I am walking in the streets of Nairobi. I am wearing a polo neck t-shirt labelled an organization that I work for. Its clearly written the name of the organization and it is a no brainer that we protect animals.
I am minding my own business as it is the norm in the busy streets of ‘Nairobbery’. Out of nowhere, a middle aged guy taps on my shoulder. I ignore as I hurriedly walk away. It could be one of those conmen in Nairobi who touch you and before you know it, you have already inhaled 1000 tonnes of scopolamine powder commonly known as ‘the devil’s breath’.
A brief description about this drug. Scopolamine powder is a very dangerous drug that when it is blown into your face, it renders you unconscious making you an easy prey to your target. It is very commonly used by con men and women who fear sweating to put food on the table, hence using it on unsuspecting public.
Back to story. The young man is too determined because he did not give up even after i ignored his call. I am too hesistant to stop but hey! He could be a former schoolmate, colleague or even a childhood friend.
Hi
Hi
Nimeona hii t-shirt yako imeandikwa ‘animal something’. He says as he closely looks at my t-shirt.
This could just be another way of striking a conversation as he plans on how to blow scopolamine into my innocent face. My mind tells me to run, but my legs stood still as i looked straight into his face.
Yes, what about it? I reply
Mnauza wanyama? He asks
This even raises more red flags than the first one. Wanyama tena?
I had already come to a conclusion that I wouldn’t run but listen on. After all, not everybody in Nairobi is as bad. Only a few have spoilt it for everyone else. And after all, you only die once. Better still, the worst that could happen is him robbing me of my few coins.
Unamaanisha tunauza wanyama wapi? I ask
Kwa hii kampuni imeandikwa kwa t-shirt yako.
It quickly dawns on me that he is very concerned. Just like any other Kenyan would reply to a stranger, I rudely reply kwa nini?
The guy mentions that he wants a dog to replace one that died. He goes on to narrate how he loved the dog so much and how it died under mysterious conditions. Up to date, he has never understood how it died. He still cries when he remembers the horrible ordeal. Tommy was his best friend and still is. But he needs one to bring back the love that Tommy always provided.
I now understand him, having worked with pets and pets lovers. I am kind enough to tell him that we don’t sell pets but advocate for their proper welfare. I direct him to a place that has a shelter for dogs for adoption. That’s how Dave got himself another Tommy to keep him company. He hopes that it won’t die mysteriously as the other one did.
Kumbe not everyone in Nairobi is a con. Pheeeww!
