumaini African Foundation and were entertained with music and a mini-ginkoo while the Patrons held their own meeting.

Each of the schools was represented by the Haiku Club Patrons :

Bamboochas : Mr Patrick Wafula
..................Mr James Macharia
Falcons : Mr Ngugi
Peacocks : Ms Ann Nechesa
................ Ms Adelaide Amadade Luvandale
Oaks : Mr Jumah (Principal)
Computer teacher : Mr David Kimani
Haiku Committee of the community : Ms Lucy Irungu
.................................................... Mr Anthony Njoroge

The Patrons discussed a number of issues concerning them all, regarding computing, communications and haiku.

We looked together at how each school contributes to the Kenya Saijiki discussion forum, and how this in turn contributes to the Worldkigo Database. Haiku writing was leading to haiku discussion -- and to be able to discuss at international level, we need to communicate by e-mail and the internet. Hence, the link between haiku and computing. This led to a discussion of the computing budget necessary to make communication possible.

On haiku, we agreed that the two most important aspects to keep in mind when guiding the students during the coming months, were :

* the use of observation,
* the use of kigo (season words).

We also discussed giving feed-back to the students. Ideally, the students would send their haiku to Kenya Saijiki, receive feed-back, discuss this in their clubs and devote some effort to revising their haiku. In the same way, they should be open to giving feed-back by e-mail to others, so that we could have a discussion together and hone our poetry and our skills.

Haiku Clubs’ arrival

By the time the Patrons had finished their meeting, the students had happily arrived (some after difficulties finding the place -- they were eagerly welcomed), taken some snacks, enjoyed the company of their Tumaini hosts, danced to the music, and written some haiku. These haiku, here assembled, show the joyful and inspired spirit of the day :

all Falcons group
looking all round Soweto
oh... we are lost

haiku members
smiling at each other --
meeting up again

wow! two boys bringing
radios so that we can
dance on the floor

Tujisaidie Community --
full of haiku fans
enjoying music

Oscar is very
happy because of the
reggae music


Photo : Isabelle Prondzynski

haiku members
in a jovial mood as they
eat bread and sodas

welcoming focus
talking as they share jokes
ready to begin

everybody is happy
really to write best haiku --
how wonderful day is it?

Peacocks winning
all the top prizes --
haiku meeting

is this haiku?
why not?
syllables uncountable

this is the day
to share our feelings with mum
before going back

students listening
Madame Isabella speaking
everyone clapping

When the meeting was opened, we sang several choruses, praising God, who had brought us this far in our endeavours, and expressing our joy to be together again.

Computing meeting

The first part of the meeting was to recognise the effort the students had made in order to learn computing and encourage them to continue their studies for the final test early next year.

The top 7 computer students, who had passed all modules of their tests, were called forward by the teacher, David Kimani, and congratulated, with small prizes to choose from :

David Caleb Mutua (Peacock)
Omombo Christine (Peacock)
Nyakado Christine (Peacock)
Gideon Gichamba Wangui (Peacock)
Gladys Kathini (Peacock)
Catherine Njeri Maina (Bamboocha)

This brought the Peacocks a round of applause, as they had done exceptionally well. And while I was busy with the prizes, I did not even notice that we were being photographed by Patrick Sensei -- to whom many thanks!


Photo : Patrick Wafula

Another 17 computer students passed all but one of their modules and were called forward to collect their prizes :

Raymond Otieno (Bamboocha)
Anderson Mwendwa (Falcon)
Boniface Mutua (Falcon)
Ian Kamau (Falcon)
David Wandera (Bamboocha)
Rebecca Mbithe (Oak)
Khadija Rajab (Peacock)
Seline Onguto (Falcon)
Leonard Juma (Falcon
Otieno Walter (Bamboocha)
James Omwimwa (Peacock)
Stephen Kimanthi (Peacock)
Zaccheuas Ogoji (Peacock)
Jacinta Minoo (Peacock)
Ashraf Baraza (Falcon)
Agnes Adwambo (Peacock)
Patrick Gahuo (Falcon)

The computer classes will continue until the beginning of 2007 and will end with a final test, including a practical element. Best wishes to all the students -- and keep up the good work!

Haiku meeting

There followed an open discussion on very many aspects of haiku.

How many syllables, and how to count them?

Can one write about dreams?

How about newspaper or television reports?

What are the kigo of the current season?

Can one write about other seasons?

The importance of observation was emphasised -- concentrating on what is right there, and can be heard, seen, touched, smelled and tasted.

The importance of learning, and of receiving feed-back, was also pointed out. The students proposed that, from time to time, they would send in unsigned haiku, to request and receive feed-back. This was welcomed by everyone as a good idea.

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Photo : Isabelle Prondzynski

The day, which had started cool and overcast, had meanwhile became hot and sunny, and the time came to close the meeting and for everyone to walk home.

Many of us stayed for another while, to chat and exchange questions, answers and news, before starting on our way back.

Isabelle Prondzynski, November 2006

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A thank-you message to Kenya Saijiki in the evening

Dear Gabi, dear Patrons, dear teachers and haijin,

Thank you most sincerely for the wonderful meeting we had today. You gave generously of your time, and we had a great discussion and enjoyed being together.

