By Tobias Ogutu
Dear Elder Cousin,
I began writing this letter early, though it arrived late.
Because KPLC took twenty-one days to restore power after the blackout in our estate,
However, the darkness lasted only one hour for our neighbors with the large gate.
Please don’t misunderstand me; this is merely a comparison, not a statement of hatred.
Dear Elder Cousin,
Your house looks great! Congratulations on the renovation.
Emilio used to live there, but only thought about education.
I hear you’re planning to build a church for meditation.
Where people will fast until its completion.
But, Dear Elder Cousin,
The purpose of this letter is to provide you with information about Kisumu City.
A city that is not only clean but also beautiful.
Those who keep it clean are always dirty.
Unfortunately, credit goes to those who are not concerned about its purity.
Dear Elder Cousin,
Pap Konam Agricultural Training Center is now complete.
Thank you for the thirty million shillings spent on its construction.
Though experienced builders whisper that five million shillings was barely sufficient.
I support them because those structures are not worth thirty million shillings.
Dear Elder Cousin,
Kassagam and St. Mark Nyabera Primary Schools remain in ruins.
The learners and teachers risk their lives to obtain an education.
The toilets are in such poor condition that even the rats have abandoned them.
When building the church, be sure to reserve some cement for the two schools as well.
Dear Elder Cousin,
Pap Mbuta Market in Obunga is no longer operating at night.
The floodlights stopped functioning two years ago,
The sellers fear for their safety due to the lack of lighting.
Forcing them to go home early, like chickens.
Dear Cousin,
FLLoCA funds allocated for our ward did not reach the local community.
Some individual hijacked it in broad daylight.
They do not view the fight against climate change as an important issue.
Their bellies are now filling with FLLoCA funds.
Dear Cousin, this is personal.
I often hear people say that the house you live in is not permanently yours.
Your rent will be overdue the year after next.
They say that if you do not pay your debt,
They will provoke the landlord to evict you.
