2 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
P H O T O GRA PH Y F O R N EW S • FEATURES • EVENTS • snap@click.co.ke • +254 719 803 203 A MEMBER OF THE UNDER THE BAOBAB PRODUCTIONS FAMILY www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10 1
Wanjiru NDEGWA
Vikki KEINGATI
Mwangi KIRUBI
Wycliffe AUGUSTINE
Mark MUCHURA
Ciku MUGWE
Ndanu WAMBUA
a.k.a.
a.k.a.
a.k.a.
a.k.a.
a.k.a.
a.k.a.
a.k.a.
For keeping accurate financial records, paying KRA their VAT on time and generally being an awesome accountant.
Headed behind bars for manipulating the images, colors and words that you are about to view - making you guilty by association.
Grabbed by the boys in blue for using high-tech equipment to capture images of people living in purpose and events that were not boring.
Taken to the cells for spreading the word about KWELI and then even having the audacity to sell hundreds of copies to y’all. Once again, you’re probably guilty by association.
For his holy alliance with the Design Jockey. His mad skills with graphic design software also had a lot to do with his current address (jail).
Despite her recent attachment to a prestigious law firm, Sniper is still wanted for her photo-coverage of glorifying events and inspiring people.
She’s KWELI’s new web manager but is already in trouble for disrupting “the Matrix”. Get on to www.kwelimag.com and yes, you’re guilty by association.
DESIGN JOCKEY
GOLDILOCKS
SHARP SHOOTER
SMOOTH OPERATOR
ARTI SAN
SNIPER
WHEELER DEALER
Special thanks to our sales representative: Collins Atito
CONTRIBUTORS Brennen Matthews Christabel Mistri Elias Eriksson Frank Mutua
Julie Mwabe Nike Balogun Pastor Carol Wanjau Pastor Kenyatta Otieno
SPECIAL THANKS Pastor Linda Ochola-Adolwa Pastor Muriithi Wanjau Pastor Simon Mbevi Shalom Munyiri
Steve Kariuki
Our Dad in Heaven Diana Kamau Gina Wanjeru Michael Kembo Mujo Masinde
Njeri Furahah Njeri Ngige Pastor Amani Maranga Pastor Henry Wamai
Pastor Nelly Mando All our friends and family All our Facebook fans
www.kwelimag.com KWELI is published and distributed by Under the Baobab Productions Limited. Printed by Ramco. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. If you copy us or any of our ideas we’ll come for you.
2 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
ANY QUERIES? EMAIL US:
watscrackin@kwelimag.com
FROM THE RING LEADER
NERVE CENTER
Okwi OKOH
Elsie MWONGELI
a.k.a.
a.k.a.
IRON LADY
GOLDFINGERS
MARKSMAN
For leading the resistance and inciting a new order in media. It took a while, but this “MOST WANTED” character has finally been caught up with.
Finally nabbed after months of creating systems, procedures and policies that enabled the rest of these characters to carry out their clandestine activities.
Currently in remand for his diligence in financial procedure and general adherence to accounting detail. A real menace this one.
Apprehended under suspicion while capturing images of events and places, resembling the influence of the notorious Sharp Shooter.
RING LEADER
Timothy AREMO a.k.a.
on the cover Ciru Gichaga of Bloodshed snapped by SHARP SHOOTER while the band was performing. Read their story on page 50.
Wagema MUNYORI a.k.a.
Once upon a time, in a galaxy not so far away, an unlikely group of young Africans decided that they were bored, tired and in some cases just plain furious with the status quo. They were bored with music videos in which artists – some barely old enough to cross the street alone - championed a hedonistic lifestyle of bling, babes and booze. They were tired of trying to explain why an article in a glossy magazine on the “10 Ways to Drive Your Man Crazy in Bed” would not really help you stay married longer than three years. They were furious at the disparity between the amount of media coverage given to “matters of the soul” as opposed to that given to any of our multitude of politicians – even if all they did was sneeze somewhere within the vicinity of the draft constitution. They also hated the high rates of exploitation found in the media industry. Very few people are willing to pay the day rates, commissions and project fees that photographers, graphic designers and video production houses deserve. No wonder parents start casting demons out of any child who says they want to be a photographer, graphic designer or video camera operator! They never make any money, because no one wants to pay them for their unique talents. People will spend hundreds of thousands on food, flowers and invitation cards but negotiate till their faces turn blue over the payment for their wedding video and photography. Meanwhile, those are the only two things that can help your great-great-great grandchildren be a part of your wedding - which is where it all started! Even when people do pay, it hardly ever trickles down to the guy pressing the buttons. The “unlikely group’s” decision to become bored, tired and often furious was not one they came to lightly. It took years of soul searching, soul alignment, soul changing and soul defending. They prayed, they fasted, they sought wise counsel and they prepared. Some of them quit their jobs, others stopped looking for one… In August 2009 they met in an undisclosed location in the Hurlingham area of Nairobi and made a plan. Here’s a summary of that plan, which they have fine-tuned over several months: They pledged to build a multimedia network called KWELI. KWELI would include a print magazine, website, Facebook page and presence on Twitter. KWELI would offer an alternative to many of the things that made them bored, tired and often furious. >
, who turned his back we’ll meet Ken Oloo ts. tan un pact the lives of and acco than administrators well-paying job to im a ICK on CL t or pp su d at an th ” conviction h through media. They would also start The “unlikely group’s disadvantaged yout uld champion wo rs” ate ke on lic ssi “C . pa hy of ck for this issue rap y Photog Africa needs an arm The new kid on the blo ip. They rsh wo of m d for a an as ts untan which a man and photography administrators, acco is ‘Venus vs. Mars’ in d begin an ts th en wi ev up t ing pu rify willing to gender’s unique would cover glo logisticians who are ich man each give their wh wo of es lik e d th ate ry cre lle issue. We’ll of crazy only to build an online ga tive on a contentious ec the particular brand rsp pe o . , led them to als unconventional Africa has never seen by media practitioners introduce you to the also uld wo ey . th , RIX ICK VE CL MA e d lle Alongsid – Bloodshed. Sports form a department ca be Christian rock band uld wo E y AD an BL . mp ns co sig a n by know you’ll love launch BLADE De The whole mess is ru s: where you at? We fan of d) de en int AB n OB (pu BA ns Sofapaka DER THE at the cutting edge le of football champio ofi they formed called UN pr I’s r EL ou KW be uld wo E because in the old lment of our ‘Road to graphic design. BLAD PRODUCTIONS LTD and the second instal o offer their e als tre d at an th rs r ee de gin un en et l me es. And there’s much mechanica days, Africans would g for Soccer City’ miniseri kin loo ne yo an to ice are… hion section, creativity at a pr to plot, plan and prep re – a more robust fas mo ). ns d sio an en us dangero oup Sling & Stone greatness (in two dim We are armed, we are a feature on drama gr ists decided to y. ial gr an lon co or e ed th , tir , 86 red 18 In dn’t Know ’ about we’re no longer bo and ‘7 Things You Di s in Africa. es dn , es ma e icl eir art th to ite wr od , os ah, who works in th put a meth Instead we take phot Pastor Angie Gatam rlin and Be in t tes da me Oh rs up . r we ch ula ur po ide reg Mavuno Ch The European produce TV and prov children’s ministry at nt in an “orderly and our souls. ine all nt co of e ke th sa other series e up th d ide for hin div ’re also launc g an on the Internet ck we ba s, e ye tak lp he of to r or de or are their lab general elections civilized” manner. In The following pages in the lead up to 2012 then, ‘the ce sin joy t en los d, en rea , be s tch ha , wa stor Simon Mbevi’s what was love. So please listen and in support of Pa the most e us to is th ed g em cid th de s of 0 ha over 10 tive, we’ll be profilin unlikely group’ and react. We’ve got s at his Transform Kenya initia ha ly nt rre on cu n (so s ma rie m Water’ se in each issue fro powerful of media time. Our ‘Walking on aspiring candidates s as eir initiative would rie Th . se on ary isi nt ev me tel – cu l sa do dispo t to be made into a now on... URES and it would pu our first issue, we’d of ke a cup of tea, hit big be called 1886 FEAT e th s wa well) As for the rest? Go ma God, for e ed lov , dg ph ple d, um lle tri ca an o e wh ur world on mute stories of Afric like to thank everyon t your feet up, put yo pu . eo vid on on od ati Go e pir maris at Th ☐ challenges and ins and sent funds to Da and read for yourself! t to cross the I’s ue, iss go is e’s th on In . me me so y, Ho all ’s Fin r Samaritan Children e does all that bette and dot the T’s. No on
got WHAT WE’VE
B E I NS P IR E D 14 DIGGING DEEP
Mavuno’s Senior Pastor Muriithi Wanjau discusses the roots of our faith
16 IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Real people, real stories
18 TAKING ACTION
Pastor Linda Ochola-Adolwa on influencing and transforming society
A review of “It’s Our Turn to Eat”
20 WALKING ON WATER
Ordinary people doing extra-ordinary things
Ken Oloo teaches kids in Kibera about the power of the lens
30 On the Road
Pastor Simon Mbevi travels across Kenya to promote prayer, raise up leaders and help men take their place
32 Road to 2012
As the Kenyan General Elections approach, meet young aspiring leaders
68 Venus vs Mars
‘His’ and ‘Her’ views on relationship issues
70 Voice of Reason
Pastor Carol Wanjau responds to the views in Venus vs. Mars
72 Down the Aisle
Who got hitched and why
84 Men of the Year
Celebrating a few good men
20 BE I N F O R M ED 6
7 Things You Don’t Know About Get to know your church leaders
Pastor Angie Gatamah of Mavuno’s children’s ministry
8 Were You There?
The events that kicked in...
January & February in Focus
12 My Calendar
Fill in your plans for March, April and May
38 Church in Focus
A look at how other churches across the globe do their thing
62 Fashion Queen &
Frankly Fashionable Fashion tips for Him and Her Where to shop and how to do it smartly
86 Sports Center
Road to Soccer City Part 2; how to automobilize yourself to the FIFA 2010 World Cup.
100 Show Me the Money Investing: giving you a biblical perspective
B E
EN T ER TAINED
44 Spinning Wheels
Get to know the DJs that spin gospel Learn how DJ Sparrxx stays on fire
46 Curtain Call
Our quarterly focus on theatre We get on stage with Sling & Stone
50 Bloodshed
The story of a band that rocks for Jesus
58 Page Turner
A quarterly book review
59 On the Air
What’s good on the radio
60 Couch Potato
What to look out for on TV & Cinema
66 GETTING AWAY
Let’s get travelling! Kilifi, the perfect holiday get-away
82 JUST KIDDING
Step into our children’s corner How to tell your kids the Easter story Things you can do with your kids over Easter
90 Sports Center
102 Common Cents
106 CULINARY REVOLUTION
Advice on personal financial planning and budgeting
Putting traditional food in the spotlight An easy recipe for Chicken Biriyani
96 Go Getter
104 Heart, Mind and Soul
108 Fun Fair
What’s behind Sofapaka’s success?
Insight from entrepreneurs
Phyllis Nyambura steps boldly into Nairobi’s fashion industry
A look at personal struggles
Avoid brain-drain with our Sudoku and word-search
READ MORE ON: www.kwelimag.com • KWELI Magazine Facebook page
7
1
You’re known for your sense of humor, but what makes you sad? When we don’t realize that our selfish deeds and actions may cause pain to other people. That makes me sad!
2
Things you didn’t know about
3
Pastor
Angie 4
5 Pastor Angie Gatamah helps kids learn about God at Greenhouse - Mavuno’s children’s church.
7
6
What time of the day do you love the most? I love night time! It is cooler, it is romantic, it just seems like wonderful things can happen! I am at my best at night.
What kind of man for you: Warrior or Poet? Definitely a warrior! You can tame a lion but a kitty cat cannot lead you into battle! :) All the warriors say it with me Ahu! Ahu! Ahu!! :)
If you could have any singer’s voice for one performance, who’s voice would it be and what song would you choose? How do you know that I am not a singer? I lead worship all the time ( in my room). Seriously, I would like to have Atemi’s voice and sing Help Me Believe by Kirk Franklin.
Should children be allowed to have imaginary friends? I believe they should. It is generally a fact that your child will create at least one imaginary friend in their lifetime. Children normally come up with these friends in times of need or when they are feeling lonely, sad or bored. It is believed that children with imaginary friends are actually very creative and they often have better verbal skills than children that do not have these “friends”. Also, if your child does not do well at entertaining himself or herself, an imaginary friend makes playtime more interesting. Think about it, how many of you played games with imaginary players when you were growing up? There’s only cause for alarm if your child stops treating the “friend” as “imaginary.”
What’s the craziest thing a child has ever said to you? One time I was carrying a child - about two years old. I was shocked when he put his hand on my bosom and asked: “Whose are these?” It was a little embarrassing but now, I can laugh about it!
6 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
What’s the last childfriendly movie you watched? In the last couple of years, the movies that I feel are appropriate for all ages is Shrek 1 and the Incredibles.
WERE YOU there
EVENTS
jan EVENTS
Fireworks at KICC A pyrotechnic display lit up the skies above Nairobi just after midnight... welcome to 2010!
f s s m t w th f 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Let’s Groove Thousands of youngsters turned out on New Year’s eve to party and usher in another 365 days Jesus style! The Groove Party DEC 31 • KICC
s s m t w th f s 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Worship Night
Uncharted Territory
Kaberia gave credit where it was due for another year at the Mavuno Dome.
Bloodshed rocked the mic and their fans.
Astar Shines
JAN 10 Loresho Community Church
Gospel hip-hop frontliner Astar launches an unprecedented campaign to “clean up the airwaves” (CTA) by allowing free downloads of his music.
Exit Strategy Rising stars answered the call for fresh young acts at a New Year’s Eve talent show... Teenz Konnekt Talent Show DEC 31 • Mavuno Dome
s m t w th f s s m t w th f s s 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Totally Soul’d Out The various concerts at Nairobi Chapel on Ngong’ Road helped launch the New Year in style, and if the start was anything to go by... stay tuned! DEC 31 Nairobi Chapel
Highway Tragedy The family and friends of Martin Njuma marched in protest over rising insecurity after their son, fiance and pal was murdered by robbers. JAN 31 • Uhuru Highway
All Night Long The first of a regular last-Friday-of-themonth night of worship. JAN 29 • Mavuno Dome
EVENTS
feb EVENTS
Sauti Sol
m 1
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w 3
th 4
f 5
s 6
s 7
m 8
t 9
Tito (standing) Dan • Just a Band
w th f s s 10 11 12 13 14
Bill “Blinky” Selanga • Just a Band
Dela
Love in the Air Kenya’s cultural diversity expressed through song and dance. Love is Kenya Concert FEB 13 • Nairobi National Museum
10 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
Stan
Juliani
Dress Rehearsal Jazz and Jesus
The organising committee of the 2010 Groove Awards held a briefing for artists
Groove Awards Artists’ Launch Cocktail FEB 24 • The Sarova Stanley DJ Kev, founder of the Groove Awards
Doris Mayoli and friends
The most accomplished saxophonist in East Africa, Ugandan Isaiah Katumwa, performs under the stars at the National Museum.
Isaiah Katumwa
m t w th f s s m t w th f s s 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
ANSWER&
WIN
Neema
Twakutukuza
Stitchie
Doris Mayoli was healed of breast cancer and organised a concert to give thanks to God and hope to those with the disease.
Ragga artist Stitchie was in Kenya on Valentine’s Day for a different kind of lover’s rock.
FEB 20 • Brookhouse School
Answer these questions correctly and WIN. 1. Who is this? 2. Where was this? First email to hit the KWELI inbox with correct answers wins a hot KWELI T-shirt!
watscrackin@kwelimag.com
FEB 14 • Mavuno Dome
RIL MARCH
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- Martin Luther King, Jr.
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enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
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“In the end, we will remember not the words of our
tue
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- Unknown
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“One who believes in God can see God in the symbol of a wooden cross. One who knows God sees God in the wood and not the cross.”
25
fri
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“Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.” - Will Rogers
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“Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.” - Napoleon Hill
1
mon
Go ahead! Dream your dreams, then pick up a pen and make your plans here...
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“Lord, grant that I might always desire more than I can accomplish.” - Michaelangelo Buonarroti
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- Unknown
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“Only a life lived for others is the life worthwhile.”
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- Ann Landers
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enough.” - Meister Eckhart
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“The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.”
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“What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other.” - George Eliot
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“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is “Thank You”, it will be 31
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AP
M AY
WITH PASTOR MURIITHI WANJAU, the senior pastor of Mavuno Church in Nairobi. His passions include developing leaders for the Kingdom and equipping Christians in the marketplace.
DIGGING deep
Pursuing the
God
Dream AHH... the Kenyan dream! A wellpaying job, with a side hustle that morphs into the next Google; a good-looking spouse who’s delirious about being married to me, two kids and a dog. Not to mention the powerful German car (anything that starts with the letter ‘b’) with leather seats and a house in a swanky suburb with a white picket fence. Okay, scratch the picket fence; insert high stonewall with razor wire! Deep inside, most of us aspire to such a dream. I know I did. That is until the realization crashed in on me that I was created for a divine purpose. Something so big that everything else pales in comparison. And that pursuing that divine purpose was the only way I could find ultimate fulfillment in life.
14 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
Like Cypher in the film ‘The Matrix’, I found myself fantasizing about the worldly ‘steaks’ I’d LEFT BEHIND. And so I ditched the Kenyan dream and began to pursue the God dream. But would you know it, every so often I would get the shakes. Like Cypher in the film ‘The Matrix’, I found myself fantasizing about the worldly ‘steaks’ I’d left behind. It was one thing to get me out of my old world, it was another thing to get that old world out of me! Pursuing a big purpose that will outlive me sounds noble and inspiring, but not as tangible as the feel of leather seats in the said German car. And anyway, why couldn’t
I have both? Why couldn’t I achieve my inspiring divine purpose and at the same time pull off my version of the Kenyan dream? One author hit it on the head: “if you’ll permit me to add Jesus and a free ticket to heaven to my possessions, I’ll be happy to sign up. But please don’t ask me to give up my personal sovereignty.”1 Sounds like he was reading my yet unuttered prayers! But drat… the answer came back. Matthew 6:24 ‘No one can serve two
masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money’ (insert appropriate Kenyan dream if money is not your thing)… The thing is we were created to live for One Thing. It’s not that God doesn’t want us to enjoy pleasure. He made our nerve endings after all! But He knows that it’s extremely easy to fill the God-shaped vacuum within with “stuff”. And whatever ‘stuff’ we set our heart on, it easily morphs into our master. And delivers the inevitable hangover because it can’t fulfill me sustainably... the reality is that anyone who ever achieved their God-dream only did so because they lived a focused life. The stuff they formerly chased they put on the back burner and sought their One Thing. And in the process, they not only lived incredible lives but they achieved things most people only dream about! And so along the way I’ve learnt the importance of hanging out with friends who are actively pursuing their Goddreams. They inspire me to stay the course. And I’ve learnt not to spend too much time browsing and checking out the ‘steaks’ – my old dreams and aspirations. And I’ve learnt to pray the prayer found in Psalm 86:11 for myself, ‘Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name’. We’re all in process, at different points along this journey of divine purpose. My encouragement is – stay the course. And when you slip up, rise again, ask for help (that’s why it’s so vital to be part of a Life Group2) and get back on track. And whenever you think of how far you still have to go, remind yourself like I sometimes do… ‘I may not be what I’d like to be, but I’m sure not what I used to be!’ ☐
NOTES TO SELF What is your Kenyan dream?
Do you know your divine purpose? If yes, put it down.
If no, what plans are you making to find out what your divine purpose is?
1 From the book ‘Follow Me’ by Jan David Hettinga. 2 Life Groups are Mavuno’s network of home-based fellowships.
www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10 15
SNIPER travelled to Kampala in
December 2009 for a Mizizi retreat and got the following people to share their experiences…
in THEIR
Mizizi is a 10-week transformational experience where participants seek to start or revive a relationship with God, find their life’s purpose and ignite lifelong friendships.