Great thanks go to Lucy Irungu and Tujisaidie for the welcome they gave to us and for letting us use the community buildings, where we felt so much at home. Apart from the discussions, we enjoyed music and a light lunch as well as an unexpected mini-ginkoo!

It is hard to express how very much I appreciated the presence and the encouragement by the Haiku Patrons and teachers. I know you are very busy people, particularly at this time of exams, and it is not a given that you can take a whole afternoon out of your schools. Your commitment is wonderful, and the students appreciate it as much as I do! Please receive my gratitude and know that I shall do my utmost to co-operate with you to make the haiku venture a success for all.

You have given the students a wonderful chance! Looking at them today, listening to their eager questions, it is easy to forget that, a year ago, none of them had ever heard of haiku or practised computing and very few had had any contacts with their colleagues in the other schools. This has been a wonderful co-operative success, and the haijin have written so much that is beautiful, inspiring and touching. Dear haijin, if you continue to make progress at this pace, Kenya will soon become one of those countries known internationally to have excellent haiku!

Here are a few of the many haiku written during the day -- thank you, haijin, for the shower of haiku reflecting the day and the season.

my sister is back
with muddy shoes and socks --
my gumboots

Agnes Adhiambo (Peacock)


wet school uniforms
spend days on the line --
students miss school

David Caleb Mutua (Peacock)


children chasing
running everywhere in mud --
looking dirty

Anonymous


dark rain clouds
hanging below the sky --
people buy umbrellas

Paul Brown


raindrops cling on grass
catch the sunbeams sending
lights that dazzle eyes

Raymond Otieno (Bamboocha)


graphic and drawings
stuck on the wall --
hey! they are beautiful!

Anonymous (Falcon)

Greetings to you all, and profound thanks,

Isabelle.


Feed-back from the Director of WHC Worldkigo

Dear Friends from Kenya,
whow, this is such a good news indeed!
I forwarded it to all my haiku friends and I will start my day today with a big happy smile !

Thanks to all who help to spread the word of Haiku in Kenya. Dear old Basho and Issa will be pleased to receive this message in their haiku heaven !

With best wishes and may all your plans come true!
GABI


Feed-back from India and the USA

Gabi sensei, our Director in Japan, had sent my message to her haiku friends in other parts of the world, and some of them responded to send in congratulations.

This is from one of our great haijin friends in India, Kala Ramesh :

Truly what giant progress in such a short while!
It clearly underlines the effort and selfless love that you've shown
for promoting this art form.

My heartfelt wishes for a grand haiku future in Kenya!
Warmly,
kala


And this is from William Higginson (we have two of his books!) in the USA :

Quite a decent selection of first results for a new group of haiku recruits! I look forward to seeing more from these and other young Kenyans. Perhaps Dag Hammarskjold's favorite short-poem form will become as much of an ambassador for inter-human understanding as he himself was, or moreso.

I had to particularly smile at the rubber boots poem, watching my two grandsons and Penny's granddaughter and grandson at work and play. (I am an only child, so never had the pleasure (?) of my sibling borrowing my footwear.)

Some of these wouldn't look at all out of place in our magazines.

Congratulations to all involved, including you!

Well done!
Isabelle.

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Related words

BAHATI Haiku Club, Kenya
FALCON Haiku Club, Kenya
OAKS Haiku Club, Kenya
PEACOCK Haiku Club, Kenya
SPIDER Haiku Club, Kenya


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Mosquito (Swahili : mbu)

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Mosquito (Swahili : mbu)

***** Location: Kenya, East Africa
***** Season: Long rains, short rains
***** Category: Animal

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Explanation

The mosquito is a much disliked insect in Kenya.

It is a kigo for the middle and end of both rainy seasons.

In Kenya, we normally distinguish between two types of mosquito -- those that carry malaria, and those that do not. But mosquitos can also carry yellow fever (against which one is vaccinated every ten years, and which is rare in Kenya) as well as other potentially lethal diseases.

In the lowlands of Mombasa and the Indian Ocean coast, as well as in Western Kenya near Kisumu and Lake Victoria, the malaria-bearing anopheles mosquito is common. Up-country Kenyans, as well as foreign visitors, take anti-malarials as a precaution when travelling to these areas. The local population does not normally bother, as the anti-malarials have their own side effects, which it is better not to risk by regular preventive medication.

Nairobi is just about situated at an altitude which makes the anopheles mosquito rare in the city. However, with global warming, it is becoming more common, and the government is running nation-wide campaigns to encourage children and adults to sleep within impregnated nets that kill mosquitoes without harming humans.



Photo courtesy Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, photographer Jim Gathany
A female mosquito (Anopheles gambiae) feeding
http://home.howstuffworks.com/mosquito-magnet1.htm

The ordinary mosquito is plentiful in Nairobi during the rainy seasons. It ventures out from dusk to dawn, molesting humans and biting them, leaving itching bumps and sometimes sores, where scratch wounds become infected. My own typical evening in front of the television is spent wearing long trousers, a long-sleeved sweatshirt, and a double pair of socks, and is punctuated with wild hand gestures to drive the mosquitoes away. Others are more likely to dive after them and go for the kill -- now and again hurting themselves in the process!

It is said that mosquitoes like new blood. And certainly, visiting tourists seem to be bitten more than the hardened residents of any skin colour... Babies are also bitten a lot if not protected.

