The Shady Taxi Driver by Hana Njau-Okolo
At dawn, Kamau drives out of the compound leaving his wife Wanjiku to attend to her daily affairs. He joins donkey-drawn rickshaws and oversize government vehicles, jockeying for dominance on the narrow two-lane arterial road in Rongai — a town where slow but steady growth hinges on the actions of its inhabitants. A sizeable number comprise the fast moving trail of pedestrians on worn footpaths alongside the road. They emerge from alleys and lanes leading from homesteads, and flood onto the bazaar-like strip coming alive with the rising sun. Most are heading to Kware, a transportation hub named after Rongai’s largest quarry. Kware is a makeshift area that barely contains the hodgepodge of vehicles whipping into drop-off and pick-up position; forcing the messy scramble of every man, woman, and child, to move en masse like a wave ebbing in and out of harm’s way.
This story has been selected for the annual StoryTime anthology African Roar 2012, please go to the African Roar site for more info.
The Shady Taxi Driver was written by Hana Njau-Okolo.
Copyright © Hana Njau-Okolo 2011.
I was born in Nairobi, Kenya. My trailblazing parents founded Paa Ya Paa Art Gallery in 1965, just two years after Kenya’s independence from British colonial rule. I grew up in the art gallery, which was an extension of our family home. Today, Paa Ya Paa is Kenya’s oldest African-owned art gallery and holds a unique place in the preservation and promotion of art and culture in East Africa. Today, I am a mother of three, wife, and a writer eager to flesh out the hints of the melodies that pulse beneath my skin. Melodies rooted in East Africa, transmuted in the Diaspora. I discipline the beating of my drum at my blog Mama Shujaa.
10 comments:
Im cracking my ribs kwakweli... youve made my night. It is so true and typical of most Kamau's to make a buck out of pity. I enjoyd the story. when You post another one please tag me on Facebook.
Cheers
Olga.
Olga, kwakweli asante! I am glad you enjoyed the story. I will definitely let you know when I am published again.
Thank you Hana! What a delightful read. It holds your attention, through out the article.
From Jonathan in Westchester, NY
You are welcome Jonathan, and thank you for reading and for the feedback.
immaculate grasp and control of the English Language Hana; descriptions of the life that breathes on the streets of Nairobi is -' He joins donkey-drawn rickshaws and oversize government vehicles, jockeying for dominance on the narrow two-lane arterial road in Rongai — a town where slow but steady growth hinges on the actions of its inhabitants' - love this line. some great storytelling.
Thank you Novuyo for your appreciation of the story and that particular sentence. That I succeeded in luring you into understanding the scope of Kamau's life, of Nairobi life, makes me feel good!
Wonderful stuff. An absolute pleasure to read
Thank you so much Anengiyefa.
It was wonderful to read this story in its entirety after seeing excerpts on Hana's blog. I feel like I was there with Kamua, even my knees hurt for him. After the news today of Osama bin Landen's death, I can't help drawing a parallel to 9/11 victims, also nearly 10 years ago. I can't imagine living with that physical and mental pain. I hadn't realized the Kenyan victims were never compensated. The best fiction teaches us about life.
Sarah, many thanks for your comment. I appreciate it.
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