OWN
WORDS
THEIR
VICTOR Kagimu
is a software engineer who also owns and runs several companies. A friend told me about Mizizi but I didn’t want anything to do with it. I was a Catholic so it sounded complicated to me. But that all changed when my workmates joined Mizizi and I noticed that there was something different about them. It was at this point I decided to try it out. I felt overwhelmed by the realities of poverty, death and failure. I rarely get “Oh!” moments but ever since Mizizi, that has been the trend. I got to understand a lot, especially when we learnt about the connection between the Flesh, Soul and the Spirit. My company went down, I started a new one. All I can say is that right now I’m at a difficult place but coming to Mizizi helps me understand where my strength and help comes from. I feel at home and relaxed. Mizizi is a real experience. I’ve learnt about fasting and taking control of the flesh. I’ve learnt who God is. I’m learning how to pray and growing spiritually but knowing that God exists is the biggest accomplishment. 16 KWELI | ISSUE 1 | DEC 09
BARBRA Kitui
is a lawyer with the Ugandan Criminal Justice System who aims to legally equip prisoners so that they can adequately represent themselves in a court of law. Mizizi has been practical and real both for the future and for the moment. Learning how to ‘die to self-daily’? It’s like a new birth! Mizizi also equips people. For instance in applying of our gifts. There was the week we learnt about keeping financial accounts. I haven’t stopped since. It is practical! I have met different people who have challenged me. My prayer life is growing and I have learnt that in Salvation you come to the Lord as you are, and He takes you as you are.
JOE Ndyanabangi is a businessman and an art dealer.
Mizizi was a life-changing experience. In the past I would usually shun anything that had to do with religion, but having gone through Mizizi I came to learn that it’s more about a relationship with God. On the social front I have met interesting people, discovered new friends who were different from the ones I had before. Every week had something new to offer and I wouldn’t mind doing it again.
OWN
MIZIZI 2010 A newborn baby must quickly learn how to feed in order for it to survive and grow. As new believers, we must also learn to nurture our faith or it could shrivel up and die... And that’s where Mizizi comes in. Now in its fifth year, the turn out for ‘Season One’ 2010 was phenomenal. Over 600 people came to make new friends, connect with God at a deeper level and find their purpose. Corporate Mizizi, a class specially created for corporates, has signed up almost twice as many people this year. ‘Season Two’ begins in March 2010.
MIZIZI
DIANA Komunda
is a fashion designer who doubles up as a wedding planner. I had heard about Mizizi a couple of times when finally my son’s pediatrician invited me. Mizizi was more of a “refresher” course for me; getting back to the basics. I got to meet people who were all at different levels in faith. The growth I saw and experienced over the weeks was quite encouraging. One thing I liked about Mizizi was the approach to the Gospel as it broke it down in a way it was easy to understand. The fourth week of Mizizi especially stood out for me as I learnt what ‘dying to self’ was all about. It served as ‘the icebreaker’ for our group.
2010
WORDS
MIZIZI
www.mavunochurch.org www.mizizi.wordpress.com
KWELIMAG.COM | ISSUE 1 | DEC 09 17
WITH PASTOR LINDA OCHOLA-ADOLWA who is the executive pastor of Mavuno Church in Nairobi. Her passions include seeing Christians become influential in transforming society across the continent of Africa.
TAKING action
THE WRITER seeks to expose why corruption in Kenya is so difficult to uproot and how corruption and tribalism threatened to tear the country apart in the explosive violence two years ago. She follows the story of Kenya’s optimism in 2002 and how that optimism dwindled as the old tentacles of corruption reasserted themselves in the country’s economy and affairs. She details how deeply entrenched corruption was and how far up in the system it went, resulting in the resignation and self-exile of the then anti-corruption chief, John Githongo. The author’s style is colorful, and she displays remarkable insights into Kenyan culture and thinking, things that the man-on-the-street would know, but which might elude the outsider or casual observer. Several times I felt like I was listening to an accurate description of our society by someone I would not expect to understand us quite so well. In conversation with many of my friends and peers, I’ve found that many of us, myself included want to move on beyond the violence of 2008 and to regain a sense of normalcy. This book affords Kenyans the opportunity to reflect on those experiences with the soberness of distance. A lot of what she says is quite shocking. Growing up among children of various tribes and now belonging to a community of faith that comprises Kenyans from every part of the country, I was depressed and pained by the hate and vitriol that we chose to believe and which fueled the blood letting in our country. I can scarcely believe that people I have always known and who have hosted me in their homes could believe and speak such
I can SCARCELY BELIEVE that
achieves its goal. I disagree with Ms. Wrong however that the tribal preference factor is peculiar to Africans. A friend working at Wilson airport, a qualified pilot, tells me that he is relegated to administrative roles in the company, while South African white kids, barely wet behind the ears, (his words, not mine) are given preference as pilots. Mzungus too it seems, prefer to deal with their own ‘tribesmen’. But the one factor that stands out above the rest and that remains unchanged to date, in my view is the gap between the rich and the poor in Kenyan society. In another book I’m reading currently, the author says: ‘ it is only unsatisfied needs that motivate’. And I can’t help but conclude that if so many Kenyans weren’t so disenfranchised, if so many were not locked in the cycle of endless poverty, it would have been difficult for the lies of politicians to take root in their hearts and minds. I exercise around my neighborhood in the early morning and am struck by the many people walking to work not for exercise but because they have no alternative. Hundreds pouring into the central business district to earn a decent coin. This picture makes me both proud and sad. We Kenyans are a hard working lot. But as long as those at the top continue to misuse the country’s resources, too many people have precious little to show for it. And so this year, like last year, I will take every opportunity to talk about governance. Because we can’t talk about peace without talking about fair allocation of power and resources. Living up to our faith is everything. If we miss it there, we have missed it. He has
people I have always known
hosted me in their homes could believe and speak such hateful things about the community
and who have
I COME FROM... much less ACT ON THEM and hateful things about the community I come from, much less act on them and vice versa. If the goal of the book is to help us take a good, hard, long look at ourselves, then it
18 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
vice versa.
showed you: “O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 ☐
VI DE O PR O D U C T I O N F O R N EWS • D O C U M ENTA R IES • EVENT COVERAGE
A MEMBER OF THE UNDER THE BAOBAB PRODUCTIONS FAMILY 1886features@underthebabobab.net +254 722 251 673
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“ACTION!!” cries the director. No sooner has the word left his mouth than a small boy bursts into a Usain Bolt-like sprint past the camera and into one of the many side streets of Kibera, one of Africa’s largest slums. The actors are momentarily distracted and a crowd of by-standers bursts into laughter. Naturally, the scene is ruined. Although sporting a grin, Ken Oloo urges the crew to quickly prepare for another take. Interruptions like these are common on the set of Zuki, one of Nairobi’s newest soap operas. Most of Zuki’s camera crew, scriptwriters and actors are all students at Kibera Day Academy, a mixed high school about two kilometers from the place where today’s shoot is taking place.
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N
Our ‘Walking On Water’ series takes an in-depth look at the work and lives of people who are wholeheartedly following their God-given purpose.
water WALKING ON
P TH E
Ken, a 31-year-old Kenyan photographer and filmmaker, has been training school children in Kibera to use media as a form of expression and a potential source of income since 2007. It is all part of the Filamujuani media development initiative that Ken co-founded 2 years ago. Filamujuani is Swahili for “films in the sun”. Ken is the first to tell you that it takes something greater than yourself to run such a programme in Kibera, especially when it’s such a complete departure from your previous plans… He graduated from Nairobi’s Daystar University in 2005 and was fortunate enough to land a job not long after taking off his gown. He worked as the
WER JULIE MWABE AND RING LEADER WROTE IT & SHARP SHOOTER SNAPPED ‘EM
communications and operations manager for a renewable energy firm in neighboring Uganda. He describes it as a rewarding time given the energy crisis the country was facing at that time, and the fact that his employers had World Bank backing. Photography was just a hobby then, that’s until he took a picture that would change his life. He was walking Kampala’s streets one day and came across a naked street kid trying to pick a cigarette butt. The scene disturbed Ken so much that he snapped off a couple of shots and eventually moved on. But the images were now burned into his mind’s eye and continued to cause cognitive dissonance there - so much so that he shared the photos >
Filamujuani >> with a friend at Kampala Pentecostal Church. It was only when he tracked down the child a few days later that he discovered that his friend had been so moved by his shots, that she had gone out and bought the boy some clothes. “I think that’s when God started showing me that I could use this thing to help more people. I was amazed by the fact that someone could be moved to do something in that way,” he recollects. Things got pretty serious, pretty fast after that. Ken quit his job and started looking for ways to help people in 22 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
Swahili for “films
Kampala’s Katanga slums. But after six weeks of trying unsuccessfully to make links with grassroots organizations in the unplanned settlement, he decided to take a short break in Nairobi and planned to return with new ideas and a fresh blueprint. One Sunday he visited Nairobi Chapel, and once again his script was flipped. The sermon that day was about submitting to leadership. “I felt God asking me to submit to the authority of my parents and my other leaders. I grew up very defiant and was pretty set on doing things my own way.
in the sun”
God told me that unless I learnt how to submit to authority, He couldn’t use me and would not open this door. ” Ken signed up as a volunteer at Mavuno Downtown and began mastering and sharing his skills with both still and moving images. The highlight of that period was an opportunity to work on a documentary about cross-cultural missions for the American magazine Christianity Today. The film was called ‘Round Trip’ and was anchored on the Mavuno Worship Project’s 2007 tour of the United States. >
PREVIOUS PAGE: Mugambi Ngithi and Ken Oloo on the hunt for great shooting locations ABOVE: Shacks near the railway tracks in Kibera | Ken Oloo shoots some video of his own. RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM: Ken and Mugambi in Kibera | A game of bano (marbles) goes down | Is this the true value of education?
One of the American crew members Ken was collaborating with on ‘Round Trip’ put him on to a paid internship with the Inter-varsity Christian Fellowship in the US. Ken got the gig and spent 13 months learning even more about photography and video production in the United States. While in the US, a Christian couple saw his photos and bought him his first truly professional camera, a Nikon D40. It was worth US $1000. Ken returned to Kenya armed with his new kit and immediately came across an advertisement for a photography competition with a lucrative prize of US$ 10,000. It was the opportunity of a lifetime and he knew instinctively that Kibera would be the perfect location for his masterpiece. His plan was to photograph the struggles of children living in the slum. However, his excitement and enthusiasm evaporated as soon as he stepped into Kibera. “I was revolted and overwhelmed by what I saw in Kibera. The sights and smells were too much for me,” he says with a grimace. “I had never been anywhere like that and did not even take a single shot!” he adds. Despite his disastrous debut, Ken went back to Kibera. Something about the children he had seen and met had stuck and he couldn’t shake it off. As time went on, Ken became convinced that media could be used to 24 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
help some of the youth living in the slum to rise above their circumstances. “It is important for the community to have their own stories told,” he says. “It helps them see the good side of things rather than the negative.” One of Filamujuani’s first productions in Kibera is the documentary ‘Living In the Bucket’ (check it out on YouTube). Ken mentored high schoolers as they told the story of what life is like without toilets and other basic sanitation. Ken and his protégés were shocked when the film beat-out other more polished international entries to claim top prize at a World Bank sponsored contest. Ken realized that there was no turning back. “Seeing how far we had come and the potential that was in the area, I decided from that point on to do more,” he reflects. After initial teething problems, Ken has now settled in with the students at Kibera Academy. How does it work? Filamujuani partners with the school to form a multimedia club. All interested students can join. Ken usually schedules his two-hour training sessions to begin at 5 p.m. so as not to disrupt any learning. The children are well aware that they can be suspended from the afterschool programme if their grades drop. Ken’s savings and the generosity of friends and family means the children are now working with state-of-the-art video equipment worth about US$ 35,000. >
...Ken became convinced that media COULD BE used to help some of the youth living in the SLUM to RISE above their
circumstances
MAIN PHOTO: Shooting a scene in Zuki requires teamwork and professionalism. ABOVE LEFT: Ken makes sure his students get hands-on training. BELOW, LEFT TO RIGHT: 16-year-old Osman Ali wears many hats: actor, director and camera operator | Everyone gets their turn!
“It is important for the COMMUNITY to have their own stories told; it helps them SEE THE GOOD SIDE of things rather than the negative.” Many, like thespian Mugambi Nthiga, give of their time instead and spend countless hours either advising the crew or directing scenes. “This is not my money, I’ve just seen God open doors through friends and family and even through private jobs… it’s not about me,” he says. “I believed they needed to have techniques and equipment that could help them compete with those at the Sundance Film Festival,” Ken explains. Zuki is Filamujuani’s main project at the moment. It’s the story of a girl’s daily struggles while living, loving and learning in Kibera; a subject most of the crew can easily identify with. Zuki was the brainchild of 17-year-old Riziki Salim, who was born and raised in Kibera. “They came up with the idea to do it as a soap,” Riziki says, rolling her eyes as she points to the other students. “I would have said a drama but they wanted to do a soap so I went along with it. I like entertaining people. Ever since I was young, I felt like being an actress. I have no idea how people will react but I want them to like it,” explains Riziki, who doubles up as the show’s main character. 26 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
In the scene being shot during KWELI’s visit, Zuki is making her way to school and must cross Kibera’s landmark railway tracks on a particularly difficult morning. They got the idea after watching a documentary filmed in Kibera by CNN called ‘Where Have All The Parents Gone?’ It was hosted by CNN’s Christianne Amanpour. In one of the documentary’s shots, the journalist walks along the railway tracks with an oncoming train as her backdrop. As the train draws closer, she steps away from the tracks and rounds off the report uninterrupted. The students immediately vowed that they would “do an even better one”. But it’s easier said than done. It turns out that shooting around Kibera’s trains require tons of patience, determination and quick thinking; qualities that Oloo seems to have been abundantly blessed with, and even managed to pass on to his eager pupils. If it’s not the unpredictability of the train’s arrival, its impatient pedestrians or the sun, which insists on playing hide and seek in the clouds... Director-for-the-day is 16-year-old Osman Ali and he’s got 18-year-old camera operator Francis Omega taking >
TOP: Zuki runs through Kibera’s streets ABOVE: Zuki is the brainchild of Riziki Salim ADJACENT PAGE: TOP, LEFT TO RIGHT: Ken shows a student how to use an audio recording unit | Francis Omega mans a state-of-the-art high definition camera under Mugambi’s close supervision RIGHT: Mugambi prepares the crew for their next scene
The name Kibera comes from the Nubian word Kibra which means forest. The British colonial government settled Nubian soldiers originally from Sudan - there in reward for their service in World War I. UN Habitat estimates that between 500,000 and 800,000 from various ethnic backgrounds live there now. www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10 27
I believed they needed to have TECHNIQUES and EQUIPMENT that could help them
compete
with those at the
Sundance Film Festival
TOP: Ken reviews a scene with the crew ABOVE: Ken’s little brother, Mike, helps out on sound ADJACENT PAGE: The cast and crew of Zuki
28 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
a low-angle shot with the railway track in the foreground, while Riziki jumps over a puddle in the background. “I hope someone is watching for the train,” Osman chuckles nervously. Once all 13 episodes of “season one” are filmed and edited, the show will be shown to other students at the Academy. The plan is to charge Ksh.. 5 for VIP and Ksh. 3 for regular seats! They also hope to make Zuki available to other Kibera residents through an initiative the students are calling ‘Kibera TV’. They plan to air Zuki and other television programs – like a regular news wrap - on big screens erected either at the DO’s (District Officer’s) office or possibly at any of the football pitches in the area. They hope to make Kibera TV free for local viewers by selling ad space in-between their programs. Zuki will be available to outsiders when they load episodes onto platforms like YouTube. Ken and his crew of youngsters also recently filmed the pilot for a gospel music countdown show debuting soon on Nation
Kibera is one of Africa’s largest informal settlements. It’s densely populated with about 3,000 people per hectare. Most of them do not have electricity, running water or proper sanitation.
TV called Gospel Village.com. Kijiji Records’ hip-hop artists Michelle and Astar will host the 30-minute program. At the time KWELI went to print, the show was scheduled to air on Nation TV probably on Saturday evenings. “I love seeing the final product, creating something that was not there before,” Ken says. Some of the other students have begun trying their hand at filming and editing weddings. After expenses are covered, they’re paid about Ksh. 15,000 per production, which they split amongst themselves. Francis, the camera operator and Amina, another crew member, are already saving for the equipment they will need to start their own production company. It’s a clear answer to Ken’s prayers that Filamujuani’s reach extend outside the slum. “Even if they don’t go on to be involved in this industry, they will have learned something about team work and work
ethic. Some of them are here at 6:30 a.m.! Ken exclaims. “Media helps to break the ‘learned helplessness’ that people in abject poverty have. They often ask ‘What’s the use of trying?’, but when they produce something like this, they start to see that they can do something about their situation”. But Ken is careful not to paint a picture of sugar and spice. He confides that Filamujuani has had its “unfair share” of spiritual attacks and that he often feels overwhelmed by the amount of responsibility on his shoulders. He’s had to run the project mostly on his own and is constantly looking for volunteers who can lend a hand.
Ken is also seeking more financial backing in order to take Filamujuani to the next level. He dreams of scholarships for Filamujuani graduates at international universities where they can expand their creativity and horizons. “My approach is just to give people access and see what happens,” Ken adds. As for what he sees in his own future, he states simply that he’ll probably be doing this for a “very long time”. And as we leave Kibera, Ken has these parting words for anyone whose also thinking of “walking on water”: “You have to take the risk, and when you step out, God surprises you and encourages you!” ☐
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT FILAMUJUANI Email Ken on ken.oloo@gmail.com to make your donations Volunteer your media skills and time Watch “Living in the Bucket” on YouTube and comment
www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10 29
road
WITH PASTOR SIMON MBEVI who travels widely teaching about prayer and leadership. His passions include leading prayer initiatives and helping men to become better friends, husbands, fathers and leaders.
ON THE
WALKING on water is no joke! When I was released from Mavuno in January this year to start a “frontline initiative”, I knew that it was going to be an adventure. Was I scared? Yes, quite a bit. I was leaving the boat I had known and rode in for four and a half years, to walk into the unknown. Faith is when you take a leap based on a God-engineered conviction and you expect to find the waiting arms of Jesus. I took the leap because I had such a conviction. Kenya is in the auction market. We have to place the highest bid, or else… We have been at a crossroads for some time. I believe that it is time for us to experience the great promises God has given Kenya. God has called us a ‘father nation’, a place of refuge, a lighthouse for the nations. I believe all that and more. But how is that going to happen? This is why I “stepped out of the boat”. Imagine a nation bowing her knee every so often to seek God for her transformation and healing? We are working to see a united prayer movement across this land. We believe that in a year’s time, it will be possible through the prayer network to get a million people to raise their voices to God at the same time for the same reasons. We are calling that effort Pray Kenya. Imagine thousands of Kenyan men making a commitment to live out responsible manhood? Picture men learning together in church, colleges, communities and in schools what it means 30 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
to be a man and how they need to step fully into their role to make our homes, workplaces and society a better place to live in! Don’t just imagine it: watch this space! Our Man Enough effort is an initiative to get the men of Kenya taking the lead in the transformation of Kenya. The most exciting program here is a Boyz 2 Men campaign. We will be taking young men through an initiation process and ceremony. They will get to deal with ‘masculine’ issues, define manhood and commit to a code of honor. They will be mentored into manhood by their dads and coaches. I believe a new generation of men of honor is emerging! Tired of reckless political leadership? That is mainly what got us killing each other. I have good news for you. Our Lead to Serve program will be training leaders for societal impact. We hope to take 120 persons through 10 months of instruction that will prepare them for the 2012 General Elections. We hope to give Kenyans alternative candidates to vote for. We are talking about leaders committed to integrity, accountability and the vision of a new Kenya. We believe, as someone said, that shortly “men (and of course women) of principle will become our principal men”. This is why I stepped out of the boat. To walk in the adventurous journey of partnering with others to see the Kenya we have prayed for and dreamt of. We welcome you to be part of this initiative. How could
I believe that it is time for us to experience the GREAT PROMISES God has given Kenya. you not? You can pray with us and for the nation. You can volunteer in some of our mission activities. Or you can support us with resources. Whatever you do, you have got to be part of Transform Kenya. This is what Mavuno is all about: “turning ordinary people into fearless influencers of society”. Are you fearless? Get on with The Marathon and let’s make God proud by touching lives for eternity. ☐ Read more on Pastor Simon’s Transform Kenya initiative on www.kwelimag.com
HOW YOU CAN PLAY A PART IN TRANSFORM KENYA Pray with us and for the nation Volunteer in our activities Support us with resources Visit our website and check us out
www.transformkenya.com Drop us an e-mail on
info@transformkenya.com or smbevi@transformkenya.com
Pastor S’
PRAYER Points r a new prepare fo e w s a e c roach Pea as we app , n o ti tu ti s con the um and as resolved… a referend re a issues g in d n ta outs
tings organize mee Resources to n a various ‘M and start the rams... Enough’ prog RING LEADER SNAPPED IT
Unity and favor for and from in the reg pastors ion as we share our vision wit h them. W e need to the right form partnersh ips with o organizati th er ons as w ell...