Mosquitoes live and breed in stagnant water. This may be a puddle or pond, the water tank or WC cistern in a house, the rainwater gathered in a flower or leaf -- they are not choosy! They take just a few days to hatch -- so after the first joy of the rainy season has passed, we settle down to the daily swarm of mosquitoes.

We sleep in mosquito nets all year round. Tucking it in under the mattress and sleeping inside the net gives a feeling of cocooned protection, a comfortable nest. And I love the first view of the day -- the light of dawn streaming in through the curtains, and a white cloud surrounding my bed, through which everything can be seen, and everything looks light and beautiful.

Text © Isabelle Prondzynski

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From Insecta Inspecta World :
http://www.insecta-inspecta.com/mosquitoes/malaria/index.html

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The mosquito is a common flying insect that is found around the world. There are about 2,700 species of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can fly about 1 to 1.5 miles per hour (1.6-2.4 kph).

Mosquito Bites: Females drink blood and the nectar of plants; the males only sip plant nectar. When a female bites, she also injects an anticoagulant (anti-clotting chemical) into the prey to keep the victim's blood flowing. She finds her victims by sight and smell, and also by detecting their warmth. Not all mosquito species bite humans.

Disease Carrier: The mosquito is often a carrier of diseases, such as malaria, encephalitis, yellow fever, dengue fever, dog heartworm, West Nile virus, and many others. The females, who drink blood, can carry disease from one animal to another as they feed.

Anatomy: Like all insects, the mosquito has a body divided into three parts (head, thorax, and abdomen), a hard exoskeleton, and six long, jointed legs. Mosquitoes also have a pair of veined wings. They have a straw-like proboscis and can only eat liquids.

Life Cycle: The complete life-cycle of a mosquito takes about a month. After drinking blood, adult females lay a raft of 40 to 400 tiny white eggs in standing water or very slow-moving water. Within a week, the eggs hatch into larvae (sometimes called wrigglers) that breathe air through tubes which they poke above the surface of the water. Larvae eat bits of floating organic matter and each other. Larvae molt four times as they grow; after the fourth molt, they are called pupae (also called tumblers). Pupae also live near the surface of the water, breathing through two horn-like tubes (called siphons) on their back. Pupae do not eat. An adult emerges from a pupa when the skin splits after a few days. The adult lives for only a few weeks.



© http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/insects/mosquito/Mosquito.shtml



From the Malaria Site
http://www.malariasite.com/malaria/AnophelesMosquito.htm


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mosquito net

In Kenya, the mosquito net is used for most of the year, but it becomes most important during the rainy seasons, as the mosquitos make their appearance as soon as there is sufficient water for them to breed -- which is soon after the start of the rains!

Isabelle Prondzynski


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Worldwide use


Mosquitoes (ka) Japan
mosquito net (kaya)
kigo for all summer


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Things found on the way

Flies and mosquitoes are hardly, if ever, seen together in Kenya. Flies are daytime, and mosquitoes nighttime insects.
Flies occur year round, mosquitoes during the rainy seasons.

Isabelle Prondzynski


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HAIKU

snuggling under
the mosquito net --
bedtime...

~ Isabelle Prondzynski

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© Theresa and Dave
http://www.htmhell.com/italia2002/7.html


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ouch!
a mosquito bit me
it’s painful

fracas
as mosquitoes riot
against raid

(Raid is an insecticide in Kenya and the haiku is about the Raid advertisement that we see on TV)

~ Caleb David Mutua (Peacock)

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stagnant water...
mosquitoes in plenty
breeding malaria

~ Cyprian Awino (Bamboocha)


in my bed...
a mosquito whining
around my ear

~ Catherine Njeri Maina (Bamboocha)

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rainy season
brings stagnant water --
mosquitoes buzz around

~ Kadima Zipporah (Falcon)


a lot of mosquitoes
spreading malaria --
the rain

~ Ouko Hellen (Falcon)


mosquitoes multiply
and people rush for nets --
rainfall

~ Boniface Mutua (Falcon)

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around my ear
a mosquito humming --
bedtime

~ Patrick Wafula (Patron, Bamboochas)


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mosquito lavae --
my mother sprinkles parafin
on the puddles

Gloriah Kerubo


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Related words

***** Mosquitoes, mosquito net as worldwide kigo

***** Fly, Flies (hae) 　Japan, worldwide　　
...... .... Fly-swatter (haetataki) Japan

***** First rainfall, imminent rain Kenya


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Madaraka Day

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Madaraka Day

***** Location: Kenya
***** Season: Cool dry season (1 June)
***** Category: Observances

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Explanation


The Swahili word Madaraka means “internal self-government” or “home rule”.

In May 1963, Independence elections were held in Kenya. On 1 June 1963, as the final step leading up to full independence on 12 December 1963 (see Jamhuri Day), Kenya was given Madaraka by the British colonial government, with Jomo Kenyatta becoming the first Prime Minister of Kenya.

Madaraka Day is a public holiday and is celebrated each year around the country. The main event takes place in Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi, where the President addresses the nation, and the crowds are entertained by the uniformed services as well as by singers and dancers from around the country. As on other public holidays, the President’s speech is awaited with expectation, and those who cannot attend the event, either watch it on television or read the newspaper reports the following day.

The atmosphere is festive, and many families enjoy picknicks and games in the public parks. Many people travel home for the occasion, and many a goat or chicken falls victim to their celebrations. Nairobi trade and commerce slow down more than on the average Sunday, while public transport to up-country areas is exceptionally busy.

Madaraka Day in 2007 was celebrated in the shadow of the expected general election later in the year, and at a time when the country was struggling with infamous gangs challenging the rule of law.

© Isabelle Prondzynski

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Statue of Jomo Kenyatta outside Jomo Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), Nairobi

Photo © Isabelle Prondzynski

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Kibaki has spoken, it's now time for action
Published: 2 June 2007
By: Daily Nation

President Kibaki yesterday led the nation in marking the 44th Madaraka celebrations, and made a number of pledges. The first is the Government's resolve to step up the war against the raging wave of violence across the country that has left hundreds of people dead.

As he spoke, his own Othaya backyard was mourning the callous and macabre killing of a chief and close relatives by suspected Mungiki adherents. A similar cloud of death was hanging over the heads of residents of the neighbouring Kangema constituency, Murang'a, represented by Internal Security minister John Michuki, where a chief had also been felled by a criminal gang.

The Head of State was quite emphatic that the Government will win the war against the merchants of death and similarly, asked the public to volunteer information about these gangs so that the security agencies can deal with them.

Although the country has registered impressive economic growth, hitting 6.1 per cent last year, all the gains risk being wiped out in a situation where violence prevails as this hampers any productive endeavour.

It is a tragedy that after 44 years of self-rule and when we thought that we had achieved national unity and social cohesion, we are still confounded by such a wave of violence, resulting in series of deaths. Not only is Mungiki the problem, there are other underground gangs that continue to unleash violence on helpless citizens. The State has the apparatus to deal with them all and the time is now.

President Kibaki also highlighted economic achievements under Narc's four-year rule, among them free primary education and devolution of State funding to the constituencies. Significantly, he used the occasion to state his commitment to basic freedoms - Press and association. In particular, his assurance on Press freedom was apt, coming at a time when the media are under siege due to the apparently draconian Media Bill set to be discussed in Parliament.

While his words are re-assuring, it is critical for the Government to demonstrate the commitment by dropping the controversial Bill that is bound to reverse all Press freedoms realised since independence.

http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=24newsid=99404

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President Kibaki, accompanied by the Chief of the General Staff Gen Jeremiah Kianga, walks to the dais after inspecting a guard of honour during celebrations to mark Madaraka Day at Nyayo national Stadium, Nairobi, on Friday.
Pictures by Boniface Mwangi
http://www.eastandard.net/archives/cl/default.php?date=2/6/2007

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Worldwide use


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Things found on the way


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HAIKU

Nyayo stadium --
Kenyans waiting anxiously for
presidential speech

matatus full
radio stations tuned
glued to the TV

~ Dorine Atieno (Peacock)

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TV stations
and radio stations
announce -- Madaraka!

~ Adelaide Luvandale

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Coinage of Kenya with the portrait of Jomo Kenyatta, the first President of Kenya
http://www.weblio.jp/content/ケニア共和国


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Patrick Wafula writes :

Yesterday was our 44th Madaraka Day, but what do we celebrate with our people dying every day to Mungiki? These local hooligans have turned our peaceful nation into a terrorist state. This menace notwithstanding, we thank God for all the abundant good that our country is bestowed with. This is what we celebrate.

I spent my Madaraka Day in Upper Kabete taking a walk in the countryside with my three daughters Faith, Esther and Liz. It had just rained in the morning and a few hours later, it rained again. We were spending the weekend with our cousin Josephine who is a Nairobi University student stationed at Upper Kabete Campus. Through the hostel window:

behind the window
dark nimbus clouds --
slanting rain drops

After the rain:

brown stream
flowing down the landscape --
fresh rain

~ Patrick Wafula

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I take a snap
on Kenyatta's monument-
Madaraka day

Madaraka day -
national flag sways
in the breeze

Siboko Yamame Winslause
2011

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a power cut hits
at the National Anthem --
Madaraka Day

Isabelle Prondzynski

Read more haiku about
- Madaraka Day 2012


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Click on the PHOTO for more illustrations !


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Related words

***** Jamhuri Day (12 December)



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Macadamia Nut

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Macadamia Nut

***** Location: Kenya, other tropical regions
***** Season: Cool dry season
***** Category: Plant

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Explanation


Isabelle Prondzynski send us some information from the World Bank :

The macadamia nut tree was introduced to Kenya around 1944. However, its widespread planting did not start until twenty five years later, when Kenyan authorities were sensitized to the suitability, agricultural integrability, and commercial potential of the tree.

Macadamia nuts and by-products have multiple uses: the fresh or salted kernels could be used for desert, snacks, confectionery ice cream and chocolate making; the oil could be used for salad, cooking, cosmetics or soap manufacturing; the cake is good as livestock feed; the hard shells could be used as fuel for home and charcoal making; and the wood produces a hard and very durable timber.

The macadamia kernels are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and, thus, macadamia nuts are considered to be a health food product as unsaturated fatty acids keep blood cholesterol levels in check. Moreover, the macadamia nut tree can be interplanted with other cash crops and has a wide ecological suitability. It can readily integrate in the existing farming systems.