2012 ROAD TO
In search OF A ARTI SAN AND RING LEADER WROTE IT & SHARP SHOOTER SNAPPED ‘EM
SOME people watch Kenya’s political wrangles with dismay, others ignore it completely. But there’s at least one man we know who’s decided to make it his personal business to offer alternatives. As our country prepares for the chance to redeem itself in 2012, KWELI will be profiling those men and women who see public service as their true purpose…
In the Beginning Andrew Ranja was born in Nairobi in 1978. He moved with his parents to Kiambu at the age of 10 and that’s where he stayed for most of his teenage years. He sought and attained a law degree at Nairobi University and has been practicing in Nairobi since 2002. From an early age, Ranja was drawn to politics, leadership and the trappings of power. In Standard 2, he received a Textbook Centre voucher for being among the top ten students in his class. One of the few items he bought was a book about Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. He remembers standing by the roadside many times as a child in order to see the president’s motorcade zoom past. Back then; he dreamed that one day he would be the one zooming by…
Change of Pace Ranja met Pastor Simon Mbevi just after Mavuno Church was started in 2005. It was an easy connection given their mutual love for politics. Soon, Ranja had done Mizizi, given his life to Christ and taken part in a leadership & mentoring program. As a result, his sense of purpose and desire for political significance was transformed. God began impressing upon him the idea of leaving a legacy, which then invited the idea that winning elections was possibly not his ultimate priority. Of course, he’s scared of acquiring the “always a bridesmaid, never a bride” label that dogs many politicians. But it isn’t about motorcades, titles and all the trimmings anymore. >
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I know I have a responsibility; to put together a model of honest, transparent LEADERSHIP that transforms the SOCIETY. It’s not just about POLITICS anymore, but about servant leadership.
Fearless Influencer Andrew Ranja says his motivation now is a desire to submit to what God wants of him. These days, he thinks about people like Nelson Mandela whose years in jail helped restore justice to a broken nation. What if he ended up in prison for standing up against injustice? What if he was killed like Martin Luther King Jr. while leading a social revolution? Like everyone else who attends Mavuno Church, Ranja has been challenged continuously to seek his unique, God-given way of “fearlessly influencing society”. 34 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
Ranja knows that his area of influence is leadership; he just doesn’t know the specifics yet… “Though I do not know what has been planned for me, I know I have a responsibility; to put together a model of honest, transparent leadership that transforms the society. It’s not just about politics anymore, but about servant leadership,” Ranja says. But he knows that it will not be easy or quick. He says most Kenyans find the “right way” much too arduous and frustrating, they want things in a rush. He loves the example of Moses, who
TOP: Ranja strolls down the main street of Kiambu town RIGHT: Ranja getting up close and personal with a future voter
commercial hub.
God gave a burning desire to help His people. Moses answered God’s call and ended up being the equivalent of a modern-day president as he shepherded the Israelites out of Egypt and towards the promised land. However Ranja does not want to ever be seen as the answer to anyone’s problems. Instead he’s adamant that people have the capacity and resources to develop their own ideas. “If we cannot clean up our own house, then there is no surprise that the rest of the world will try and clean it for us. We definitely have our own contribution but the lack of leadership prevents us from doing so,” Ranja adds.
Kiambu District has
Pay it Forward
Kiambaa is one of the five constituencies in Kiambu District which is in the Central Province of Kenya. Ever heard of Kiambu Road? Well, turns out it leads to Kiambu Town, the district’s administrative and
a population of about 744,010 human beings. But as of 2005 only 90,355 were registered voters. The district is mostly rural, which means there are lots of cows, goats and chickens -
Nyama Tayari!
According to Ranja, Kenya has a responsibility to the world and its neighboring countries, especially after the terrible events that followed the 2007 polls. He feels Kenya could have the kind of political and economic muscle that could be used to influence others positively. “Transport and energy are the most beneficial resources that Africans could share. But in working together, our governments must be able to do away with bad governance and implement structures that are barren of corruption. In so saying, we could very easily build a railway line from Mombasa to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in order to pool resources, and everyone will benefit. But till then, I don’t think we could ever come together as a United States of Africa.” In the meantime, Ranja has begun forming partnerships with youth groups in Kiambu District. It’s not primarily a political agenda at the moment although he’s planning to run for Member of Parliament for Kiambaa constituency. It’s more about helping them to start businesses, tap into resources like the Youth Development Fund and make a positive impact on society. “I have no end game, just where I know I’ve been led. And I believe God is leading me into leadership. I do not claim to have the answers to everybody’s problems but pray that I can make a change and inspire others to be the change where they are. I used to think that I wanted to be President. If that were to happen then so be it, but my focus has shifted from that need for prestige to just doing what God has called me to do. That’s as far as I can see into the future.” ☐ www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10 35
9
SOLLENTUNA
SWEDEN
CHURCH IN
focus
<
Turebergs
Church ELIAS ERIKSSON is a 27-year-old Swedish theology student and priest-in-training. He is married and has a one-year-old daughter.
ELIAS ERIKSSON WROTE IT AND SNAPPED ‘EM
HERE’S A SNAPSHOT OF SWEDISH CHRISTIANITY: The Church of Sweden (Lutheran) was the statechurch until the year 2000, when church and state were officially separated. About 70 percent of the Swedish population still call themselves members, but less than five percent of them actually attend church regularly. Infant baptism, confirmation and marriage are still strongly celebrated within our culture. There are lots of different groups trying to work together within the Church of Sweden – from liberals to radical charismatics to conservative traditionalists. Other than the Church of Sweden, I think the biggest Christian movement is the Pentecostal one. There are also a few Baptist churches. The RomanCatholic Church has a presence, but it’s relatively small. Many people regard Sweden as the most secular country in the world, and that of course has a big impact on churches. Churches are seldom allowed into schools and are never on TV, radio etc. Most members of the Church of Sweden are actually secular or “private religious”, which is a very popular term here, and can pretty much mean anything.
38 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS BY TALLIUS MYHRMAN
ADJACENT PAGE: Architectural drawings of Turebergs Church currently under construction THIS PAGE: Sollentuna Centrum, a shopping mall that is right next to the new church
I’m sure you’ll agree that this paints a very sad picture. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Several churches are actually growing. We are seeing a lot of people getting into a personal relationship with Jesus, rather than just going to church out of tradition, which has been the case for a couple of generations now. Our prayer is that God continues to carry His church forward.
So about “my” church? Right now we are building Turebergs Kyrka (Turebergs Church) – a new church in Sollentuna, which is 115 kilometers north of the capital Stockholm. Sollentuna is one of the most vibrant parts of Sweden when it comes to Christianity. There are seven churches in Sollentuna and four of them are Church of Sweden. The Sollentuna Centrum Mall has been
rebuilt, and is supposed to draw people from all of Stockholm, so we are building a church right next to it. I am involved in a group from church that organizes a café for young people on Friday nights. I am also involved in organizing “confirmation camps” and other youth initiatives. ☐ www.svenskakyrkansollentuna.com
CAPE TOWN
SOUTH AFRICA
CHURCH IN
focus
<
SUNDAY service is coming to an end just after an altar call. People are picking up their Bibles and journals, ready to exit church. Pastor Tim’s announcement that someone who’s just given his life to Christ wants to give a testimony makes everyone halt. Some members keep standing; others take the seats they recently vacated. Gabriel, a huge-bodied man in his forties turns to face the congregation. Tears in his eyes, he receives the microphone, musters courage and in between deep sobs, starts to speak. “I’d like to apologize to my wife. I’m very sorry. Please forgive me for the many times I’ve beaten you and abused you. I promise, from today, with God’s help, to be a better husband, a better father. Please forgive me,” he says. 40 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
Welcome to His People Church in Cape Town, South Africa - an apostolic church that is Christ-centered and “keeps it real”. After spending two Sundays here, I
the country’s diverse population is well represented. I was blown away by their services. Energetic foot-stomping, handclapping praise smoothly flows into hand-
...there’s no holier-than-thou ATTITUDE and that no one seems to LOOK DOWN upon another have the profound sense that there’s no holier-than-thou attitude and that no one seems to look down upon another. The 2,500-member congregation appears to be a true representation of the Rainbow Nation it’s located in, every segment of
lifting Holy Spirit-filled worship which then leads into a sermon that’s made relevant to every-day life. And just like Mavuno, my home church in Nairobi, His People in Cape Town also has a ‘marathon’! It starts with the opportunity
His People Church
SHARP SHOOTER WROTE IT AND SNAPPED ‘EM
to encounter God during service from where you’re connected to a cell group, which then equips you for service, and eventually sends you out to the unchurched in society to use your unique gifts and skills. His People started in 1988 as a Cape Town University campus fellowship. Many students were on fire for the Lord in those early days and it wasn’t long before their energy infected other students at other campuses across South Africa. Within a few years, His People churches, campus ministries and Bible schools were established in other countries including England and some in Central Europe. Today, His People in South Africa has six different congregations; three of them were created within the last three years.
N1 City is the main congregation, while Baxter, Tokai, Kuilsriver, City Bowl and West Coast are steadily growing. Each new birth has led to a split in the congregation as people moved to the church-plants nearer their homes. N1’s 4,000-capacity church centre now only fills up on days where they hold joint services with Hillsong Cape Town Church or when they’re hosting international speakers like Joyce Meyer. Congregation splits aren’t the only challenge His People have had to overcome. Sexual scandals have rocked the church over the years, forcing several leaders to step aside. In Kenya, transgressions like these would, in most cases, have led to the church’s downfall. His Church seems to have understood that “we’re all sinners living by grace”.
One of the many active ministries at His People is ‘Married for Life’. Steve and Faith Muzee - a Kenyan couple based in Cape Town - guide other married couples through weekly discussions on God’s intentions for marriage. They also conduct sessions where couples are taught to practically apply Biblical teaching to their unions. After thirteen weeks, a retreat is held where couples renew their vows. Other ministries at His People Church are ‘Helps’ which covers hospitality, ‘Cell Groups’, ‘Bible School’, ‘Creative’, ‘Youth’ and ‘Pre-Marital’. His People Church is a member of ‘Every Nation’, a world-wide family of churches and ministries. ☐ www.capetown.hispeople.org
NAIROBI
KENYA
CHURCH IN
focus
<
Mavuno Downtown SARAH WANJA WROTE IT & SNIPER SNAPPED ‘EM
IMAGINE THIS It’s a fine Sunday morning and I decide to make my way to Ufungamano Hall. As I draw near, impressive sounds of music can be heard in the background and my mind is racing - hmmm… will it be boring? Fun? Too hype? Too eccentric? The place is almost packed to capacity with a mostly young and “hip” crowd. Beaming ushers guide me to my seat... so far so good! First impressions: the band is a full ensemble and talk about tech savvy!! With every beat they play, my heart beats faster and my feet discover a new rhythm… soon it’s a jiggle to the left and another to the right as I join in singing wonderful songs of worship. It’s a delightful atmosphere! Welcome to Mavuno Downtown or MDT as its members and regular visitors fondly refer it to. MDT was started in 2006 with just 40 people meeting at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC). Now, this is a church with a great mission, actually it beats watching 24 because here, you are actually part of
an action series! And what’s the mission? Turning people like you and me into bona fide iAgents. Yeah that’s it, at MDT, the plan is to gradually sharpen you into what God wants you to be – “an agent of radical impact in our world”.
Let me tell you more about iAgents: oPlace: It all begins at oPlace. This is any place where you are or have gone to and heard about MDT. oPlace may be on Facebook, over the radio, a website, or perhaps you simply met a friend who invited to go to downtown.
Reality: You may then decide to visit Reality. Reality is the exciting Sunday morning gathering where people meet to celebrate together and learn more from God’s Word.
iGroup: People meet here during the week to interact, build deep meaningful relationships and challenge each other to
become people of impact. iTeam: Once you join an iGroup and have moved further along in your journey of faith, it’s time to make a difference in our community by serving in an iTeam each week. These guys serve at Reality on Sundays or in iGroups. iGroups include 1st Impressions [ushers], Decor Team, Media Team, iTyunz [music team], Prayer Team, Visitors Lounge Team, Set up Crew or you can serve as an iGroup facilitator.
iAgent: Your journey does not end there! Once you start serving the local community you will be ready for further sharpening to impact our world as an iAgent. The iAgent is sharpened and empowered through unique training opportunities at Downtown. For example you can plug into the leadership course when it opens. There you will gain a Godly perspective on how to be a “radically effective” leader of our generation. After this you will be ready to join the School of Prayer – where you will learn to access divine resources for your radically effective leadership.
What unique programs/ activities do you have in place?
who is Pastor Kyama Mugambi Role: Lead Pastor of Mavuno Downtown
Favorite Music: Afro-anything
Passion: Connecting people to God through meaningful expressions of faith
Favorite Book: Haven’t found it yet… still reading
Favorite Food: There’s nothing like a juicy plate of pan fried Githeri! A dash of black pepper and Peptang tomato sauce and you are good to go!
“Ahava is a fellowship for young married couples. Euro will be an annual music extravaganza which, among others, will be started in the course of this year.”
Some “Downtonians” had this to say: Tim has been a member of MDT for two years and works at the NSE (Nairobi Stock Exchange). “I prayed for a while for God to give me a church that I could connect with and my prayers were answered. I heard of MDT, attended the first service two years ago, and have never stopped coming back. It’s special to me because every Sunday is a “real” Sunday. There is always something fresh and new that helps me grow personally and also at work. MDT is not just hype, it fosters personal growth with God.”
Favorite Movie: ...Will attend to it when I find my favorite book. For Leisure: Networking, Cooking, Mechanics, Music making
The place is almost packed to CAPACITY with a mostly young and “hip” CROWD. Beaming USHERS guide me to my seat... so far so good!
Now, let’s ask the Chief iAgent himself, Pastor Kyama Mugambi, some questions: What makes your Church special? “MDT is a gathering of wonderful people, being a ‘church-plant’ of Mavuno also makes it exceptional. Our aim is to reach out to the campus community and surrounding estates from Kileleshwa all the way to Kawangware.”
What is the Vision of MDT? “See the community make an impact for God in all spheres: in the environment, the media, visual and performing arts.”
What are your Values? “We are committed to discovering, learning and through obedience, applying God’s truth in our everyday lives. Relevance which is making our conversation, practice and expressions of worship relevant to
our generation just as God’s word is. We believe that our gathering as God’s people is to be an exciting event that is vibrant and joyful. Authenticity is being real with each other and with God; having authentic relationships and conversations that point us back to our Lord. We are eager to see transformation in each of our lives as we experience God’s love in our community.”
What challenges do you face? “Being new around here is challenging to our growth. We are a fairly small church as for now and to grow we need leaders.”
Plans for the future? Team up with Mavuno initiatives and impact this generation - especially in the arts. We want to reach the city and the continent for Jesus. In terms of growth, our aim by the end of the year is to have 1000 people attending our services, triple the small groups and take 500 people through Mizizi. Overall we want to see lives transformed by God’s truths and bear fruit in the continents.
DJ Sparrxx: “Let me give you a short background story, I was attending a certain church (won’t say which) and I had dreadlocks. Honestly I used to feel so out of place because I had a desire to do ministry, but I could tell that the reason I was not given an opportunity is because of my hair. Anyway I was invited to mix for MDT’s first anniversary and this church simply did it for me. Forget the fact that most guys had either dreadlocks or cornrows, or the way the message was presented, there was the embrace of technology and how it was used to make the service fun. I actually stayed awake through the whole service without even dozing, which was a GREAT feat because it had never ever happened before! How can I describe MDT? I can describe it as a place packed with realness, and a relevance that young adults have so much desired from church, and that has been missing for the longest time. MDT is one of those churches, like Mavuno, that is doing the very thing that Jesus commissioned believers to do, which is to use the resources at our disposal to preach the gospel and like in the case of Jesus, criticism will come but when you see the lives (including mine) that have been transformed, then you best believe the Spirit is alive and kicking.” ☐
www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10 43
ENTERTAINMENT Compiled by SARAH WANJA and RING LEADER
wheels SPINNING
How has being a DJ changed you? Being a DJ has taught me first and foremost how to multi-task. In fact, I do more than multi-task, I “multi-task” if there is such a word. Picture this: one CD is playing, I’m preparing the next one while eating, and at the same time someone is asking for a song. Need I say more? On a serious note, I think first and foremost it has made me more social because to be honest, when it comes to people skills, I think I would say I had a deficiency but because of DJing I am better. In fact, I would say I’m good. Other than that, the fact that I am a DJ speaks volumes about my purpose because before I got saved, I tried to become a DJ but some “friends” charged me too much money to teach me. Amazingly, after I got saved, I taught myself to DJ
using software and I never saw it evolving this much because I always thought I would be a radio DJ. In fact that was one of the reasons I choose the name “Sparrxx”. I thought it sounded mysterious.
How do you choose the songs you play at a gig? The most important thing for me, is to find out the kind of crowd I’m playing for way in advance. This helps me create a “playlist” for the gig. The playlist though is not followed to the letter. It is a guide and is often altered as need arises. In case the organizers aren’t sure about the target group, then I prepare a little something for everyone and as I react to the music, I know exactly what to play.
When do you plan to retire?
DJ
Honestly, I don’t know. I’m thinking a farm house with horses, with the little “Sparrxxlets” (I would like to have as many as a rugby team – Sevens of
44 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
SP
course!!) running around!! Hio swali lakini ni ngumu. (that question is hard)
Who are you when you’re not spinning? Wow!! I’m many things. I’m a brother to three, son to three (for real), housemate (no figure necessary), boyfriend to... wait for it: One! I love small groups hence I have facilitated Mizizi four times, but if you include Mizizi for young people then it’s like eight times. Not to brag but a certain LG (Life Group) is named after me! I am currently leading the Ngumo “Penthouse” LG. I love young people so I’m working with a certain youth church in the city.
What makes you so sure that this is your purpose? To be honest, I’m not completely sure but I‘m certain that this is linked to my purpose. I am not sure how but I think slowly, as I do it, I understand why I need to do it. It’s funny but honestly I always thought DJing was a hobby for me. I had even put the “decks” down for a while until I realized that one of the six sectors of society that Mavuno equips us to reach is media and the arts. That for me was like a wake up call. Then you know how Proverbs 18:16 says that “a gift opens the way for the giver and ushers
PA R on my iPod
him into the presence of the great”, mine has definitely done that. In January I did an event that was attended by the vice president!
When I was called for my first major gig, I thought it was a joke. As they say, the rest is history and I bless God for how far he has brought me.