... www.worldbank.org/

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Macadamia is a genus of eight species of flowering plants in the family Proteaceae, with a disjunct distribution native to eastern Australia (seven species) and Indonesia Sulawesi (one species, M. hildebrandii).

The genus is named after John Macadam, who was a colleague of the botanist Ferdinand von Mueller who first described the genus. Common names include Macadamia, Macadamia nut, Queensland nut, Bush nut, Maroochi nut and Bauple nut; Indigenous Australian names include Kindal Kindal and Jindilli.

©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !

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Kenya is the third largest macadamia producer and the second largest exporter of macadamias. Many Kenyan farmers are integrating macadamia trees into their coffee and tea plantations. They view macadamia output as insurance against the uncertainties of weather which affect coffee and tea. The tree nut marketing companies, cooperatives, and the extension services are raising macadamia seedlings to meet demand.

Heavy unseasonable rains have contributed to a modest 3-percent increase in 1997/98 production. As trees planted 3 to 5 years ago begin bearing nuts, future output of macadamias should again expand more rapidly.

Kenya's macadamia nut exports in 1997/98 are forecast at a record 6,900 tons, 1 percent above the previous season's shipments. Japan and the United States are the 2 largest markets, together accounting for almost 84 percent of Kenya's total exports.

©　www.fas.usda.gov


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Worldwide use

Hawaii




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Things found on the way


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HAIKU



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Related words

*****

*****************************
THE KENYA SAIJIKI
Please send your contributions to
Gabi Greve / Isabelle Prondzynski
worldkigo .....

Back to the Worldkigo Index

Magadi Lake

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Lake Magadi

***** Location: Kenya
***** Season: Topic
***** Category: Earth

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Explanation




Magadi, in the Rift Valley of Kenya, is one of the two most isolated, extraordinary and unforgettable places I have visited in my life -- the other being the Svalbard Archipelago (including the island of Spitsbergen), the most northerly inhabited settlement of the world. In stark contrast to Svalbard, Magadi is boiling hot -- but it feels equally remote. It is said that the first rain of the rainy season does not even touch the ground -- it evaporates while still in the air!

Magadi town is well off the beaten track and can realistically be visited only if one has a private vehicle. It is located in a sweltering hot area, deep in the bottom of the great Rift Valley, 1000 m below Nairobi, where geological activity has led to a high concentration of sodium carbonate and sodium chloride in the lake -- which in addition is hot, so that few animals thrive in the area. Flamingoes love some of the cooler parts of the lakeshore, and nest there peacefully, and the whole area is famous for its bird life.

Magadi is best known for two things which are closely related -- the extraordinary lake, and the extraction of sodium carbonate from the lake by the Lake Magadi Company.

Much of the lake is covered in solid pink soda salt, which gives it an extraordinary appearance, like something out of science fiction. One can see tractors driving on parts of the lake, and workers sweeping up the salt while walking on the salt covering the lake. The sodium carbonate, Kenya’s most valuable mineral, is exported all around the world, especially to Japan, as an essential ingredient for the manufacture of glass. Magadi supplies a major proportion of the sodium carbonate of the world.

The town of Magadi is a well-designed company town par excellence -- one has to sign a register when arriving there, everything is owned by the company, and there is no accomodation for visitors, unless one is visiting company staff. The company has its own private railway line to Mombasa, from where the sodium carbonate is exported. Staff are well paid -- but perhaps that is not surprising, given the location!

St Mathew Secondary School went on an excursion there in July 2007, and some of the Peacocks, who were part of the group, wrote their haiku about it (see below).

Text : Isabelle Prondzynski

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http://www.phys.uu.nl/~tongeren/kenya2000.htm


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More information here :

http://www.magicalkenya.com/default.nsf/doc21/4YPSWAFZEI11?opendocument&l=1&e=5

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Magadi

http://www.webkenya.com/eng/safari/magadi.php

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About Magadi Soda

The Magadi Soda Company which is Africa's largest soda ash manufacturer is one of Kenya's leading export earners and employs over 450 people. The company recovers trona from one of the purest surface deposits in the base of the Rift Valley and converts it into sodium carbonate (soda ash).

The operations at Lake Magadi are situated 120kms south west of Nairobi. Product is transported by rail to the Port of Mombasa for onward shipping to the markets.

Soda ash is an essential constituent in the manufacture of glass and important in the production of detergents and industrial chemicals. Over 95% of the company product is exported to its principal markets of South East Asia, Indian sub-continent, Africa and the Middle East.

The Magadi Soda Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Brunner Mond Group Ltd. The original Brunner Mond and Company was formed in 1873 and began manufacturing soda ash in the United Kingdom in 1874.

The Magadi Soda company was established in 1911 and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Brunner Mond in 1924. In 1926 Brunner Mond combined with other British chemical companies to form Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd (better known by its initials ICI).

In December 2005 Tata Chemicals Limited of India acquired majority shareholding of Brunner Mond Group.
http://www.magadisoda.co.ke/about.htm


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[Photos © : http://www.magadisoda.co.ke/Gallery.htm]

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Worldwide use


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Things found on the way


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HAIKU

long journey
students at Lake Magadi
educational trip

sweat
rolling down my armpits --
hot temperature

~ Khadija Rajab


mountains
with green plants --
the place is cool

~ Sebastian Kimeu


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Related words

***** Hell's Gate

Rift Valley


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THE KENYA SAIJIKI
Please send your contributions to
Gabi Greve / Isabelle Prondzynski
worldkigo .....