Where did you come from / how did you get where you are now? Where I came from is a long story
Why are you popular? Dude!! Quit
but the short version is that I grew up a rebellious young man who only partied and partied like a rock star. Using women as disposables (it’s only God that I didn’t catch something bad) though the one thing that was a constant for me was my love for music. In high school, I was the go-to guy on music news - never mind that 60 percent of the stuff was made up. I made mixtapes (they were actually tapes) for fellow students even though I knew nothing about DJing. When I got saved, one of the important questions I asked was “is there any good gospel music?” I therefore did not struggle much with music because I completely immersed myself into gospel music. Music by guys like Cross Movement really ministered to me because hip hop was my thing, but hearing “holy” hip hop that was soo tight lyrically (guys spitting Bible verses) and with a banging beat, that just did it for me. Later on we discovered a DJ software that would allow us to become DJ’s. Slowly my buddy (Kenya’s DJ Fresh – who’s now based in the US) and I began learning how to mix. Since “the steps of the righteous are ordered of the Lord”, I ended up doing a 3-year radio stint on Family FM and this really helped me because I had a weekly show therefore I had to practice a lot.
RX
it with the hard questions... am not sure that am really that popular (am trying to be modest!!)
What challenges do “gospel’ DJs face? The biggest challenge gospel DJ’s face is definitely financial. DJ equipment is not cheap, but many good gospel DJ’s can’t afford it. The other major challenge is that as gospel DJ’s there are not many places that you can mix because we don’t have Christian joints in the city. Therefore if you can’t afford to plan an event (which is costly) then it will be long before you get to actually mix for a crowd and this can be a bit discouraging.
Have you got any beef with the music currently on the airwaves? Most of the music on the airwaves man, it’s too shallow. If it’s not about money, then it’s about sex. The thing for me that’s more worrying is that Kenyan artists are not trying to be original but are actually going down the same road. My opinion is that this is part of the reason as to why gospel music is receiving so much airplay. People want to hear stuff that is positive.
Where can people go to hear you, see you or request a numba? Beginning in March I will be doing a monthly video mix for my Facebook fan page. So join the “DJ Sparrxx” fan page, or book me for your house or office parties, weddings and/or any event. To request a number: just call, e-mail, send a smoke signal or any other form of communication and I will be glad to play your
X
favorite song! ☐
1 Lecrae Desperate
5 Motor City Mass Choir Revival Fire Fall
2 Dunco Trinity
6 Micah Stampley Take My Life
3 Astar Close Your Eyes
7 Hillsong Take It All
9 Israel Houghton Surely Goodness
4 Mary Mary God In Me
8 Deitrick Haddon Love Him Like I do
10 Canton Jones G.O.D remix
CHRISTABEL MISTRI is co-host of the ‘Breakfast Show’ on Hot 96. She loves to act and drops by the KWELI Nerve Centre, whenever time allows, to offer advice and drink tea.
THEATRE
CURTAIN call
Sling&
Stone
We asked MISTRI to kick off KWELI’s very first theatre feature by going behind the scenes with comedic maestro and director Yafesi Musoke and his colleagues. 46 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
What is Sling & Stone all about? Creativity, transformation, and excellence in theatre… with a side helping of lifechanging messages. It’s the drama ministry of Mavuno Church.
Any particular reason for the name Sling & Stone? Small stone drop… umm… big giant. Boom! It… umm… good illustration (Yafesi beats his chest primitively). Plus, it catapults theatre artists to new realms of their art and things they didn’t think they were capable of.
What is it like working with Sling and Stone? Fun, hard, eye-opening, and unpredictable; just the way I like it. Kind of like when you fry your first omelette…
What challenges have you faced being part of the group? Balancing family, work, writing, breakfast, staying photogenic and still trying to give 100% for the group - even when rehearsals are at some weird hour. Working with creative people, and training new actors to “unlearn” what they considered acting is always an interesting challenge too.
Shout out received! So tell me, where would you want to see Sling & Stone in five years?
Can I have some water now? Yeah, I’ll send for some.
Yes! I do think it’s a little extreme! But then again, so is what we rehearse.
So, would it be fair to say that Sling & Stone performs skits or plays? Is there much of a difference between the two? Sling & Stone does both, including plays with skit marks… tee hee! Skits are like samosas…with chilli, while plays are like a 3-course meal… with chilli. The basic theatrical elements are the same in both, but a play takes the time to carry you through a variety of different emotions and characters with whom to empathize. Skits are touch and go with a quick message. I think skits have more creative pressure, though.
What’s the reason behind this?
What is Sling & Stone trying to achieve through its plays?
I hear that before and at the end of each rehearsal, you all pray as a group… a little extreme, yes?
Let’s face it, to have the sort of impact we want, and if the production is going to be even remotely excellent, there’s no way it will work without God. And, as an actor, taking on a character’s persona can leave you quite vulnerable, emotionally and spiritually. Besides, it’s not just rehearsal. It’s a ministry. Sometimes you come for rehearsal and you’re just not up for it. You need to be strengthened in fellowship with people you have something in common with. Prayer is probably the single most important thing we can do in any rehearsal.
Apart from helping you realize that God speaks your language and is serious about you, we want to develop a culture of excellence in theatre arts. There’s too much of the usual stuff. We want you to see things in ways you had never imagined and make you laugh ‘til it hurts, and cry a smidgen and build a legacy of great theatre, even for non-theatre goers. We also want to train as many actors in as many areas of stagecraft as possible. Yeah! I worked some theatre jargon into the conversation! Woohoo! By the way, Kanjii is an amazing guy. Just thought I’d throw a shout-out in there.
Wow, that’s a long time. Do you know how many plays we can do in five years…? Well, I don’t know where we will be, but the foundations have already been laid for amazing theatre and performance; that includes screen acting. The talent in Sling & Stone and Mavuno is exceptional. I’d like to see theatre artists in general earn a good living from their talent. Imagine watching a wonderful movie, and in the credits are all names of guys you know! Sling & Stone should be synonymous with great acting, awesome scripting, wholesome stories, both stage and screen, and excellent staging and production. It should be a platform for actors worth looking up to. (Flag is raised while inspirational soundtrack plays in the background as he speaks.) We need auditoriums… auditoria… what’s the plural… whatever… built with the magical theatrical experience in mind, and fearless actors to tell our stories proudly! If Sling & Stone can be a vital part of that revolution… yeah… that would be nice. Oh, and if anyone is looking for kittens, I think our cat is due in a few weeks… (Flag drops, music stops… crickets take over). I still want my water! >
PREVIOUS PAGE: Scenes from “The Village Christmas” 2009 ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: Yafesi Musoke | A few Sling & Stone members www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10 47
Kanjii Mbugua as ‘Angel Gabriel’ tries to convince a sceptical Joseph to stick by Mary
Wanyaka Gituku plays ‘Rachel’: a woman mourning her murdered son
Who knew - before this solo - that Rigga had pipes like that?
We WANT you to see things in ways you had never IMAGINED and make you laugh ‘til it hurts, and cry a smidgen...
The Three Wisemen (Njora Kanyoro, Levi Samuel Heri and Mark Muchura) take their eyes off ‘the star’ to consult a map!
RING LEADER’S Note: At the time of publication KWELI was still trying to ascertain the cause of Yafesi’s great thirst. We would also like to state publicly and officially that the nutritional needs of people interviewed by this magazine are not our responsibility. Due to the highly unstable nature of the interview at this point, we decided to pull Mistri out for security reasons and encouraged her to seek the perspectives of other members of the group like actors Samuel Levi Heri, Wanyaka Gituku and John Shabaan.
Wanyaka: The bottom line is to win souls for Christ and Sling & Stone does this through theatre. I think of it as Ministry. That’s really amazing but I suspect that it’s a big undertaking.
Hello Heri, Wanyaka, John… Thank you for taking out the time to spend with me.
John: Being an intensely private person, being a part of S&S has been a challenge for me - not always being able to hide or be in the shadows. While I was doing Mizizi I came to the realization that I need to plug into the church community and use what talent I may have to be of service.
Heri: Okay
What do you think Sling & Stone is trying to achieve? Heri: I think that we are trying to become a family of artists, that love and care about each other. We are focused on sharpening the skills of one another with the intention of providing entertainment with a message that brings the audience closer to God and the realities of life. John: I believe S&S seeks to present the gospel through its productions… 48 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
What are some of the things that make it easier to achieve this goal? Heri: Well, First and foremost… The people. Wanyaka: Pure awesomeness! They are the best bunch of people ever.
You seem a little quiet over there John what about you?
Heri: We have all developed the ability to operate without pressure in a fun way. There is a wonderful sense of openness and there is fun flexibility to ideas generated within the group.
Okay, what are the challenges? Wanyaka: Mmm… let me see. Nothing really… At least nothing that can’t be sorted out individually and as a team.
Heri: I think that there are people who are interested to join and have come for auditions. I think that we have failed them by not contacting them and making them apart of the plays even if they don’t act.
So what would you suggest to remedy this problem? Heri: I would suggest that after auditions are done, individuals who have showed up should be given a chance to be with the rest of the team, act and interact with them, more or less like a football team - not everyone plays on the match day but they all train together.
Excellent, I love that idea! Okay, parting shot question. Where would you want to see Sling & Stone in five years? Wanyaka: Gosh, I have so many dreams and prayer points for this group. I would love to see Sling and Stone do more plays - not just the Easter and Christmas plays - and reach out to more people. John: Definitely, I hope S&S will be able to put on more productions in this year and it would be nice to do something for TV or a series - maybe go on tour. I’d like to be able to put some of my other talents to use as well. ☐
The body of the famous Rabbi from Galilee has gone missing from his tomb! Everyone wants to know, who is responsible? Where is the body? Is it all part of a mass cover-up by the religious leaders? A publicity stunt by the Rabbi’s former disciples? Or has everyone just gone mad?! This Easter join Kijiji Records and Mavuno Church as they relive the confusing hours after the single most important morning in the world’s history. Uncover mass conspiracies, listen to eye-witness accounts and boldly go where no sane man has gone before... with a little help from a lunatic who claims to see dead people! A Village Easter Experience; Will the real ‘body guards’ please stand up!’
50 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
WOULD A BAND BY ANY OTHER NAME STILL SOUND AS SWEET?
CHRISTABEL MISTRI WROTE IT & SHARP SHOOTER SNAPPED ‘EM
We’re embarrassed to say that we only recently heard about a young Christian rock band that was making waves in Nairobi. But we hope that we’ve made up for our cluelessness by immediately dispatching MISTRI and
SHARP SHOOTER to corner the idiosyncratic melody makers so that KWELI’s readers can be in the know. Here is a transcript of the interrogation that ensued and some of the photographs that we have added to our growing dossier on the rock group Bloodshed… 52 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
THAT’S right, Bloodshed people! Not an obvious name choice for a band that relies on Christian principles for inspiration. It’s interesting because before I met up with the members of this unique group, I was tempted to dub them a “Christian rock band”. Then I realized that there is no such thing as a “Christian anything” in this world, there’s only things influenced or used by Christians. For example, you can easily mistake a building full of Christians, as a Christian building. You see, “the building” stays the same… it’s what’s inside that determines how the building is perceived. Get the difference? It’s important that we understand this concept because if we
don’t we may misinterpret a lot of things. I must confess I nearly made the same mistake with Bloodshed. I must admit that the name Bloodshed threw me off. I was like, “How on earth could you name a Christian rock band, Bloodshed?! Honestly, children of nowadays! Tut, tut, tut…” (Don’t forget the disapproving turn of the head!) Boy, didn’t God sort me out quick, fast, and in a hurry! My spirit was restless until I took the time to get past the name and consider the frontline initiative my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ were trying to put out there. So just like Inspekta Mwala: this little girl here had to investigate! >
making people realize that ROCK isn’t
“Bloodshed” comes from Colossians 1:20 “…and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on EARTH or things in HEAVEN, by making peace through his BLOOD shed on the
Ciru Gichaga
Dan Nduati
cross...”
David Wanjohi a.k.a. Brownskin
Marcus Kibukosya * was unavailable for Mistri’s interrogation
NOISE but rather a GENRE that can be used to GLORIFY God
The following takes place between
5:00PM
and
5:30PM
The following takes place between
5:30PM
and
6:00PM
Hello, guys how are you? Looking sharp I must say!
So apart from uninformed opinions… What’s it like being in Bloodshed?
Dan: Thank you, thank you.
Ciru: Working with Bloodshed is fun, but it is really hard work. I mean, I can honestly say that there are times I really don’t want to be in a band because it can get really hard, really uncomfortable and takes a lot from you.
So tell me a little bit about yourselves? Brownskin: Okay, I am a student… currently in 1st year 2nd semester doing Law at Catholic University and ACCA (Part 2) at Strathmore University. Ciru: Well, right now I am unemployed. I may be fully employed soon... as a non-glamorous, back office banker! Although, I am hoping to be a pilot some day!
But…? Ciru: But its totally worth it when you see the work of your hands come together, and when you see that all the sacrifices that you had to make were not in vain.
Dan: I am a former Corporate Banker but now I’m into e-Commerce and I am also a Social Entrepreneur.
Brownskin: I have enjoyed it so far it has been great fun and mad pressure coz I have to live up to the standards set by my predecessor (Josh Kiama) who’s an amazing bassist.
Uhuh-uhuh… Why the name Bloodshed? (I couldn’t wait. I had to ask the burning question!)
But…?
Ciru: Why not? I know, the title is a little unsettling but the name Bloodshed, has really helped us draw people into conversations about what we are about. Since we are Christians playing rock music, the name of our band has enabled us to talk to people about God and why He is so amazing. Dan: We also are able to introduce scripture when we talk to those interested in learning about our band. You see the name Bloodshed comes from Colossians 1:20 “…and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood shed on the cross…” Bloodshed was just us summarizing this verse that has come to mean so much to us all.
Okay… I see… but I’ve got to ask. How does the public react to you guys? Dan: Well, weddings are the most fun!
I can only imagine the reception from “respectable” people that you’ve never met… waiting for you to arrive so you can play wonderful ballads for them… Dan: And then we are presented to the audience. “Ladies and Gentlemen, put your hands together for… Bloodshed!” I’m telling you even before we’ve played we are just being judged from head to toe! Ciru: It’s hard because we get comments like, “rock… oh, it’s the devil’s music!” even before they’ve heard our style. I think people hear the word rock music and their minds jump to people screaming, out of control, playing heavy metal whilst breaking instruments! Dan: Which we certainly are not. We are generally people with a happy demeanour, and laughter is just a part of our daily lives. This notwithstanding, our songs tend to be poignant. Musically we may vary, as some tracks fall under the genre of hard rock while other tracks are very acoustic and mellow. Ciru: Even though they recognise that we are worth listening to it’s still not enough. I mean, once someone came up to me and said something along the lines of “you guys are really good, it’s just a shame that you’re Christians!”.
54 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
Brownskin: But generally the Bloodshed fraternity is an amazing group of people and thank God for them. Dan: It’s the most exciting thing I do. I’m clearly able to display my creative talents and I never get tired of playing. I can’t wait for the day when we have a management team and all I’ll have to worry about is playing guitar and writing songs.
But…? Dan: Well, It’s been difficult, especially over the past year as band leader. Sometimes I feel alone as the only one who believes or truly sees the bands enormous potential.
I hear you! Sometimes I really wonder if anyone will ever catch on that I have a voice that has great potential! (Coughing…“hint, hint!”) Dan: Pardon me, I didn’t hear that? What did you say?
Oh, umm nothing! I was asking what you wanted to achieve through your music… (Cough) Dan: Oh right… umm. I’d say we have our personal goals. Ciru: Yeah, I think we are just trying to play music. Dan: For me, music is something that I love and I would like to play at a professional level before I leave the band, but at the same time. Ciru: Music that expresses who we are, what we feel, what we believe and music highlights our experiences. Dan: Exactly, I mean I’m serving God through Bloodshed. I’m in the position that He wants me to serve Him... just doing Gods work. Ciru: You know we end up sending the message of Christ’s love, the hope and grace that he provides to all of us sinners. Brownskin: In a nutshell, Bloodshed is trying to reach out to the community to bless it with their music and make them aware of how God has been good to them. It’s also making an effort to transcend the stigma associated with rock music and make people realize that rock isn’t noise but rather a genre that can be used to glorify God. Right guys? Ciru & Dan: (Slightly shocked by Brownskin’s smooth response) Uhhuh… what he said.
The following takes place between
6:00PM
and
6:30PM
Okay, so what are the challenges? Brownskin: What challenges have I faced being part of the group? I have been playing for about four months I have to live up to the standard of my predecessor who was nothing short of an amazing bassist. He is more or less the yardstick/ touchstone by which I judge myself. Ciru: It’s hard being the only chic, so it really sucks when you are going through a ‘chic moment’ and everyone looks at you like you crazy! Brownskin & Dan: What are you talking about? What ‘chic moments’? Ciru: See what I mean? Anyway, it has been challenging when we play our music. Dan: For example, there have been a couple of times when we have played in competitions like Battle of the Bands and without fail we have either been in second or third place but never first. Ciru: We aren’t sore losers but we feel that it’s uncomfortable for people to give us support for our music. We try not to speculate too much because we do enjoy what we do regardless of the outcome. Oh… and the other thing is the amount of time that one puts into the band. Brownskin: I feel you on that point!
Time? What’s challenging about that? Brownskin: Time has been a major fallback since I do two courses at the same time among other things. Ciru: Well, I’m just going to give an example here. Let’s say sometimes you have to go for praco when some guy you really, really like wants to take you out on a date at the exact same time... oh the horror... and sometimes you just feel really tired, stretched thin. Other times there is so much tension because of various disagreements, but you have to stick it out and persevere if you want a band to stay together. It’s a good thing none of these examples bother me… cough, cough… (the sound of crickets) what...?
So where would you like to see Bloodshed in about 5 years? Brownskin: Where would I want to see Bloodshed in five years? Ciru: Far, far away! Not gone, or disappeared; but far as in successful! I may not be in the band then, but I hope some really hot chic that can sing better than me, and playing even more instruments than I do will take my place. Dan: I’d like to see Bloodshed as an international touring act with three albums under its waist and as always doing God’s work. Brownskin: God-willing I would like us to be one of the greatest rock bands in Kenya, Africa, and quite frankly the world has ever seen! The following takes place between
6:30PM
and...
Good grief… is that the time!? Wow, time flies when you’re having fun… sniff, sniff… Alright chaps, what’s your parting shot? Ciru: Bloodshed is not just a band to me… it has helped me, even saved me, from a destructive lifestyle I would have definitely been a part of. I hope it does the same for many young people, regardless of whether I am in it or not! Brownskin: I would also wish to see people appreciate our music and hope they apply the message we are trying to pass on… Dan: I think we’ve covered the important points…
May God bless you and give you favour with all your plans. Bloodshed: Amen, God bless you all! ☐
Dan: I’d say the biggest challenge has been the departure of some members, which meant that we had to train a new band. Again, this takes some time.
How recently did this affect your band? Dan: This came just as we were about to record our long awaited album and everything seemed so right and to be finally coming together after so long. It’s sad leaving a group of people that you have known so well and grown up with, sharing passion and vision.
Despite this unfortunate set back, when do you think we can look forward to buying Bloodshed’s first album? Dan: God-willing, in the second half of this year we should have something concrete. Right now we are really relying on God to make several connections that will enable us to put our music out there.
www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10 55
ADVERTORIAL
JUSTUS
Owaka is a passionate man. And that passion rings out loud and clear whenever he pushes the “On Air” button to speak to his fans during one of the shows he presents for Hope FM in Nairobi. “This is my purpose! It’s like when Mordecai told Esther that she had been raised up for such a time. I know that God has put me here at Hope FM, at this time, to reach out to my generation,” says the 28year-old during a commercial break. Justus’s popular drive time show ‘Route 104’ comes on weekdays from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and covers diverse topics ranging from politics to social etiquette. The last hour is reserved for worship songs and that’s usually when he shares a devotional message and takes prayer requests and testimonies from listeners. “Many of the secular stations out there are not giving people an alternative. Hope FM gives you a message of hope, love, faith and reasons to look forward to another day,” he adds. Hope FM was started in 2003 by Christ is the Answer Ministries. Justus’s show is a daily reminder of how far the station has come since then. “The show is called ‘Route 104’ because when Hope FM began, the frequency they were given was 104.4 which only reached Nairobi at the time. The station’s main
item was a drive show hosted by former station manager David Mukuyu. The name of my drive show was chosen as a way to remember our humble beginnings. Everyone uses a certain route to get home, and we started with channel 104 so that’s how it came about.” But its not all fun and fame when you’re behind the mic at Hope FM. Justus was wrapping up Route 104 one evening when woman sent him a text. She had been raped, infected with an STI (sexually transmitted infection) and was pregnant with her attacker’s baby. She was contemplating suicide. “I almost broke down. My boss had to come in and help me control my emotions. But it’s amazing how God works, He gave me the words to say to her,” Justus says. “My favorite song at the moment is ‘Right Now Praise’ by Jonathan Nelson because it doesn’t matter what you’re going through, you need to just praise God, right now, because that praise could bring your breakthrough!” It’s that commitment to sharing their listeners’ stories of struggle and triumph that have led to the various programs on offer when you tune to 93.3. For example, Justus also hosts ‘Clarity’, a relatively new show where gospel artists are invited into the studio to discuss their lyrics, lifestyle and plans for the future.
“It’s important because the line can get very thin. People get a chance to call in and find out from the artist what their song means and where they were coming from because sometimes you can’t tell the difference,” says the presenter, who’s also part of Praise Avenue, a worship music group. And there isn’t much difference in the Justus you see on and off the radio it seems. His hobbies: playing basketball, watching movies, hanging out with friends and making music with Praise Avenue, point to a persona that’s funloving and energetic - whether he’s in “on air” or not…
SPORTS AND REQUEST
Program Profile ACTIVATE
ROUTE 104!
Monday - Friday, 5am -9am This show is unpredictable, inspirational and always full of information. It has a way of brightening our listeners’ day, inspiring them and lifting a downcast spirit. Activate gears them up for the day. Join our presenter as he discusses the day’s happenings, gives you: the latest in news, weather and traffic, plus chances to win gifts. The thought for the day will also come your way on this show.
Mon – Friday, 4pm – 7pm Evening drive time on Hope FM is along Route 104. News, traffic and weather updates are positioned to make sure that you get home safely. Along the way, you will relax with the best in worship, R & B and jazz music and again get a chance to win gifts in various competitions. There’s trivia and jokes on this show to lighten your mood.
PRAISE JUNCTION Mon – Friday, 10am – 1pm Wambui is warm as she deals with real life issues on her show. She interviews personalities who’ve been there and came through successfully. In the latter part of the show she makes your lunch hour worthwhile with soothing worship music. This show has the highest listenership and cuts across the demographic ranges. Tune in for answers to life questions and Bible questions as well.
SHANGILIA! Mon – Friday, 1pm – 4pm This is a straight three hour session of the latest in local gospel music. It’s entertaining, allowing our listeners to pomp up the music in the background as they carry on their daily activities. It’s quite popular as it concentrates on the rapidly growing local talent in gospel music, especially within the youth and young adults.
BREATH OF HEAVEN Mon – Thursday, 7pm – 10pm Monday - Primarily life issues not often spoken about such as pornography, HIV and AIDs related issues, depression and etc. Tuesday - Family related matters - sibling rivalry, the marriage relationship, relating to house helps and etc. Wednesday - Finance and work-related career thoughts. Thursday - Usually questimony night, where song requests are given and testimonies of what God has done are shared. Every Monday to Thursday, the show is interspersed with mellow music and worship to soothe the mind and heart.
SPOTLIGHT Fridays, 7pm – 8pm The Spotlight zooms in on the political issue taking place during the week. The presenter’s incisive style of questioning will make leading political figures objectively answer issues. He will go down to the issues affecting the common man, and dissect them with the politicians who are supposed to offer solutions.
Saturdays, 2pm – 4pm Weekends are not complete without your favorite selection. The interactive show centers around weekly sports update, and as our listeners call in for their favorite song, your Saturday afternoon is well spent.
TOP 30 INTERNATIONAL COUNTER DOWN Saturday 11.00am to 2.00pm The one undisputed authority when it comes to top 30 international and local hits of the week. It’s an explosive ride all the way to Number 1, made even more enjoyable by our enigmatic presenters. Local and international artists meet in our giant melting pot and battle it out for the top honors the ultimate price being to make it to the Throne Room as song of the month.
YESU NDIYE NJIA Friday 8.00am – 10.00pm For our Swahili fans, tune in for uplifting praise and worship, along with informative discussions.
TREASURE HUNT Saturday 8.00am – 10.00pm Saturday Best-Seller! For someone to have so many tricks, trivia and riddles is... well... perplexing, but Uncle Sam’s top-rated children’s show, not only grabs the children but the parents as well! Treasure Hunt with Uncle Sam is up to something, and only you can figure it out... if you can!
PLUG-IN Saturday 7.00am – 11.00pm Plug-In is a show that plugs you into the truth about Jesus Christ, keeps it real every Saturday for the young at age and young at heart. Unwind to the hottest mixes.
ADVERTORIAL
www.hopefm.org +254 20 2730986/7/9 info@hopefm.org
WITH MARY WAMBUI THERU, a freelance television producer who writes and studies literature – especially of the African variety. She is a post-graduate student at Rhodes University, South Africa and a member of MDT (Mavuno Downtown).
PAGE turner
REVIEW
bo o k s Abba’s Child The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging by Brennan Manning
must read pretty good not too bad nothing special leave it on the shelf 58 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
Define yourself radically as one BELOVED by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is ILLUSION. I HAD made up my mind sometime ago to review an amazing new book by an African author - preferably female. I am biased and I admit it. So off I went to the bookstore and sure enough, I found some great and not so great new novels. I could write about one of them, but I kept getting drawn back to Brennan Manning’s Abba’s Child. It’s a book I read about three years ago then lent to a friend who then returned it at some point in December 2009. I found it again when unpacking a neglected backpack recently. Abba’s Child asks us to consider two questions, the very same questions that have been plaguing humanity for as long as we’ve existed. It’s the same question Jesus asked Peter his disciple: “Who do you say I am?” In light of Peter’s response, that Jesus is the Christ and the Messiah, Abba’s Child then asks: “Who do you say you are?” The underlying theme of the book is captured in the statement that completes the third chapter, which is titled ‘The Imposter’. It reads: “define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is illusion.” If ever you’ve grappled with your identity and sought to find it in all manner of places, then this book is for you. If you’re in the business of self-flagellation and self-criticism in the hope that this will earn you God’s approval, then I guess this one’s good for you too. If you’ve ever wondered whether Jesus would hang out with you if He were to once again walk the earth in human form as He did thousands of years ago, then read Abba’s Child. Some critics of Manning, however, castigate him for being “too mystical” and ascribing to ideas of universalism, which means he believes in the doctrine of god residing in every man, thus denying the supremacy of Christ and His finished work on the cross. But I beg to differ; at least on
this particular book. I feel the emphasis is on the discovery of the true nature of our relationship with God and our need for intimacy with Him as our Father, or as Jesus called Him, our abba or our daddy. How confounding is the reality that the allpowerful, magnificent God of the universe would have us call him daddy? The first chapter urges us to come out of hiding. It’s a call to live in authenticity and vulnerability before our Creator, who loves and accepts us even in the murk of our own sinfulness. The decision to come out of hiding, Manning says, is our initiation into the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. It brings its own reward. We stand in the ‘truth that sets us free’ and live out of the ‘reality that makes us whole’. We live in “accepted tenderness” realizing that we are Abba’s delight. I think one of the things, I enjoy most though is the poetry of Manning’s expression. In the chapter mentioned earlier, ‘The Imposter,’ he addresses the need for us to take off the masks of selfprotection and pride that keep us from truly loving God, ourselves and people. Here’s one of my favorite quotes: “when belonging to an elite group eclipses the love of God, when I draw life and meaning from any source other than my belovedness, I am spiritually dead. When God gets relegated to second place behind any bauble or trinket. I have swapped the pearl of great price for painted fragments of glass.” As to the demerits of Manning’s book, I would caution that you read it always with the consciousness that grace is not license to sin, and that there is in fact a standard that God has set for us. I would say read it alongside the Bible, always weighing what Manning writes against scripture. The rest I will let you discover for yourself. ☐
ra d io GUIDE
CAPITAL FM
ON THE
GOSPEL TRAXX Sunday 6:00am – 8.00am Wake up to the best of gospel music early on Sunday morning.
air
RADIO 3:16 JAM 3:16
PRAYER CIRCLE
Daily 6:30am – 10.00am Mike-on-the-Mic accompanies you as you drive to work every morning.
Daily 7.00pm – 8.00pm The Prayer Circle is designed to encourage people through prayer and thanksgiving.
3:16 DRIVE
SATURDAY NIGHT MIX
Daily 4.00pm – 7.00pm Fred Njiri keeps you company as you head home through the madness of evening traffic.
10.00pm - 1.00am Your Saturday nights are set to change as you spent time listening to this great mix of music.
IT’S ON!
POWER PRAISE
Saturday 4.00pm - 6.00pm A weekly sport show with a difference!
Sunday 4.00pm - 6.00pm This show will ward off the “Monday blues” that are starting to creep in...
PRAISE GOD ITS SUNDAY Sunday 7.00am – 9.00am Wake up to wonderful, inspirational music that will get you in the mood to worship our Lord.
CLASSIC CHRISTIAN GOLD Sunday 1.00pm - 2.00pm No trip down memory lane has ever been this exciting!
INTERNET RADIO
AIR 1
iPrayze
www.air1.com
www.iprayze.com
Go to their website and listen live to some of the best Christian rock and alaternative.
It’s an online ministry that provides internet users with sermons, contemporary and traditional gospel music.
www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10 59
COUCH
potato
GUIDE
tv
ONE GOSPEL TV
FAMILY TV
IN CONCERT WITH...
SHAKE
Monday 10:00am, 7.00pm Tuesday 10.00am Saturday 2.00pm Sunday 8.00am, 6.00pm “In Concert With” brings you Gospel performances by a mix of local and international artists.
Saturday 8.00pm - 10.00pm A Groove Award nominated music show that entertains, inspires, and uplifts people through contemporary Christian music.
INTERNATIONAL MIX Teusday 6.00am, 12.00pm, 5.00pm, 10.00pm An international Music Mix of the best Gospel out there, from Africa to the States. All Music Mix Hours on 1G feature uninterrupted music with no commercial breaks.
MALE HOUR Monday 7.00am,2.00pm Tuesday 4.00pm Friday 3.00pm This slot is an exclusive 1G Interactive Music Mix Hour. To suggest your personal selection of songs for this Male Hour, go to the 1g website and use the interactive schedule.
WEST AFRICA MIX Thursday 6.00am, 5.00pm,10.00pm In this Music Mix hour, the best of contemporary & traditional Gospel from the vibrant West Africa.
FEMALE HOUR Thursday 7.00am Friday 4.00pm Saturday 9.00am INTERACTIVE - To suggest your personal selection of songs for Female Hour, log onto the 1G website now.
LEGEND Thursday 4.00am Friday 3.00pm Sunday 11.00am,11.00pm A tribute to the legends of gospel. Sit back and take in a Music Mix of legendary proportions. 60 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
CROSSTALK Saturday 6.00pm - 8.00pm Join Fred and his invited experts as they tackle various issues including family, politics and religious affairs.
NTV CROSSOVER 101 Sunday 11.30PM An arrangement of both local and international Gospel music, hosted by the K-Crew.
CITIZEN TV STOMP Saturday 3:30pm - 5:00pm A popular gospel music show with the latest local and international music.
MAVUNO CHURCH SERVICE Sunday 9:00am - 11:00am
SHANGILIA Sunday 4:10pm - 4:50pm A gospel show that features local gospel music and is hosted by the renowned gospel musician, Esther Wahome.
KTN FAMILY GLORY Sunday 8.00am
TURNING POINT Sunday 9.00am
JOYCE MEYER MINISTRIES Sunday 9.30am
Yes, they went out and created a colorful world where blue people with a cool language live. And yes, humans needed to satisfy their desire to conquer the universe the only way they know how: violently! Still the only remotely great thing about this movie is the dragonlike creatures. Once you get over the graphics, that’s all there is to Avatar. Let’s see how much compe it get’s from ‘Hurt Locker’.
This is a movie about the terrible things that anger can motivate you to do. It’s also a gritty look at how thin the line between right and wrong can get sometimes. It’s also about the shortcomings of human systems of justice. Don’t try any of it at home.
The Blind Side
Precious
If this one doesn’t get an Oscar, something is seriously wrong with the world as we know it. This is not just another “white person helps colored person” movie. This movie has lessons on generosity, unconditional love and determination that we should all learn.
If you can make it through the slow start, you may (just as we did) love this movie. It’s real, and it’s sad. But apart from the seemingly ‘over the top‘ dramatics and slow pace, the solo act by Mo’nique is stellar to say the least and this movie does deserve any recognition it gets.
The Hangover
Up in the Air
Just when you think it couldn’t get any worse for these guys, it does. If you appreciate foolishness, you’ll love this movie. If you are a sensible, grounded, relatively sane person, then this movie is like that mosquito that insists on buzzing in your ear at five in the morning.
This movie is an onion. We can see how a lot people would be bored by it. But once you recognise that it has a lot of layers, you’ll come to appreciate what a great satire it is of modern life in which people are individualistic, greedy and mean.
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, and Tim McGraw
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Gerard Butler
Starring: Mo’nique, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz and Gabourey Sidibe
Starring: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman, and Danny R. McBride
Inglorious Basterds
District 9
A brutal group of special ops soldiers are sent into Nazi-occupied Europe to spread terror amongst German troops. If you can stomach the intolerable amount of blood and bullets, you will be blown away by Waltz’s performance. He’s the best, bad guy we’ve ever seen!
Screaming and bloodshed are telltale signs of any science fiction movie. And this is no exception. Some really like this, some really hate it, but our guy who reviewed it found it “amusing” and “cumbersome”. An alien species is subjected to segregation and prejudice in South Africa... we wonder where they got that idea?
Starring: Brad Pitt, Mélanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz, Eli Roth, Michael Fassbende
potato
Law Abiding Citizen
COUCH
m o v ie s
Avatar
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang
GUIDE
THE Oscars are happening on Sunday March 7. True to form there are heated debates across the globe about who will win what and why. Not to be left out of the excitement KWELI’s NERVE CENTRE went out and watched a load of movies and ate a tons of popcorn. Here’s what we loved and hated. Clearly there are a lot of movies we didn’t watch and that aren’t represented here – we’ve got day-jobs oh!
Starring: many aliens, screaming crowds and special effects nerds
www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10 61
WITH REY HAEMA, a fashionista and avid people-watcher based in Nairobi with a keen eye for emerging trends and unique awareness of ‘what’s hot or not’.
LIFESTYLE
FASHION queen
ShoppingSmart AS hard as shopping for clothes in Nairobi may seem, you just have to do some ‘people watching’ around town to discover that Kenyans still manage to stay trendy. Here‘s what most people do:
Flea a market: There are lots of second hand clothes, shoes, bags – whatever you want - hanging by the roadside or next to the vegetables at the market. Truth be told, you can even find amazing designer items for an nth of what they were worth when the original buyer had to donate a kidney in order to pay for them. If you don’t like foraging for clothes under the hot sun, there are dealers who can bring the merchandise to you, and after you dryclean and starch – it’s good to go!
Stall for time: You only have to take a walk in the city to find the little 6X6 cells crammed full of new clothes from the East. It may seem like sometimes feels like if you have been to one, you’ve been to them all, but if you are patient and stick with it – you will make a buy. Be careful about the quality of the stuff you get here though as cheap really is expensive.
Store your options: There are some blingy looking stores in town – thing is the price tags they carry are equally bling. One thing I have noticed though is that few of these stores keep up with current fashion trends and sometimes the quality of the clothes and shoes is questionable. Many stores over-price to make their rents, not because they are carrying hot-off-thecatwalk fashion so before you fork out your inheritance, visit a few other stores and compare, compare, compare! When you do find a quality, trendy store, then you can save up for what you want and get a pricey piece or two that will last a long time and can be mixed and matched with flea market or tailored stuff.
Take a mag-shot: Sometimes what you want is on a star who is on a red carpet – in Hollywood - in a glossy magazine hmm! No way any flea market or shop in this town could have it. So cut it out, buy some fabric and take a trip to see a clever tailor or designer or both. Note the word 62 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
‘clever’ is key here because many a yard of fabric has been sacrificed needlessly by people who don’t know what they are doing - let alone how to stitch.
...you can even find amazing DESIGNER ITEMS for an nth of what they were worth Bud-a-plane: Few of us have jobs that can fly us to the fashion capitals of the world or pay us enough to have us take a trip abroad whenever we can, but many of us have buddies, colleagues or friends with moms that do! Take advantage of this and do what is commonly referred to as ‘sending’ in Kenya i.e. ‘si I send you for those gladiator heels every one is wearing?’ To ‘send’ someone, information is key: Know your measurements, how a UK 6 varies from an American 6, when the best sales are happening blah blah blah! Most stores are now online so you can even do print outs of what you want for clarity. Allow for a few mistakes now and then though – the top you thought looked red online could really be fuchsia when it gets to you, and maybe you really needed those heels in a six-and-a-half but bear it and you are guaranteed some amazing bargains. ☐
ADVERTORIAL
WITH FRANK MUTUA an entrepreneur with a rare sense of style and a keen eye for the latest fashion trends.
LIFESTYLE
FRANKLY fashionable
Season’sSizzlers
from Barton’s at Prestige Plaza 2010 has found me in desperate need of an upgrade to my wardrobe. I looked into my closet and realized the items in it were still stuck in early 2006! Part of the reason for this sorry state of affairs has been my habit of occasionally wandering from one shop to another at malls, just randomly picking out a shirt here and a trouser there, without necessarily having a plan. Another reason has been my sheer ignorance of evolving fashion trends. Then of course there’s the minor issue of believing in the theory that ‘old is gold’ as far as clothing items are concerned. There are a few shops I have walked into which offer depth of quality in terms of what they stock - from formal office wear to casual and evening wear. Barton’s, which is situated on the first floor of Prestige Plaza, is a cut above the rest. I first shopped there in 2006, hence my wardrobe dilemma! It was the first time I had gone on a shopping spree, spending a decent amount of money to upgrade my entire wardrobe. This shop is to me what kryptonite is to Clark Kent. 64 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
I have selected my favorite clothing items from the current collection, mostly for personal therapy but I’ll also share them with you:
Formal office wear 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
Suits from Zignone at Kshs. 30,000 Aquaviva or Cabana shirts at Kshs. 5,000 Formal black shoes from Cabana at Kshs. 15,000 Tie set from Edi at Kshs. 1,500 Various cufflink sets from Famozo at Kshs. 3,500
Evening wear 1) 2) 3) 4)
Slim fit shirt from Massimo Mario Dessuti at Kshs. 5,000 Casual jackets from Desch and Zignone at Kshs. 15,000 Khaki pants from Dockers and Timberland at Kshs. 4,000 Semi formal shoes from Gucci at Kshs. 6,000
Casual wear 1) Jeans from Umo at Kshs 4,000 2) Slim fit shirts from Ruffini and Massimo Mario Dessuti at Kshs. 5,000 3) Loafers from D&G, Gucci and Lacoste at Kshs. 6,000 See you at therapy… enjoy! ☐ NOTE: Barton’s has other branches at Junction, Westgate and Village Market shopping malls.
BRENNEN MATTHEWS is the Managing Editor of Destination Magazine, the newest travel and leisure magazine to hit the stands.