Back to the Worldkigo Index

Martyrs’ Day

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Martyrs’ Day

***** Location: Uganda and
..... ...worldwide in Christian communities
***** Season: Cool dry season
***** Category: Observance

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Explanation

Martyrs’ Day is celebrated in Uganda as a public holiday on 3 June every year. It is one of the main national festivals in Uganda, and is the celebration of a major turning point in the country’s history. On 3 June 1885, 26 young men were executed for their Christian faith. Altogether, 45 Anglican and Catholic martyrs are known by name and were killed mostly in a period leading up to and including this date.

The 22 Roman Catholic martyrs were beatified by Pope Benedict XV in 1920, and canonised by Pope Paul VI in 1964 -- the first Africans to be recognised as Saints by the Catholic church and a source of pride for many throughout the continent.

Every year, thousands of pilgrims from all over Uganda and many other countries flock to the Martyrs’ Memorial in Namugongo in the outskirts of Kampala and give thanks -- all Christian denominations together at the main site of execution, where a beautiful modern memorial shrine has been built by the Catholic Diocese of Kampala. The Anglican Diocese has a smaller memorial shrine about 1 km away, where some of the weaker martyrs were killed off, when they could not reach the main place of execution.

The grounds of the shrine contain a small lake, believed to have water with healing capacities. The faithful gathered for the annual celebration, fill their bottles with this water to take home.

The Uganda Martyrs are remembered by Christians worldwide on 3 June every year.

Text © Isabelle Prondzynski

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A modern painting at the Memorial Shrine in Namugongo, celebrating the Martyrs’ death

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The Uganda Martyrs

Christianity was very new to Uganda in 1885 when the first of 22 young Catholic converts gave his life as a martyr for his faith.

Catholic Missionaries led by French White Fathers (called White Fathers because of the long white robes worn by the missionaries), taught that both slavery and polygamy were wrong. King Mutesa had tolerated these teachings. When his son, King Mwanga, took the throne at 18, these same teachings led to the persecution and martyrdom of Christians.

To be baptized it was necessary to reject many traditional practices and many Ugandans looked on the young Catholic converts as rebels. The new King, who had, as a prince loved the missionaries, now feared the new religion and hated their admonishment of his behavior.

Joseph Mukasa Balekuddembe was the first Catholic convert to be martyred. Joseph had been a chief advisor to the King and had spoken out, condemning the King's order for Anglican Bishop Hannington's death. The King would not tolerate this criticism from his advisors and ordered Joseph beheaded on November 15, 1885. Joseph proclaimed "Mwanga has condemned me without cause, but tell him I forgive him in my heart."

King Mwanga may have believed that by killing Joseph he would convince other converts to give up their new faith. However, others in the King's service responded not with fear, but faith.

Charles Lwanga was the chief of the 400 pages who were the young men in the service of the King. When Charles learned of Joseph's death he went together with Bruno Sserunkuma, James Buzabalyawo and several others to the White Fathers and asked to be baptized. They escaped from the confines of the palace grounds at night to be instructed, knowing that they were putting their lives in God's hands.

Denis Sebuggwago, who was a servant of the king, was found teaching catechism and was killed on May 26, 1886. Andrew Kagwa who was the bandmaster to the King was also a catechist who had converted his wife and gathered many others to the new faith. Andrew and Ponsiano Ngondwe were beheaded the same day.

As the chief of the pages, Charles Lwanga also tried to keep the young men safe from the King's behavior and this angered the king further. The King's anger and distrust of Catholics grew and he announced that it would be necessary for the pages to choose between their faith and life. He ordered that all the "who prayed" stand aside. Charles Lwanga led the way and was followed by others, all knew what their fate would be.

Tied up, the next day they were forced to walk 12 miles to the hill that would be their place of execution at Namugongo. Gonzaga Gonza collapsed and he and Antanansio Bazzekuketta were killed on the road.

One of the pages, Mbaga Tuzinde, was the son of the chief executioner who tried to hide him. He escaped from his family and joined the others.

Once they arrived at Namugongo, the place of their death was not ready, and they waited for seven days. They were cold and hungry, but despite this they were filled with joy and kept praying the Our Father and Hail Mary. On Ascension Thursday, the drums alerted them that their execution was about to take place. Charles Lwanga was first; then the others were brought out and tied in bundles of three and thrown into the fire, where they kept singing and praising God until they perished.

June 3 is remembered as the Martyrs Day in Uganda, and today Christians travel to Namungongo for celebrations.

The King's intention had been to deter the growth of Christianity, but the martyrdom of these early believers sparked its growth instead. It has been observed in many other instances, that the blood of the martyrs proved to be the seed of faith. Christianity is now the dominant faith in Buganda and Uganda as a whole. The 22 known Catholic martyrs were declared "Blessed" by Pope Benedict XV in 1920. On October 18, 1964 Pope Paul VI canonized the 22 Catholic martyrs during the Vatican II conference. These 22 young men are recognized for their sacrifice and witness of faith.
http://www.missionsla.org/subpages/learn/archivesaint/marchsaint.html


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The Martyrs’ Memorial Shrine in Namugongo
Photos © Isabelle Prondzynski

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More history here, with a complete list of the Martyrs and their details :
http://www.buganda.com/martyrs.htm


An Anglican view :
http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bio/278.html


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The stunning ceiling of the Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine
Photo © Isabelle Prondzynski

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President attends Namugongo Martyrs’ Day celebrations
2007-06-03

President Yoweri Museveni and his wife Mrs. Janet Museveni were among over 1 million pilgrims that converged at Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine in Wakiso district to celebrate the annual Uganda Martyrs’ Day.