LEISURE
GETTING away
Kilifi the perfect holiday getaway
WHEN I think of paradise on earth, my mind quickly drifts away to sun-soaked shores lined with swaying palms and ancient baobab, where peace and serenity abound, and the rush of the world seems to fade away. I think of Kilifi. Arriving in Mombasa can be a shocking event for those new to the coast. Stepping from the comfortable air conditioned aircraft into the sweltering humidity of our port city can be surprising for those not in the know. Some visitors have been known to shrink back inside the plane, repulsed by the sunshine others find soothing. Driving through the mayhem that Mombasa has become in recent years also takes some doing, adding unnecessary stress for those
66 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
seeking rest and an escape. However, once safely through the maze of vehicles and pushcarts, the road is open and your holiday awaits. Kilifi is located a mere 64 kilometers from the airport. Driving along the coast doesn’t elicit the usual headaches. The tarmac is smooth and depending on the time of day you’re travelling, you just might be the only vehicle on the road, which also helps banish all lingering tension and anxiety. The easy drive allows you to just sit back and soak in the scenery and soon giant baobabs are bidding you welcome to the land of holiday. Arriving in Kilifi is like stepping back in time, into a simpler period where going
about your day slowly, and practicing hospitality still meant something. The town is small and intimate, built alongside one of the country’s most lovely seafronts, Bofa Beach. Known mainly for its holiday homes, Kilifi does not suffer from the regular tourist traffic that plagues the rest of the country. Many visitors simply take residence at a beach or creek home during their stay, putting their feet up while phasing out the outside world. The beach, famed for its breathtaking beauty, is surprisingly wide and boasts of deep white sand that is cool to the touch of tired bare feet. Giriama fishermen patrol the beach, always eager to say hello and seek a patron for the fresh fish that they caught in the morning
MAIN PICTURE: Bofa Beach RIGHT: Kilifi Bay Bungalow TOP RIGHT TO BOTTOM: Mnarani Ruins | Kilifi Bay | Kilifi Bay outdoor beach bar
hours. If you love seafood there is no better location than Kilifi to find fresh and affordable prawns, crab, lobster and squid. Kilifi is home to three main resorts that are each located on the water: Mnarani Club, Kilifi Bay and Baobab Sea Lodge. Mnarani Club, a 78-year-old establishment that is now South African owned, faces the Kilifi Creek and has stunning views of the ocean. Its enormous infinity swimming pool seems to simply drop over the cliff and down into the sea below. Mnarani Club has 80 comfortable rooms and guests have a choice of either garden or sea-facing accommodation. Kilifi Bay, a large but simple resort owned by the Mada Hotel Group, is situated on what is arguably the
best stretch of beach on the North Coast. Its pristine white sandy beach and clear turquoise waters make for an incredible holiday. Kilifi Bay boasts of 49 airconditioned rooms built in a cottage-style design. There are two swimming pools and unlimited free massages for all hotel guests. Baobab Sea Lodge, also owned by the Mada Group, is a quaint lodge that has 20 rondavel-style rooms. If sitting back and soaking in the sun as the cool sea breeze caresses you skin is not your idea of a relaxing time, then Kilifi also has a lot of captivating activities for the more task-oriented holiday maker. All three hotels provide a wide selection of excursions and activities
to keep you occupied throughout your stay. These include parasailing, kayaking, sailing, traditional Maasai and Giriama dancing and acrobatic performances. They also organize trips into the surrounding Giriama villages and day trips into Mombasa and Malindi towns. Excursions to the famous Mnarani Ruins, which offer a glimpse into the 14th century coastal settlement, can also be arranged. As life becomes more complex and complicated, and the burdens of the day seem too much to handle, why not take that much-needed break and head down to the coast for a fun-filled escape? Kilifi will always welcome you home, time and time again. â&#x2DC;?
www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10 67
RELATIONSHIPS
VENUS vs MARS
THE DRAMA: Alfred and Wanjiku are engaged. One evening Wanjiku gets an sms from Alfred in which he asks her to “sambaza” him some money because he’s out of credit. It’s the third time in a week and Wanjiku gets upset. They consequently get into an argument. Wanjiku is worried that he will not turn out to be the “providing and protecting” husband she hoped for while Alfred is hurt that Wanjiku doesn’t seem willing to jointly share resources and responsibilities. Let’s hear what Alfred and Wanjiku’s best friends told them, and then please flip the page for the ‘Voice of Reason’.
>
WANJIKU ,what am about to tell you I know for sure will be hard to hear, but please know it comes from a good place. It’s because I love you and it’s better to hear it from a friend. When a man asks you to ‘sambaza’ him at least once it is very understandable. Twice? Well maybe he is running a little short. But then as Oprah says, a red flag should be raised by the third time you send credit. Put your foot down and have a stern conversation. I think confronting him was a good idea; he needs to understand that a man is the provider for you and your future home. What does he expect you to do when he asks you for credit three times in less than a week? He should be sending you credit instead. Next he will be asking you for real money and if you give it to him it will become a habit. Sort him out once and for all. Life is too short to have a dependent at your age. I know you love him but if you are firm now, you won’t have to deal with this later on in your marriage. What happened to the Warrior Syndrome? You should be the damsel he wants to rescue, protect and provide for. Please stop entertaining him especially when it comes to money. This incident just shows you what kind of a man he is. Maybe he’s struggling financially. We all need some mad money for a rainy day but if you spend it all on sending him credit what will you guys eat? A friend once told me something that I thought was profound: “What he has is ours and what is yours is yours”, they said. You are the ‘weaker’ gender and you should play your cards right or he will turn out to be a kept man. What do kept men do? Find a clande! And it’s because his woman, who is you Ciku, has taken over his responsibilities. He now has some loose money and will look for someone to impress with it. When it comes to money, there are no grey areas, just yes or no. My dear, this issue needs resolving right now because when you walk down that aisle it will be for life. As a result, it will trickle down to responsibilities even around the house.
68 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
I have grown up knowing that a man is the one who locks up the house, makes sure the house is safe and then turns in for the night. Are you wondering how this ties in to the credit issue? Well a man who loves you will want to protect and provide for you at all times. When you hint to him that you can do it on your own, he becomes like a mango that turns soft because its not being used. Men need to feel important and that their contribution is appreciated at all times. I know Alfred is hurting but this is what is called ‘tough love’. Sort it now before it gets out of hand, put your foot down now love, do not back down on this one. He will respect you at the end of the day. Money is a major issue and the biggest test of any relationship. He has to be able to redeem himself from this situation, pick up the pieces and move on. This is the value that you are attaching to him and your relationship. If he cannot provide for you, as you would like, are you ready to live with it? He might be testing you and as we all know too well, we ‘put on our best face’ while dating. Now the gloves are coming off and for you it has happened earlier than other people. Smart up dear! You have to know your worth and if the issue of the credit is a concern you should weigh the reasons as to why you are getting married. Either live with it or move on. There are women who would kill to be in your situation, a man who loves them, but the grass is greener on the other side. I cannot be able to know exactly what you are feeling, but, think carefully about your decision. Submission, is obeying the authority in our lives, authority means a person who can and is willing having the capability to provide for you, and your family and above all himself. Take up responsibility for his actions and learn how to live with it. You cannot reverse these roles. I would not like to see you crying years from now because we brushed this incident under the carpet. Have you told him how you would like him to provide? This situation could help deflect a lot of heartache later.
WHAT do women want Alfred? Our forefathers were also stumped by this question, so it’s no wonder they kept them quiet and subservient. Not that I support it, but it was a simpler and more efficient way of dealing with it all. Fast-forward to the 21st Century, and men like us are still asking themselves the same question: what is it that women really want? It’s no wonder so many men are confused about who they are and what they should be, what with all these definitions of a man flying around. We’re mostly being defined by women Alfred! And their definitions are informed by soap operas and chick-flicks! The sad part is that men are beginning to listen to and accept those definitions. We all want our women to be happy, right? But have you ever asked yourself if the ostrich advises the peacock how best to display their feathers? After your call, it dawned on me that we as men - have lost all rights to ask for help. It’s unmanly, even weak, to ask for assistance once in a while. But when did it become a cardinal sin to be broke? When the credit crunch hit, it did so without discriminating! I know how tight things are for you right now, and it’s not wrong for you to ask for a little help from your supuu. I know how much the Christmas break drained your wallet and I know you’re just barely holding on until payday. If only those “side hustle” guys had paid up!! How come Ciku can’t see all this? I can, and I hope you remember that I’m willing to hook you up... how many times have you come through for me? It’s so funny how you refused my offer because you wanted to foster more trust with the woman you’ll be spending the rest of your life with... for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer? And to make things worse, she counting the number of times she’s sambazad you units. INSULT!! Funny thing here - she didn’t count the coffees at Java. She didn’t count the many dinner dates at exotic places that she had only previously seen on telly. She didn’t count the surprise birthday party you arranged for her at Tribe? And what about the fact that it’s the Christmas getaway, that you paid for at the Coast, that has put you in this situation? She didn’t count the: ’Hi baby, I just called to say I miss you…’ calls at
random hours because you’re sOOoo sweeet!” I knowing I’m risking abuse with pitchforks, torches, stakes and manicured nails, but I’ll proceed. She didn’t even count the white gold and diamond ring that she keeps polishing when she’s out with her pals! Back to my point: what is the definition of a man? Is it the size of his wallet? A wise man once said that if you marry a man for his money, you’ll get the money but not the man! Is a man defined by how many things he can provide for the woman? Have we simply become ATMs? I was reliably told by a friend from G4S that ATMs also run out and need to be refilled! I thought the manliest thing to do was to accept weakness and seek help. In this age of the credit crunch, everyone needs a stimulus package to get back on their feet. It’s not an easy thing for many of us men to do. It means stripping off all our egotistic influences and insecurities and trusting someone enough to admit that we have flaws. Afterall, we thrive on egos and the inflation thereof! Therefore the greatest sign of love a man can show is to be vulnerable before the woman he loves and let her see him for the man he truly is. Alf, not badly, but if you can’t do that with Ciku, then why are you marrying her? If God in His infinite wisdom gave man a helper (Gen. 2:20) surely it’s because He knew that Adam needed help! We don’t have all the answers. Do I dare ask what the role of a woman is, if she cannot help her man run the home? Why do we want to shift the goal posts? Is this the liberation women want? Providing and protecting is just about material things...we also need to consider the spiritual, physical, emotional, psychological aspects. Alf, what are you doing to base you marriage on if you can’t trust your fiancée enough to tell her when you’re broke? If you’re going to start keeping secrets now, Ciku needs to know that she might end up like those widows that are hounded by auctioneers immediately after her husband has been buried! I bet that in most cases these men died from the stress of bearing huge burdens alone... > Share your view on www.kwelimag.com ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10 69
WITH PASTOR CAROL WANJAU, who serves as a pastor at Mavuno Church and is trained as a Marriage & Family Therapist. She has been married for 15 years to Muriithi Wanjau and they have three children.
RELATIONSHIPS
THE VOICE of REASON
HI CIKU AND ALFRED Let me begin by congratulating you on your engagement and upcoming marriage. The engagement period is a time when people get more intentional about getting to know one another and also for discussing issues that are foundational to marriage, finances being one of them. So in a sense I am glad that this issue has come up because it provides an opportunity to discuss finances and the way in which you will handle this issue once married.
On the matter of how to handle finances once married, again I will give a guiding principle of how to go about making this decision. The Bible says that the two become one (Gen 2: 2 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh). Well this includes our finances! There are many schools of thoughts on how finances should be handled and among the popular two are:
The engagement period is a time when people get more intentional about GETTING TO KNOW one another and also for discussing issues that are FOUNDATIONAL to marriage To back track a little, before we delve into finances, it might be helpful to understand when to know you are ready for marriage. In many of our cultures there were certain rites and skills that one needed to have acquired in order to be deemed an adult who can handle marital responsibilities. When two adults entered a marriage they each carried responsibilities that were vital for the well being of the family. So to begin with, we are starting with two adults. In our modern context two adults mean that one is able to take care of themselves as well as able to contribute towards the well being of others. As far as finances in marriage are concerned, even as two people are coming together, each should be able to handle their finances in a responsible manner. This means they should be able to live within their means, which includes having money for savings and investments. So Alfred, it is a bit disconcerting that you have to borrow from your girlfriend or other friends to meet your financial obligations. To be well prepared for marriage, you might have to consider consulting a financial advisor so that your finances may be put to order. 70 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
a) Each one handle different responsibilities but the accounts are run separately or b) The man’s money runs the home, whereas the woman’s money is hers.
The Bible offers a third view that is ‘run the finances as one’. I would like us to think through this option through the prism of the saying ‘united we stand, divided we fall.’ Any organization that is not united in its mission is likely to fail. If the departments are not running in a coordinated manner towards a common goal then that organization will expend a lot of energy in squabbles and office politics and not achieve much. This is what happens in families that do not have a united mission. You need to have a common mission that then determines budgetary allocations. You need to understand that as a family you need to have a sense of mission and purpose, a goal that you are committed to working together towards as husband and wife. This purpose includes care for children, care for extended family members, giving back to society, savings and investments etc. The more you are able to agree on this and purpose to work together, the more you are likely to succeed. If you are able to put your resources together and use this as collateral for the good of the home then you will be able to go far and achieve much because ‘united you will stand but divided you will fail!’ ☐
RELATIONSHIPS
DOWN THE aisle
Tleng & Allan She says: In 2005 I was asked to speak at the opening of the Africa Regional Model United Nations conference hosted by Stellenbosch University. I was the most inopportune time. It came at the end of a busy term of service on the Stellenbosch University Students’ Representative Council and I also had to focus on my academics. Nonetheless, I decided to accept the invitation as I value multicultural environments. I asked myself, “Motlotleng, when again will you have the attention and audience of some of Africa’s brightest young minds?” He says: I was one of two delegates from Kenya: the perfect platform in true patriotic fashion to contribute significantly to the continent! At the Opening Dinner, poised in front of the delegates and dressed in a flowing African outfit stood a beautiful and elegant lady. She opened her mouth to speak and I was instantly captivated... She says: Back then I had no idea that I had just entered into a pumpkin carriage that was taking me to my
king’s palace. I had no idea that after the conference my king would pursue my heart and in the most gentle of manners, slip my ‘lost slipper of hope’ onto my foot. There I was, an ordinary Sotho girl whose heart and life became the subject of a fairytale. He says: How can a person be so beautiful and sweet? That high-pitched wonderful voice...those feet! I was being prepared for the greatest dive of my life in the deepest part of the ocean. There, you find the finest of pearls...precious...carefully and uniquely fashioned. A value only the oysters intimately know. A gift only the diver fully grasps. They say: We stayed in touch, wrote e-mails, sent birthday cards and two years laterShe says: I began falling in love with a man that I had only met once in 2005. My heart began to leap at the thought of sitting across a coffee table chatting to a man that I came to know through letters and over the phone. He says: I came to the realization that I have fallen in love with a friend whom I
have only physically been in contact with for less than one week. They say: Between us there lay six hours of air travel, R8000.00 (US $1053) of plane fare and about four countries. How could it be? How could we be in love? Was our castle in the clouds? Only time would tell. She says: Almost three years passed, our chats had now become regular and one evening the man I had grown to secretly love called me and told me how over the preceding few months he had stumbled upon a revelation. He told me that he had found a glass slipper which belonged to a special girl in his life, a girl he met many times in his dreams, but only once on 2005. He wanted to meet her again, give her the lost slipper and pursue a life of love and purpose with her. He says: And so I had to muster the courage over the phone to tell this Precious Pearl that I am falling deeply in love with her and I would like to return back to the surface with her. There was the possibility of my Precious Pearl telling me that I’m delirious, surely the pressure of the dive is
Just MARRIED KWELI gate-crashed a couple of weddings recently because marriage has been getting a lot of bad press lately. But we’ve found that there are lots of reasons to celebrate. Allow us to share a few...
72 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
Mo’nique & Victor making you think amiss. But the oyster opened and the Precious Pearl said she has been waiting for her diver to come for her. They say: Despite the distance and all, we resolved together to start courting on 26 April 2008. She says: Seven-and-a-half months later, on December 13th, 2008 Allan arrived in South Africa. On that same day my father gave us his blessing, not knowing that two months later he would leave this world. They say: On the 20th day of December 2009, we united as one before God, our family and our friends on an occasion that marks more than just the beginning of our marriage but an assignment to be all that God created us to be on this earth. Our story is not just a love story...it’s a testimony of how God can bring two people, from two different countries and backgrounds and unite them in love and greater purpose for their lives.
In 2005 my girlfriend left me for another guy. I was heartbroken and decided to find God and not involve myself with women. A friend introduced me to Keeping It Real – a young adults forum at Mavuno Downtown. That’s where I first saw Mo’Nique. Love at first sight? No! I am loud, she is loud, who would listen to who? One Friday I walked into the forum late. The hall was packed. The only seat was at a table where Mo’Nique and her girlfriends were sitting. I tried to concentrate, but they wouldn’t stop talking. I asked her if she ever keeps quiet. She returned the favour with “look at the pot calling the kettle black”. There it was, the one thing that I fancy in a woman – she can speak her mind. Every Friday, I met with this woman who always made me laugh; another trait that prompted me to spend time with her. A year later we were at her sister’s house for dinner. She pulled me aside and read her favorite Psalm (118), that’s when I realized that I was in love. I asked her out with the intention of marrying her...one day. She said yes.
That was the end of our fairytale and the beginning of our drama. We started fighting, had to dump some friends and faced opposition from relatives. The one thing that kept me around was the fact that I love her. She always tells me that I will be a great man. She pulled me closer to God, never stopped praying for me, she was never shy to introduce this everbroke guy to her family and friends. Why would I want to leave? We went to Mombasa and experienced an oil leak on our way back. I was surprised at her patience while the mechanic and I tried to fix it. I noticed a hill with a red sunset in the background. I took out the engagement ring and led her behind an unfinished red brick building. I recounted our love life and got down on one knee. She was jumped for joy, stretched out her hand, and said “yes”. So now here we are, four years after we met, married on the 13th of Feb 2010. She is the most beautiful woman in my world. I always enjoy spending time with my wife and her loud vibes are now comfortable to my ear. I am who I am because of this God-sent woman.
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TLENG AND ALLAN’S WEDDING ADENE VAN WYK & SHARP SHOOTER SNAPPED ‘EM
www.adenephotography.co.za
ADVERTORIAL
A TALE OF
twolovers [A] helped Mike and Makena prepare and plan so that they weren’t overwhelmed by the logistics of bringing two families and hundreds of their friends together. [B] provided the fairy tale dress that made Mike’s heart beat even faster as she made her way down the aisle. [C] had an amazing range of bling from which Mike and Makena chose their rings and accessories for the big day. [D] supplied the beautifully arranged, fresh flowers that
decorated the venues. The vows and special songs (MC Hammer – Can’t Touch This) were heard by all - thanks to the audio systems that [E] supplied. [F] cooked the
delicious meal which [F]’s pleasant and professional staff served with speed and grace to Mike and Makena’s guests. After all was said and done, the just-married couple drove off in the hot car they had rented from [G] and spent the next few days in leisure and luxury (wink, wink) at [H].
[A + B + C + D + E + F + G + H] got a fat check, a tip and numerous referrals from the elated Mike and Makena. Mike and Makena were diehard KWELI readers even before they began dating. [A + B + C + D + E + F + G + H] advertised in KWELI hence the fat check, tip and numerous referrals. If you are any of these: [A + B + C + D + E + F and would also like a fat check, possible tip and numerous referrals: EMAIL
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WITH SHALOM MUNYIRI whose love for interior design and entrepreneurship is only trumped by her love for children which is why she’s taken time off her busy schedule to give fellow parents a few tips as Easter approaches.