The colourful ceremony that started from Namugongo Basilica with a liturgical procession of Bishops, priests and the laity, was this year hosted by Nebbi Catholic Diocese under the theme “Love One Another as I Love You”.

Pilgrims from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, South Africa and Nigeria as well as from the United Kingdom and the United States of America attended the celebrations in memory of the Uganda Martyrs who died for their Christian faith over 120 years ago.

Addressing the congregation, President Museveni highly commended the main celebrant of the High Mass Bishop Martin Luluga of Nebbi Diocese, for his sermon that emphasized love for one another. He pointed out that the message from the Bishop’s sermon sums up the fundamentals of Christianity.

The main celebrant, Bishop Martin Luluga, called on the people of Uganda to emulate the Uganda Martyrs, their ancestors in faith, by practicing Godly love, be rich in faith and above all, be good citizens.

Uganda Episcopal Conference Chairman, Bishop Matthias Ssekamanya of Lugazi Diocese, appreciated the presence at the function of President Museveni and his wife Janet Museveni as well as other civic leaders. He emphasized the need for forgiveness and reconciliation to achieve peace in order to root for the development of the nation and its people.

...//www.statehouse.go.ug/news.


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Praying at the very spot of execution in the Namugongo Martys’ Shrine
Photo © Isabelle Prondzynski

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Worldwide use


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Things found on the way

Nowadays, the Anglican Archbishop Janani Luwum (killed 1977) and many other Christians, who suffered death for their faith under the tyrant Idi Amin, are also remembered among the Uganda martyrs.

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The shrine of the Matryrs’ Memorial in Namugongo was built in 1973 by the Swiss architect Justus Dahinden, who was inspired by Africa’s building shapes as well as its vegetation. It seats well over 1,000 people.

More here :
http://justus_dahinden.know-library.net/


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HAIKU

Namugongo --
praying so fervently
at the Martyrs’ Shrine



Praying at the Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine

Haiku and photo © Isabelle Prondzynski

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Related words

***** .. .. Saints: Their Memorial Days


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THE KENYA SAIJIKI
Please send your contributions to
Gabi Greve / Isabelle Prondzynski
worldkigo .....

Back to the Worldkigo Index

Marathon

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Marathon

***** Location: Nairobi, Kenya
***** Season: Start of Short Rains
***** Category: Humanity

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Explanation

The Nairobi Marathon takes place on the last Sunday of October each year and provides much entertainment to the athletes, the adventurous, the organisers, supporters and onlookers, the charities benefiting from sponsorship, as well as those simply out to enjoy themselves for a day. It also provides a certain amount of headache for travellers and church goers, as many of the roads are barred for a major part of the day, making it more difficult to reach one’s destination in good time.

There are now many categories, each for women and men : the 42 km marathon, the 21 km half-marathon, a 10 km race, a wheelchair race, and more.

Kenyans are great long-distance runners, and even though international level competition is not yet high in the Nairobi Marathon, this is a place where new talent is discovered and where those who are not yet professional athletes may find themselves heading in that direction.

Isabelle Prondzynski

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Marathons.
They're long. Tough. Challenging. Inspiring. Satisfying. And strangely addictive. For the past three years, Kenyans of all ages and abilities have been introduced to the unique joy of running through The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon. With full, half, 10kms and Family Fun Run events, people running in teams and costumes for charities and for themselves, why not come down to the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday 29 October, 2006 and discover that feeling for yourself?
http://www.nairobimarathon.com/

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http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/images/news/sportsindex301006.jpg

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ATHLETICS:
Huge crowd turns up for the big race

Story by CHRIS MUSUMBA
Publication Date: 30 October 2006

Donning their best sporting gear, thousands of runners, many aiming at confronting personal challenges, flocked the streets for this year's Nairobi Standard Chartered Marathon.

They were there too, the Zangalewa Troupe, busy taking the young ones through their warm-up programme at the Upper Hill Road, the official starting point for the 5 kilometre children fun race.
Down the Lang'ata Road were the 10Km runners.

At the Aerodrome Road was a huge group of men and women ready to challenge the course in the 21Km race while the toughest men were opposite the Nakumatt Mega branch for the 42Km race.

The gunshot
Sports minister Maina Kamanda, his assistant Joel Onyancha and the Nation Media Group chairman Hanninghton Awori were at hand to flag off the athletes. And at exactly 7:45am, it was everybody for himself and God for them all at the sound of the gunshot.

Of course the remaining crowd was there to do what they know best, cheer. The 30,000 seater Nyayo stadium was half full while many kept at the road side to catch a glimpse of the action.

With no risk of being knocked off the road by a speeding car, courtesy of the good work the police had done, it was the best foot forward for every runner.