FAMILY
JUST kidding
telling your
childrenthe
Easter story
Teenager:
82
“It’s the holiday that signifies when God died, that whole I ASKED some people holiday that Jesus died and what they thought Child: resurrected and stuff. I did The Easter Story “Easter is a type my paper and Easter was and this of holiday when Jesus wasn’t there. Is it the is what was crucified on the cross same Easter we are they said: and put inside the tomb. People talking about?” were waiting until the day he came out. One day Jesus came out of the tomb and the two ladies who Adult: were his best friends went to the “The time tomb to see him. But there was Jesus died and an angel and he said there we got a chance was no one in the tomb – to be saved.” Jesus rose again.” KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
So what really is The Easter Story? Well, it begins with a King riding on a colt’s back and a meal shared amongst friends. It also happens in a garden and there is a lot of prayer involved. There is betrayal one night and a King is put on trial the next day and crucified. Three days later the King is alive and walking amongst men who knew Him, but can no longer recognize Him. During another dinner, the King reveals Himself to His friends. It is a story of fellowship, friendship and salvation. It is a victorious story. To a child who has heard it told over and over in Sunday School, Easter is about Jesus’ death and resurrection. The ordinary teenager will not get into details and will likely think it is irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. Parents may know that without the Easter story, humankind is headed to eternal damnation. How, then, can parents share this story with their kids? By making it memorable – by beginning a history of family tradition where everything that Jesus went through for their sake is celebrated. Every meal shared as a family during Easter should be a time when they remember the last meal Jesus shared with His disciples. Or the meal He had with His friends after His resurrection. Parents could take their children for walks in the park; horse rides and hold some kind of celebration – all in memory of Jesus’ experiences. There should be prayer within the home – remembering the importance of prayer before meals or before any trials. Parents should encourage their kids to look out for each other through thick and thin unlike the disciples who fled when the soldiers came for Jesus. Most importantly – the kids should be taught that The Easter Story happened because God loves them so much, that He was willing to let His Son die, so we could all have the chance of going to heaven. Yes, Easter has become a time of taking a break from school and work. But the activities we get involved in during this break should commemorate the greatest love story ever told: The Easter Story. ☐
things to do with
the kids over Easter Fun family meals There are many ways to make them interesting, like eating the meal backwards (have dessert first) or you can place fun name tags for each family member at the table...
Outdoor activities You could organise treasure hunts, garden parties, barbecue...
PLACES TO GO: • Waterfalls Inn, Tigoni • Nairobi National Park for a game drive or picnic
• Nature Walk at the Animal Orphanage
Play “Spot-The-Easter-Story” Over the Easter holiday, you can ask family members to spot different aspects of the Easter story in their daily lives e.g. sharing meals together, taking time for prayer, sibling rivalry...
Play “Complete the story” Use items found in the kitchen ONLY to illustrate the Easter Story e.g. tomato sauce for the blood that was shed on the Cross or mold ugali into a tomb like Jesus was laid in or use rosemary leaves in place of the Palm branches that were used when Jesus entered Jerusalem.
great websites for kids they’ll have fun and learn at the same time! activityvillage.co.uk activitygames.co.uk boowakuwala.co.uk uptoten.com primarygames.com
• Spurs, Holiday Inn (has a very nice playground, kids’ club, and a great kids’ menu)
• Nairobi Mamba Village • Maasai Lodge (would be ideal for sleepover)
• Village Market for swimming, lunch and bowling
MEN OF T MEN are under fire. We’re either responsible for starting all the trouble in the world or letting it happen. Our lust for power, wealth, fame and sex has launched missiles, torpedoed the global economy, spawned a generation of fatherless children, emptied churches and caused divorce rates to skyrocket. You all know the horror stories, so no need to rehash them. The tales you don’t hear often enough though, are the ones about the good guys. We’re convinced that there are more than just a few good men out there whose examples should be followed and celebrated. KWELI is out to find and honor them in our end-of-year bumper issue. We’ll need your help. Please send us your stories of the Kenyan men that have inspired, encouraged, made you laugh, helped lighten the load or helped you find your God-given purpose. Nominate them for a KWELI Man of the Year Award in any of the categories on the right, so that our panel of judges can get to work. 84 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
CATEGORIES: The Music Maker (musician, producer, writer) The Leader (politician, boss, visionary etc) The Shepherd (pastor, spiritual leader etc) The Athlete The Money Maker (entrepreneur, CEO etc) The Story Teller (author, writer, actor, film director) The Teacher (lecturer, teacher) ** The family of members of the KWELI Nerve Center cannot be nominated.
T HE YEAR How to Nominate • Send the name, email address, mobile phone number, and a photo of the person you want to nominate to: menoftheyear@kwelimag.com
The Informer (journalist, media personality etc) The Style Guru (best dressed, sense of style)
• Indicate the category and tell us in 100 words why you think he should win.
The Healer (doctors, nurses, dentists etc) The Creative Genius (artist, graphic designer, photographer etc) The Enforcer (police man, prison guard, soldier, firemen) The Change Agent (human rights, political, environmental activist) The Family Guy (father, brother, husband, grandfather, uncle etc)
• Go to www.kwelimag.com, and get the next June issue of KWELI for more on the awards. • All submissions must be in by APRIL 16th 2010. GO TO: www.kwelimag.com
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SPORTS
SPORTS center
What WILL YOU say when your children ask you where
you were
when AFRICA, your CONTINENT, hosted it’s first FOOTBALL WORLD CUP?
JUST by seeing the ads on TV, your heartbeat gets erratic like a fly on your windscreen, and body temperature, for lack of a better term, questionable. Come 2044, you feel you must say ‘I was there’ to your grandchildren. And nothing should stop you: not the HR department or the 4,000 plus kilometers between you and Cape Town. Imagine yourself in fifteen or so years sitting by the nuclear fireplace on Mars when your children ask you where you were when Africa, your earthly continent, hosted it’s first football World Cup. Will you tell them you were behind a desk in Nairobi, putting in your regular 8 to 5? To stop your offspring rolling in the fine red Martian dust in laughter pointing their fingers at you, we’ve combed the internet and books for places to stay and the route to follow as you head to SA to witness the greatest sports show ever staged in Africa.
ROAD TO
SOCCER PART II
CITY
SHARP SHOOTER WROTE IT & SNAPPED SOME OF ‘EM
By now, you should have your car serviced and insurance sorted. Talk to AA Kenya at Embakasi and they’ll give you a breakdown of what documentation you need for your car. Personal travel insurance is also advisable. Carry road maps too, clothes, toiletries, medication you may be on, passport, camping equipment and most importantly, a spirit of adventure. If you have a GPS, www.garmap.co.za has maps that cover the entire route. If being driven is your style, get in touch with Akamba Bus Services and Bunson Travel for details about their road packages. For the more adventurous who are free spirited and don’t want to be tied down to a set schedule, here’s a flexible self-drive plan! It will get you to the magnificent Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg in seven days, and to the elegant Green Point Stadium in beautiful Cape Town in just nine. >
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Road to SOCCER City
Day One Set off from Nairobi early and take the A109 to Athi River, then get on the A104 up to the Namanga border crossing. Once over the border, continue along the A104 to Arusha where you can stop for lunch. Once lunch is digested, take the B1 that heads to Dar es Salaam past Moshi. In the shadows of the scenic Usambara Mountains is where you’ll pitch camp for the night, at Green Hill Rest Camp near Korogwe. Total distance covered for the day: 600km.
Day Two
Day Three
1 Kenya Shilling approx. 18 Tanzanian Shillings. After breakfast, continue with the B1 past Korogwe and take a right at the junction with the A14. Stay on the A14 until where it meets the A7 at Chalinze. If you go left, you’ll be in Dar es Salaam in less than an hour. Right is where you should be headed though to be in Morogoro in time for lunch. The Uluguru Mountains will be to your left. After lunch, the journey continues on the A7 to Iringa where you take a left at the junction with the A104 - yes, the same A104 that you first met at Athi River. Continue on for about 40km to the Old Farm House at Kisolanza (+255 754306144) where you can pitch tent for the night.
Distance covered: 800km.
Distance covered: 550km.
There’s SO MUCH to see on the
Day Seven Tents - packed! Fuel - tanked! Continue the A1. Stop at the capital Gaborone for lunch and to replenish your supplies. This should be another brief stop over as a border crossing into SA at Lobatse awaits. After punching the air with your fists and blowing into your Vuvuzela like mad for going over the last border crossing, take the N4 to Rustenberg where you can spend the night either at Rustenberg Safari Camp (+277 413737758) or Rustenburg Kloof Resort (+27 145941037). Check the FIFA and SA Tourism sites for detailed info about the many accommodation options you’ll have in SA. Distance covered: 700km.
way and this being the
Day Eight
Day Nine
1 SA Rand approx. 11 Kenya Shillings.
The excitement of this being the last day of our journey means that you’ll naturally be up early. Take into consideration that most accidents happen when the journey is coming to an end because levels of alertness drop greatly. Continue on the N1 to Beaufort West for lunch. Then drive to Table Mountain and celebrate the end of your journey as you overlook the elegant Green Point Stadium. Pitch tent at Camp SA (+27 21981 8712) and thank God for getting you here safely. Now, this is more of a rough guide to getting to Cape Town. Nothing is cast in stone - this is the true spirit of adventure. You might fall in love with Vic Falls and decide to stay an extra day and maybe even swim down the
You’ll be part of an expected three million visitors to SA during the World Cup so expect many motorists on the road, some of whom will be driving on the proper (left) side of the road for the first time. This will increase normal travel time though with SA’s excellent road network, it shouldn’t break your pedal. Continue on the N4 past Pretoria and head on south past Johannesburg, taking some time to see the magnificent Soccer City, then continue south into Kroonstad where you can stop for lunch, then head on along the N1 to Bloemfontein for an overnight at Reinheim Camp (+27 837781437). Distance covered: 550km.
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Nothing beats the experience of being woken up by birds singing and the sweet sun warming up your tent. After breakfast, continue on the A104 until Makambako where you’ll bear right at the junction with the Njombe Road, continuing on the A104. At Mbeya, you’ll find a variety of restaurants where you can enjoy lunch. Make it brief because a border crossing into Zambia awaits at Tunduma. Once over the border, continue about 320km on the T2 which is locally known as the Great North Road. About 40km before Mpika, turn left at Lwanya Village. Follow the signs to Natwange Community Campsite (+260 966677198 +260 977229101) where you pitch camp for the night.
Road to SOCCER City
Day Four 1 Kenya Shilling approx. 61 Zambian Kwacha. Zambia is a long-ish country and as such, we’ll spend this day still within Zambia. After packing all belongings into our cars, drive back to the Great North Road, and continue on past Mpika towards the capital Lusaka. You can have lunch at Kapiri Moshi which is at the junction with the T3 before continuing on the T2 to Eureka Campsite (+260 211272351) about 10km from Lusaka. Distance covered: 650km.
Day Five Zambia’s main tourist attraction is also the world’s most famous falls - Victoria. These are the apex of a planned Victoria (lake) to Victoria (falls) road trip that’s about to start cooking. As you marinate over that, continue on the T2 and take a left on to the T1 after crossing the Kafue River. Continue on the T1 from here until Maramba River Lodge (+260 976587511), a few kilometers from Livingstone where you can set camp, have lunch and drive on to enjoy the Victoria Falls. For the more daring, bungee jumping can be done. And for those of us who appreciate the sanctity of life, photos at Vic Falls will do. After that, we’ll return to camp for the night.
Day Six 1 Botswana Pula approx. 12 Kenya Shillings. From Livingstone, you have the option of heading into Zimbabwe and hitting SA via Bulawayo but you’d rather take the M10 towards Kazungula, from where you’ll cross the Zambezi River into Botswana. Stick to the A33, driving on the outskirts of Chobe National Park for a lunch stop over at Nata. From here, head left on the A3. About 10km before you get to Francistown you’ll find Woodlands Stop Over (+267 71302906) where you can camp for the night. Distance covered: 550km.
Distance covered (excluding bungee jump): 450km.
journey of a lifetime, take as MANY DETOURS as you can...
Zambezi into Lake Kariba. Or you can decide to have a rest day in Botswana. There’s so much to see on the way and this being the journey of a lifetime, take as many detours as you can, especially on the way back when you’ve already tried one route. Be a courteous traveller. Don’t throw litter from your car - even if it’s biodegradable. This attracts budgetbending fines in many countries. Leave your camp area cleaner than you found it where possible and don’t let the World Cup excitement turn you into an irritant to other motorists or campers. Service your car when leaving Nairobi, when you get to Cape Town and again when you return to Nairobi. The journey is about 4,500km one way. This will
mean you’ll need to fill your tank about ten times. Fill your tank every morning or when at a major town and don’t let the gauge needle get close to E at any time. There are many decent towns en route where you can replenish your food and snack supplies. See you on the A109. ☐
www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10 89
WITH KENYATTA OTIENO, a pastor with Mavuno’s Life Groups (fellowships) and is an avid sports fan.
SPORTS
SPORTS center
From
grass to
KENYATTA OTIENO WROTE IT & SHARP SHOOTER SNAPPED ‘EM
ELLY Kalekwa or ‘President’ - as he is popularly known - takes pride in being the world’s first president of a football club that has won a FIFA-affiliated national league championship on its first attempt. His club, Sofapaka FC, holds the distinction of being the second non-premier league side to lift the Kenya Football Federation (KFF) & Football Kenya League (FKL) Cup. Sofapaka stands for “Sote kama Familia Pamoja kwa Kunufaisha Azimio” which loosely translates as “united as a family we accomplish our goal”. The ‘President’ agrees to talk to KWELI on a Monday at 10:30 am about his pivotal role in Sofapaka’s meteoric rise to the 90 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
top of league rankings. I send him a text at 10:00 am to remind him, he calls back immediately to confirm for 10:30 and jokingly warns me that “it better be good”. Clearly the man is on the ball (no pun intended), so I quickly make my way to Sofapaka FC offices on the fourth floor of Gilfillan House along Kenyatta Avenue. The office is painted in blue – Sofapaka’s official color - and the club’s logo of a big cat jumping over a football is in plain view. A grass-stained football is on the front desk. The receptionist tells me it was used in a UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) Champions League match.
The reception is a beehive of activity. Three new imports - two from Nigeria and one from Tanzania - are busy filling in forms at Sofapoka FC’s offices in Nairobi. The West Africans are Abidemi Abass Akinyemi who played with Kickers FC and Frank Gentle Harry formerly of Global Stars. The third recruit is Said Idrisa Rajab from Mtibwa FC in Tanzania. I’m told that Sofapaka has signed a total of 15 new players – clearly Kenya’s top team plans to cause havoc in the African Champions League this year. Suddenly everyone jumps to his or her feet to greet a five-foot-five man wearing a rather sharp blue suit. ‘President’ returns our greetings and heads upstairs. I catch
everyone jumps to his
or her FEET to greet a five-foot-five MAN up on the latest events in the world of sports via Supersport on a big screen in the reception as I wait. Eventually it’s my turn and I walk up and into the office of the ‘ President’. Another big screen on the wall immediately catches my attention. The seats are leather and placed right behind him are three glittering trophies that seem to announce that Sofapaka is here for business. The aura in the office is that odd combination of leisure and business that is the world of football. >
CLOCKWISE: Practice makes perfect! | “President” greets players taking a break
Their slogan>>
‘Watoto wa Mungu’ (Children of God)
SOFAPAKA >>
RIGHT: Elly Kalekwa poses with the various trophies Sofapaka has brought home.
Mr. President
Football for Change
Elly Kalekwa was born 39 years ago in Bukavu, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He went to primary and high school in DRC and then studied Civil Engineering in Belgium. After university, he returned home and went to work in the construction industry. He received Christ as his Lord in 1993 and has been heavily involved in church activities every since. Kalekwa came to Kenya in 1995 and says he immediately fell in love with the land, people and the way the ‘beautiful game’ is played locally. He describes himself as a businessman with specific interests in the transport industry and is considering applying for Kenyan citizenship. He is married with four daughters, two of whom are twins. Despite his nickname and residence in a country obsessed with politics, Kalekwa is clear about his first love. “I don’t like politics, the only politics I play is football,” he states in uncompromising terms.
Sofapaka started as a ‘football ministry’ run by the men of Ministries for the Accomplishment of the Great Commission or M.A.O.S church. The M.A.O.S. team, which Kalekwa played for, was called ‘Consuming Fire”. They participated in several tournaments and won many accolades. Kalekwa says God opened his eyes to see that the church was mostly made of young
92 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
I don’t like POLITICS, the only politics I play is FOOTBALL people who were facing many challenges and consequently turning to drug abuse and other antisocial behavior. In 2004 he decided to take ‘Consuming Fire’ to the next level in order to minister more directly to the youth and that’s how Sofapaka was born. The club was formally registered with in 2005 and played in the Nairobi Provincial League. In 2006 they were promoted to the
Nationwide League where they came third. They were second in 2007 and then won the league in 2008, which allowed them to move up to the Premier League. They won the country’s top soccer tier on their first attempt last year. They have just returned from Tanzania where they reached the final of the Tusker Challenge Cup, which they lost to Tanzania’s Yanga FC via a controversial goal. When KWELI visited there were preparing for their match against Ismailia of Egypt in the first round of the African Champions League. KWELI also spent time with head coach Robert Matano and his assistant, legendary Bobby Ogolla. They confidently told us that they expected to reach the knockout stages as we watched them take their players through speed drills. The ‘President’ himself still plays with Sofapaka’s veteran squad. The amateur side is known as “Wazee wa Kazi”. Kalekwa, a striker, was the their top scorer with 15 goals last year. The club also has a women’s team known as the Sofapaka Queens.
Sote kama familia pamoja kwa kunufaisha azimio (United as a family we accomplish our goal)
Love It or Leave It
TOP: Asst. Coach Bobby Ogalla discusses strategy with his players and “President” ABOVE: Team Manager Pastor Jimmy Carter Ambajo wants to take his team to the top
Kalekwa believes that Kenyans and the local football officials do not love football. He says that if they loved football, they would work for the development of the game so that all the stakeholders can benefit and be satisfied. He also asks fans to stop using the feuds in the Kenyan federation as an excuse for not supporting local leagues. “Lets love football first then we will sort out the politics when we are in the stadium, complaining from home will not help,” he says. He cites Tanzania where a match between arch rivals Simba and Yanga brings in as much as Ksh. 20 million. Ironically, Kenyan players are the spice of the Tanzanian Premier League where fans are disciplined and strongly support their favorites. The team signs up players regardless of their faith. Team manager Pastor Jimmy Carter Ambajo is categorical that God is at the center of their operations and that they’re out to run the club with
such high levels of integrity that players and fans alike will be drawn to Christ. Ambajo conducts devotions with the team every Friday and preaches using football metaphors. Ambajo says it’s thanks to these sessions that the team has such
God is at the CENTER of their operations high standards of discipline. He says they are also open to advice and criticism and that they’re keen to adopt new ideas and embrace change where necessary. I visited their website (www.sofapaka.com) after our visit and found that it’s regularly updated with news about the club and other general football events. In addition Kalekwa makes it a priority to pay everyone well and on time. He runs Sofapaka with the motto “kila mtu apate kidogo lakini afurahie” which means “everyone gets a little but be happy for what you get”. >
www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10 93
NEW RECRUITS: NEW RECRUITS: Tanzanian Said Idrisa Rajab, a midfield player, and Nigerians Abidemi Abass Akinyemi and Frank Gentle Harry for 2 million Kenya Shillings. Plus two more players: Raphael Omondi and defender Collins Tiego. For an undisclosed amount! Ooh!
Kalekwa wants to see Sofapaka BECOME the biggest and BEST-RUN SOCCER CLUB in Africa.
The Game Plan Kalekwa’s vision is to bring Kenyans back to stadia, just like in the “good old days”. He also wants to see Sofapaka become the biggest and best-run soccer club in Africa. His 10-year plan includes getting the club its own stadium and training grounds. He would also like to make Sofapaka’s ministry more holistic through the development of a Sofapaka School, football academy and hospital. He’s also considering applying for Kenyan citizenship before then.
Parting Shot Pastor Ambajo is urging Christians to rally behind the club by signing up for membership and any other form of
support people can think of. They say their current sponsorship deal of Ksh 12 million from Blue Triangle cement for the 2010 season, is not enough for them to carry out all their plans. By virtue of Sofapaka having won the Kenya Premier League (KPL) last season, ‘President’ will be chairman of KPL this year. So for those who think that all is lost, a few people are taking back what the devil has stolen from God’s people. May God give him the wisdom and determination to make a difference in the murk that is currently choking Kenyan football! ☐
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT SOFAPAKA Check out their online match schedule and go
watch their matches
Sign up for membership on www.sofapaka.com
94 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
DIDYOU YOUWATCH: WATCH: DID The Super Cup clash between 2009 KPL champions, Sofapaka, and Football Kenya Limited (FKL) Cup winners, AFC Leopards, on February 6.