Back to the stadium, fans were kept busy with a live band from Thika School for the Blind, yes the blind because the theme of the marathon was; Seeing is believing. And when they had finished their act, they ushered in the Administration Police band to take over.

And before the whole crowd had settled down in the stadium, 10 km winner Samson Gichuki was through, having taken 28 minutes. Philimon Gitia (21km) followed then Hosea Kiprotich Rotich.

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Thousands turn up to grace Nairobi international race
By Chris Mbaisi, 2006

They came in their numbers and painted the city blue. As early as 5.30am the city, specifically the Nyayo National Stadium was overflowing with humanity.

They were all here for a mission as once again Standard Chartered Bank Nairobi International Marathon had united the world. They came from as far as Botwana, Denmark, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Age was not a problem here. Even those as young as five, had their place in the Nairobi Marathon, which marked its fourth year yesterday.

For the elite runners, 42km full marathon and 21km half marathon were the races of choice. The 10km catered for the so-called keep fit lot while the joggers, starters and families had their fun in the 5km.

And when the moment of reckoning came, it was time to harvest what one had invested in training. There was agony and ecstasy in each step. Nerves were tested beyond limits as elite runners suffered like warriors in over two hours of battle. They breathed hard on the shoulders of their opponents with their heads buried in sweat.

They could hear their names being called out but their heads proved a heavy load to lift; they just waved. They were all alone locked in a solitary duel between mind and body.

Further back, the joggers’ most of them office workers from the corporate world and school children competed against all odds. They endured hours upon hours of endurance and isolation. Courageously, they pursued the unimaginable goal of running the ‘killer’ 42 kilometres and 21km race. For them, it was not about the victory, not even the money but the satisfaction of completing a full marathon.

Close to 20 Samburu warriors donning red shukas stood out in the crowd. They were running under the Ol Malo Trust team with the sole aim of raising awareness in the Ol Malo Eye project.

At Nyayo Stadium, there were wild cheers as the full marathon winners Hosea Kiprop (men) and Irene Chertutich (women) crossed the line.

As the winners leaped across the finish, it was the turn of pressmen (local and foreign) to jostle for interviews as photojournalists took positions to click their cameras away.

Meanwhile, Philemon Gate won the half marathon after posting 1hrs one minutes and 25 seconds. Moses Kororia was second in 1:01:52 while David Rutto came third after returning 1:01:52.

Beatrice Rutto took the honours in the women’s category after returning 1:10:52. Anne Cheptanui (1:12:36) and Agnes Cherop (1:12:36) took the second and third positions.
http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143960338



Pic by Jacob Otieno
http://www.eastandard.net/images/monday/hmpg301006.jpg

Kiprop Rotich and Irene Cherutich lift their trophies after they won the men’s and women’s races respectively during the Standard Chartered Nairobi International Marathon yesterday. They also pocketed Sh1.5 million each.

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Worldwide use

Marathons are run in many of the major cities of the world and can be kigo for the relevant season in each. The most famous marathon must surely be that of New York, which this year (2006) was run exactly one week after the Nairobi Marathon.

Kenyan runners are among the leaders in the marathons all over the world -- the Olympic and World champions running in the biggest ones (New York, London, etc) and the newcomers testing themselves elsewhere, including in Nairobi. It is usual that, among the first six places in a marathon, particularly in the male category, three or more are taken by Kenyans.

Kenyan children run huge distances on their way to and from school each day -- and there are well-known primary and secondary schools in the Highlands of Kenya, where future athletes receive excellent training.

Isabelle Prondzynski

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Canada

In regards to Marathon, in Canada we run mini or half marathons as well as full marathons and the races are both professional and amateur races with many training for the first time in their lifes, usually to raise money. To me, any type of marathon speaks to endurance. While there are winners, just to cross the finish line can be an accomplishment.

A relative of mine recently announced she was foregoing birthday presents and would we please instead, sponsor her in a race to raise money for the poor of her community.

late September--
at forty, running
her first marathon

Carole MacRury

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Things found on the way

Haiku Marathon

Haiku I

Forced words in pattern
Beginner's try at Haiku,
Please make allowance 


Neeraja Balakrishnan
http://neeraja.blogster.com/haiku_marathon.html

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HAIKU

Marathon day --
all along the barriers
we walk to church

Marathon day --
the girl in the red T-shirt
falls asleep in church

Marathon day --
even the sermon runs
on and on

Isabelle Prondzynski, Kenya 2006

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marathon -
his speed qualifies him for
another marathon

Bill Kenney

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marathon;
it is run till
the last breath

marathon-
tireless sun
i count days

mountain to sea:
only downhill
marathon

vishnu p kapoor, India

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In Sri Auro Ashram
they run through roads lanes gardens
Mini Marathon.

© Aju Mukhopadhyay, 2006

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week-end so short
the boy-friend ran away -
marathon

Pia von Prondzynski


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Related words

***** Special Olympics, Paralympics
non-seasonal topic for haiku

INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE - OLYMPIC GAMES

Special Olympics, Paralympics
International Paralympics Committee


Special Olympics--
the rosy-cheeked smile
of the last skier

Carole MacRury

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a one-legged marathon runner crosses the line

WHC marlene mountain - 'connections'


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THE KENYA SAIJIKI
Please send your contributions to
Gabi Greve / Isabelle Prondzynski
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