OTHERNEWS: NEWS: OTHER Nigerian import Joseph Emeka and Kenya’s John Baraza were the 2009 Kenyan Premier League’s top scorers with 15 goals each.
GO getter MONEY
A
Passion
Fashion
for
AFRICANS are told, over
people who ignite economies,
and over again, to work hard at
subtract from the unemployment
school so that we can get good
rate and take governments
jobs. Once we’ve landed that
and financial institutions to task
good job, we’re meant to hold on
over their policies, procedures
to it for life so that our kids can
and products. Africa needs
go to private school; we can build
more entrepreneurs that love
or buy a two-storey house and
God personally and run their
own two cars.
businesses according to
But the reality is that many of
His principles.
us are unemployed regardless of
“I
realized
that I have what it takes to make it on MY OWN because any business is
driven by sales.”
In support of all this, KWELI
how hard we crammed or how
will run a column getting
high we raised our hands in class.
entrepreneurs to interview each
Many of those who are employed,
other in each issue. Our first
spend most of their day dreaming
candidate is Phyllis Nyambura
about starting their own thing one
who ditched the comforts of
day. There are millions of “sleeper
corporate Nairobi to venture into
entrepreneurs” walking the streets
the fashion industry.
of our cities, towns and villages.
We asked FRANK MUTUA,
Unfortunately it usually takes a
an entrepreneur who also has
global downturn, retrenchment or
interests in fashion retail (see
extreme greed to get us off our
Frankly Fashionable pg. 64) to
comfortable butts.
get her to tell us how she
Africa needs more entrepreneurs. These are the
plans to breathe fire into her business.
>
long way to go but am determined to ACHIEVE my dreams as far as business is concerned. With God on MY SIDE, I know I can do it.” “I have a
www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10 97
who is Phyllis
Nyambura She got a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration & International Relations from Moi University. Her interest however was in sales and marketing so she did a postgraduate diploma in Sales & Marketing at KIM (Kenya Institute of Management). She has nine years experience in Sales & Customer Relationship Management. Her last job was as a sales manager in a marketing merchandise company that supplies marketing and promotional items to corporate organizations.
How long have you been in business? I have been doing the
business grows, more challenges crop up like keeping tabs on stock etc.
business for one year now and its been exciting. I travel for new stock every three months.
Where do you source your clothes from? I buy from China,
What made you leave the relative security of formal employment to venture into business? I felt it was time. I had worked for eight years and I began to get restless. I felt there was another task for me out there that God had set out specifically for me. After much prayer and fasting, He said it was time!
Why the clothing business? I have always had a passion for fashion. I am trendy and always keen on what the world is wearing at any given time. Many times I would wear an item of clothing or carry a bag and I would have people asking me where I bought them. They wouldn't believe when I told them I bought them in the stalls in Nairobi! I realized it's possible to be in the same outlet with people, but you would not spot the same thing! Not everybody has a keen eye. I therefore decided to do the shopping and bring the selection to them. Secondly, I love shopping. I learnt with utter shock that there are ladies who hate shopping! They desire to get everything they are looking for under one roof without having to hop from shop to shop!
What challenges did you face setting up? I must say I was blessed.
ANSWER&
WIN
ELF
COSMETICS GIFT HAMPER
Answer these questions correctly and WIN.
1. How many times had Alfred asked Ciku to sambaza him credit? 2. What school do the kids Ken Oloo is teaching attend? 3. Where do you spend the night on day 3 on the road to Soccer City? First email to hit the KWELI inbox with correct answers wins a hamper from ELF!
watscrackin@kwelimag.com
The opportunity to travel and bring clothes presented itself through a friend. When he asked me to join him on a business trip, I did not hesitate since I had just quit my job and had saved up some cash. So I took the first trip and the rest, as they say, is history. I must say however, I was worried because I did not have a shop. I planned to sell from my house and I knew this would limit the customers unlike a shop where there are many walk-ins. But glory to God, I now have a huge data-base of customers and it keeps growing with every trip. As the
Hongkong, Bangkok in Thailand and a bit in Dubai. This year I want to explore Malaysia, India and eventually Vietnam, God-willing. I am also keen on the UK but time will tell.
What’s your target market? The young, vibrant, trendy working woman mainly between 21 and 45 years. Any fashionable female in that age group will find an item at Phyllis's! Bit-by-bit, I'm getting to my mum's age-group (above 50) as I realized they also care about what they wear and how they look. How do you keep up with fashion trends to satisfy your customers? I read a lot of magazines, watch lots of TV and browse the net. I love the Wedding Show on Citizen TV as I get to see what my target market is wearing to weddings! The Style Network also has lots of fashion programs.
Do you transact any part of your business online? Not yet, but watch this space! But I do office and home deliveries for those unable to come over. However, this limits the variety as I'm not able to carry everything in the car boot.
Do you have future plans to diversify the business or open up outlets? Yes. There is an outlet I'm eyeing and if God opens that door, then I will have my first outlet. I want to diversify and include interior decoration items and trinkets that make a home cozy.
What’s your advice for anyone considering venturing full-time into business? One must have a plan. You must have the business idea and a realistic execution plan. But most importantly, be sure you have a calling for it. God must have your back, because it's a tough world out here. ☐
Location: Hometown Village in Phase 5 of Plainsview, South B Mobile number: +254 720 964544 or +254 733 726441 Email address: phyllisnjambi@yahoo.com
DESIGNS
.
.
BRAND IDENTITY PRINT DESIGN PHOTO EFFECTS
A MEMBER OF THE UNDER THE BAOBAB PRODUCTIONS FAMILY blade@underthebaobab.net +254 719 803 203
WITH STEVE KARIUKI, the CEO Ace Capital Ltd. He is a Kingdomfocused entrepreneur who is keen on helping people understand and demonstrate God’s principles in their businesses.
MONEY
money SHOW ME THE
INVESTING:
Biblical
a perspective
Under the mattress Over the last few years, Kenyans have demonstrated a growing interest in the area of investing and wealth creation, mainly in stocks, shares, bonds, property, new business ventures, and for some, the get-rich schemes. Investing obviously involves a level of risk-taking and as such there are no guarantees. Many have gained while others have been left with a bitter taste in their mouths. It is quite interesting to note that the Bible advocates investing your money rather than keeping it “under the mattress”. In Luke 19, Jesus praised those servants that made good returns on their investments while he criticized the one who buried his single talent. It is thus important for every Christian to understand the Biblical principles of how and why to multiply their resources by investing wisely.
Attitude for altitude
16:10-11 also talks about being faithful with what God entrusts us. A great strategy is to have a conscious plan of how to return the surplus to God’s kingdom. I Timothy 6:6 also talks about contentment. Being content helps in achieving a balance especially in a society that is driven by a “getting more” attitude. Many investment decisions that God’s people make are many times driven by fear of the future and not by trusting in God. This does not mean that good planning for the future is wrong, but if deep within us our attitude is of fear and worry, then we are in bondage.
One very key prerequisite for investing is our attitude. Our attitude determines how we use our potential incomes. God’s desire is for all of us to prosper but He hates the evil attitudes that often accompany prosperity. Christians should guard themselves against being driven by greed, pride, envy and covetousness. Luke
There are various reasons why a Christian should invest. I believe foremost is to further God’s Kingdom with the incomes from our investments by supporting our church and its programs (2 Corinthians 8:14 & 8:24).
100 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
Niko na reasons
This must be guided by prayer and reading the Word. Family Responsibility is another reason for investing. We are instructed to provide for those within our households in 1 Timothy 5:8. Let me say here that it is important to settle for a standard of living within our family needs that is within God’s plan for us. God’s people should invest for future needs. Proverbs 6:6-8 illustrates how even an ant plans ahead and stores up for future needs. We are also reminded in Proverbs 13:22 that “a good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children, but a sinner stores up wealth for the righteous”. Remember that if you lean a ladder on the wrong building, no matter how far you climb, you will still end up in the wrong building.
the Bible
advocates
investing YOUR MONEY rather than keeping it
“under the mattress” A word to the wise Once a Christian understands why to invest, I guess the next big question would be how to invest wisely. Good people, there is only one source of true wisdom on how to invest, and that is God’s Word. I am unapologetic about this because I have paid dearly in my life because I leaned on my own understanding and not on His Word as it says in Proverbs 3:5. However, let me share some principles that can guide us along the way: Always seek good counsel (Proverbs 15: 22). Good objective counsel is very important before engaging in any financial decision. This must be from one who is not purely motivated by profit. Don’t make hasty decisions in your investment opportunities (Proverbs 21:5). This will guide against falling into the get-rich quick schemes. Psalms 37:7 also advises us to wait upon the Lord and not to look at those who are seemingly doing well. It is also wise to invest in areas that you are
familiar with because you have a greater understanding (Proverbs 24:3). Many of us have invested in areas we have little understanding or expertise and have paid the price. Avoid using borrowed funds to invest, especially in speculative investments (Proverbs 27:12). I’m talking about using loans to buy popular shares in the stock exchange, pyramid schemes and new business ventures. However, one might finance an investment where the value of the investment is much greater than the liability and also where the source of repayment is definite and known, and not entirely dependent from sale of investment. Diversification of your investments should be encouraged. ”Cast your bread upon the waters for after many days you will find it again. Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land” (Ecc 11:1-2).
Give to get To guide us on how much to invest, always remember to first give to God’s work until all the needs He has placed in your
heart are satisfied. Always have a written plan on how to use the potential profits or surplus and decide what portion is to be reinvested. Whatever investments you wish to undertake, as Christians our purpose for investing should be to serve God better and always remember that His ways are better than man’s ways. Establish your standards by God’s Word, seek His plan for your life, seek good counsel and wait patiently on God’s peace. “The blessing of the Lord brings wealth and he adds no trouble to it.” (Proverbs 10:22). ☐
God’s desire is for all of us to PROSPER but He hates the attitudes that often ACCOMPANY
evil
prosperity.
WITH WANJIRU NDEGWA an intrepid entrepreneur whose knack for numbers and desire to keep a watchful eye on her accountant took her into the world of finance. She’s a practicing accountant and financial consultant based in Nairobi. Watch this space...
MONEY
COMMONcents
ANOTHER new year is here with us and as is often the tradition - resolutions have been made (never mind that they will inevitably be broken before half the year is past). Key among these resolutions will be goals to achieve financial freedom. But the road to financial independence is not easy. It involves sacrifice, discipline and persistence. Unfortunately, these very qualities are becoming quite rare. The thing is that wealth is possible for everyone, regardless of income. It’s a seed, which if properly grown and watered, could turn out to be the proverbial mighty oak. Perhaps a little incentive is what we need. A reality check so to speak. Do you know your expected net worth? (Expected worth= one tenth age x total annual figure). How does this figure compare with your actual real worth? Are you happy with what you see? That bad? There’s a way to turn it all around. Let’s start with the absolute ‘musts’. Do you have a plan for your financial future?
102 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
It’s best to state what you hope to achieve within a definite time period, say five to 10 years. Now we know what we are working towards. As for the vehicles to get us there: do you set aside a part of your income as savings? No? In order to take advantage of investments opportunities you need savings. Besides increasing your credit worth and acting as an emergency fund, saving is an absolute must. (Emergency here doesn’t include a clearance sale, discount sale or whatever sale, for whatever item that is usually not that necessary, and yes, it would look better on you than through the shop window but focus...) Build systems that will enable you to save. For starters make it a tenth of your income, more if you can. Have the money deducted directly from your pay slip and into your savings account, you may also want to get a friend to keep you accountable. It will be difficult at first, but if you keep at it, you’ll get used to living on the nine-tenths of your income
left. Eventually your fortune will start accumulating and that will be incentive enough to continue saving. Live within your means. It doesn’t matter how much you earn if you spend it all (if not more). Do not accumulate credit card debt. Often times we fail to read the fine print when dealing with credit cards. Avoid debt at all costs.
Do you have a plan for your FINANCIAL
FUTURE? Take advantage of tax incentives. Reduce your taxable income. Besides the annual personal relief granted by the government for individuals when arriving at their taxable income, there’s further incentive for those saving for a home or paying a mortgage. Savings done under
my 1
FINANCIAL JOURNAL
What’s my expected net worth? 0.1 x my age
2
what I’m worth
total annual income
Is this figure: Great!
OK
Good
Uuii!
3 Let’s get planning: What I want to achieve in the next 5-10 years:
4
Now let’s budget:
a
What I get:
What I put aside:
Salary
Savings
Other
Investments
Total Income:
b
What I give:
What I can actually spend:
Don’t forget tithe: Family:
a
Charity:
a home-ownership savings plan, in an approved institution, of up to a maximum of Ksh. 48,000 per annum, is an allowed deduction. Do you have a mortgage? It isn’t altogether a bad idea. Mortgage interest relief is granted to individuals upon money borrowed: to either purchase or improve a house they occupy up to a maximum of Ksh. 150,000 per annum. Is the insurance sales man still knocking on your door? Life insurance would be good idea. There’s a peace of mind that comes from knowing that your dependants are taken care of should anything happen to you. Holders of such policies are granted an insurance premium relief of 15 percent of the premiums paid, or Ksh. 60,000 per annum, whichever is lower. Educational policies with a maturity period of at least 10 years, also qualify for the insurance relief. The journey to financial freedom isn’t going to happen overnight, it is often a mastery of various habits and one of discipline. You now know enough to start the journey, bon voyage! ☐
c
Total savings:
b
c
Let’s break that down below.
Total giving:
*
What I spend: HOME: Rent
LIVING: Groceries
Garbage & Security
Household
Power bill
Lunch money
Water bill
Clothes/Shoes etc.
Househelp
Salon/Barber
Other
Other
d Total home costs: TRANSPORT: Fuel
f
Total living costs:
e
ENTERTAINMENT: DSTV
Car insurance
DVDs/Videos
Repairs
Cinema
Bus/matatu fare
Concerts/Plays
Other
KWELI/Books
Total living costs:
g Total entertainment:
My total monthly expenses: Any extra cash left?
* •
Journal created by DESIGN JOCKEY
d
e
f
g
• If your figure’s negative see where you can reduce on expenses.
WITH NIKE BALOGUN who holds a Masters Degree in Psychology and currently works as a student advisor in Boston, Massachusetts.
WELL-BEING
HEART mind & SOUL
getting over
ADDICTION IF SOMEONE
were to ask how to trace a path to addictionâ&#x20AC;Ś is there an answer to such a question? How does one make the plunge from one drink a day to several cases each week? While smoking a cigarette, one may ask, how is it possible I made a journey from one stick to a pack a day? How did my decision to take one hit of heroin become many decisions to use a needle? Just that quickly, one is rolling down the proverbial slippery slope like a car with no brakes. Yes, these questions are difficult ones to answer because for some, it is like asking why water quenches thirst. If you are reading this article and asking questions of yourself, you may
104 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
wonder if you are addicted to one or more substances. You may think about your use of alcohol, cigarettes or prescription pills and wonder if you really have a problem. For many Christians, a new year brings with it conviction, on many levels, about ways we can change our lives. Granted, some may only worry about losing a few pounds or controlling hot tempers. You, on the other hand may be worrying about your very life. Maybe as you consider a renewed walk with God, you understand that such a walk requires that you clean house. Maybe a friend or family member has looked at you (long and hard) and you look away knowing why they worry about
you. The first step, they say, is figuring out if you have a problem. The answer to the addiction question is often more difficult in cultures where there are conflicting responses to substance use. How do we reconcile the contradiction when on any given day the use of substances is glorified while there seems to be an obvious disdain for the user? As Christians, we must understand that these contradictions will exist and that we must change our lives in spite of the confusion around us. So first, we must begin with an honest confession about where we are and begin to understand the illness of addiction.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, you may be addicted to a substance if your pattern of use matches three or more of the following in the last 12 months:
For many Christians, a new year brings with it CONVICTION, on many levels, about ways we can change our LIVES.
• Tolerance: you need increased amounts of the substance to become intoxicated or attain the desired effect • Withdrawal: you experience periods of extreme discomfort when you are not taking the substance (you obtain relief only when you are able to use the substance) • Loss of Control: you find that you take the substance in larger amounts than you intended • Regret: you have a strong desire to and have made unsuccessful efforts to stop using the substance • Preoccupation: you spend a great deal of time thinking about how to obtain, use and recover from the substance • Adverse Consequences: you find that you have markedly reduced or completely stopped participating in important personal, professional and social activities • Disregard: you find that you use the substance despite your knowledge of its potential for physical and psychological harm to you
If you find that three or more of the above patterns match your life in the past year, it is very important to pause and accept that this is where you are now, but not where you will be. The most successful programs for addicts around the world, are programs that extend no judgment. Christians will recognize this lack of judgment as one that mirrors the undeserved grace we all enjoy. Now, consider these next steps: • As a Christian, it is very critical to include like-minded friends and family on your journey. There will be hard times ahead, and you will need the support and prayers of your Church family.
• Speak to a physician: depending on the severity of your addiction; your physician may refer you for an inpatient stay. • Seek out an out: patient support program (12-step programs, Church groups, private groups in counseling centers). • Expect that you may relapse: work out a plan with your friends and your family to be accountable. This means refraining from people or places that make you most vulnerable.
Finally, I will leave you with the words below of the prayer of serenity. This is a prayer one often hears in meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous all over the world. This is a prayer accepting the present but hoping for a better tomorrow. You may not know how you ended up on this road. Understand though, that you have made the first step. You have decided to forge a new path. ☐
Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I CANNOT change, courage to change the things I CAN, And the wisdom to know the DIFFERENCE. www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10 105
CR! KWELI is asking YOU to join the culinary revolution (CR!). We’re leading a revolt against fast food, deep fried food and any food that blocks your arteries faster than you can say terere. Let’s get back into the kitchen. Let’s go back to the market. Let’s cook! Meal made by WHEELER DEALER
Chicken
Biriyani
a
b
c
h
i
j
d
what you would need a For Rice
2 cups of basmati rice
b ¼ cup of raisins (soak in water for an hour before use) c 2 carrots (grated)
water salt
For Chicken d 1 whole chicken cut into pieces and seasoned slightly with salt e 1 carton yoghurt f 3 tablespoons tomato paste
3 inches ginger (grated finely) 1 whole garlic (grated finely and processed with ginger above) h Juice from one lemon i 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced j 1 large onion cut into rings cooking oil (one tablespoon for chicken and some to fry onions) 1 1/2 teaspoon pilau masala 1 chicken cube 1 teaspoon curry powder 1 teaspoon chicken masala 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon chilli powder (optional) 1 teaspoon cumin powder ½ teaspoon black pepper
g
e
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how to make it Rice 1. Boil four cups of water. Mineral water would be more expensive than the entire meal so just use tap water. 2. Clean two cups of rice, and pour into the boiling water. Throw in the nuts and carrots. 3. Once ready, strain then leave alone.
Chicken 1. Mix in your garlic, ginger, dry spices, tomato paste, yoghurt and lemon juice onto the chicken pieces and leave them alone for a half hour. They’ll be fine. 2. Make a small fire and let the chicken ensemble simmer for half an hour. Make sure to put the chicken in a large enough pot first. 3. Fry the onion slices all by themselves until they are golden brown. 4. Before you burn your chicken, scatter in the fried onions then set aside.
Layering 1. Place half of the chicken in a serving dish. 2. Pour half the rice on the chicken. 3. Repeat this process with the remaining pieces of chicken and rice. If this is too technical a procedure, don’t bother. The food should taste great regardless.
Bon Appétit! 106 KWELI | ISSUE 2 | MAR - MAY 10
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FUN fair
Here are a couple of words that are closely associated with KWELI Magazine. Can you find them? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
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For all you Sudoku fans, here’s the KWELI Challenge. Good Luck!
Adam’s Rib
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At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam’s ribs. Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, “Johnny what is the matter?” Little Johnny responded, “I have a pain in my side. I think I’m going to have a wife.”
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