Kenyan Fever

 Two weeks after the general elections . The streets of Nairobi are utter chaos and so is the rest of the country . Businesses closed , some completely ruined , families starving , blood and violence now part of the everyday schedule . 40% of the residents trying to flee to their home counties commonly referred to as ocha , 40% indoors for they know no other place as home or their hometown's situation is worse , 15% terrorizing the streets while the remaining 5% are a combination of people trying to still live their lives , red cross and kind hearts trying to regain humanity .

Today , on a typical Friday morning , it seems quiet . Too quiet . No gunshots , no screams , no crowds running nor GSU roaming the streets , just a calm city . This might be the perfect chance to head home . Home , the word sounds foreign . I never really had a home , just a couple of relatives who couldn't stand seeing me but at the moment that was heaven compared to what I was going through . 

My kitchen shelves are empty and so is my wallet , bills piling , the economy stupidly high , I mean , who sells a cabbage at 300 and an onion for 50 shillings ? Leave alone waking up hot in the middle of the night hoping your house wasn't set on fire while you were in it . With no power supply for days now , my phone is almost dead and I still can't reach anyone . 

My backpack already packed , I head out and hope to not die . I still don't trust the quiet state , no one makes a move to overthrow the government and stops on a friday morning two weeks later . Luckily , a few bus saccos are still operating and one comes my way . 

 " Sister tao ! " , in a flash I'm in the bus , didn't even get to ask how much fare I'll need . Normally I wouldn't take Kenya Mpya but these are no normal times , not like I had a choice , I literally got shoved in . There are a few empty seats and I end up sitting next to this guy , can't help notice how tense he is . Thanks to the little psychology lessons I had been taking I can tell he's anticipating something ; the uneasiness , the sweat beads forming on the ridge of his nose , the constant shifting and studying his surrounding , not to mention his shaky hands . I should have taken a different seat but couldn't risk taking the back seats when we might need to run at any given time .

I take my phone out to contact my homegirl Laicy , we ought to be traveling together but I had not heard from her for a week now . I still can't reach her and resign to the assumption that she already got home . 

" They took control of all communication ," the guy in the next seat whispers , is he talking to me ? 

"That's not all , they have eyes everywhere . Including here ," he is probably on drugs but right now I needed to gather all information I could , even if it came from a crackhead . A little knowledge could come in handy considering few really knew what was happening , who the bad guys were and who to trust . 

"What do you mean 'including here' ?  Who are they ? How do you have access to all this info' ? " I couldn't help my curiosity . 

" Just follow me as soon as it starts ," it's obvious he is a psycho , one bold enough to think I would follow a complete stranger to God knows where . 

" Sorry but I have my own plans . I'm curious though , as soon as what star..." 

There's a loud bang , screams , the bus screeches to a stop , I feel a bit light headed . What is happening ? 

" That ! Now let's go ! " the voice sounds oddly familiar and for a minute I can't point out who's it is . The place is complete chaos with everyone trying to escape , some jumping out through windows , a few seem to lead others out . For the first time I note they have these red wrist bands  , same as my friend here . Left with a total of zero options , I follow and hope this isn't a death sentence . 

My movements are dragged , my head hurts , my body frazzled , my mind doesn't seem to be any better . I'm out of the bus but can barely see nor keep up , the chaotic state doesn't make it any easier . I feel myself falling but can't help it , so this is how it all ends ?  How perfect ! 

A hand reaches out , I make out a red wrist band and a familiar face , then nothing . 

I regain consciousness .The room is well lit , just enough lighting to read my surrounding . I'm on a bed , too comfy to be a hospital bed . There's a glass of water and an envelope on the bedside table . On my left , a metre or two from the bed is a coach and a window to it's right . I catch sight of the sunset and sit up to have a clearer view , maybe I'd even get a hint on my location . 

" She is up ," startled , I turn to the voice . By the door are two figures , had I not heard one speak , I would have sworn they were statues . I did a quick eye sweep across the room to be sure , no one else . 

They were dressed in navy blue uniforms and could pass for the army were it not for the color and the badge . A closer look and I would have sworn this wasn't our first meeting . But they couldn't be the psychos from the bus , could they ? I mean , the transformation was astonishing . The differences between those in my vicinity and those I had encountered earlier heavily pronounced . Well , other than their build and visage . Even the voice sounded different ; articulate and firm . It was all a bit foggy until my senses flooded back . Where were all the other supposedly saved passengers ? Was this even a rescue mission ? How odd that this man had known all about the events before they occurred . Why had he been so committed to saving a complete stranger ? And why me when so many of us were helpless ?  How had I ended up here and why did I have guards that oddly resembled my earlier saviors ?  I couldn't even afford all this luxury . 

" It's you , right ? The man from the bus ! Why lure me here ? "  No answer .  "Why do I even bother asking , clearly you're just sick . I feel well enough and would like take my leave now ."  The door opens , my jaw follows suit .

" You can't leave love , you just got here . Plus I have a better plan in mind ."  In her full height of 5'2 , Laicy walks in bold and composed as if she owns the place . Maybe she does but I could have known . 

" Laicy ? " 

" Didn't you miss me ? Cheer up a little and bring it in for a hug ," same old cheerful Laicy . " You two , wait outside,"  Wait , the statues actually obeyed ! Girl , who are you? I've known you all my life and it feels as if I don't really know you . 

" I was worried about you , couldn't tell if you made it home . And where the heavens is this place ? " seeing a familiar face relieves me a little and I manage a smile .

" This is home , we'll have time to discuss that and much more but first , the issues at hand , " she guides me towards the coach . Staring at the almost faded sunset , she seems to be in deep thought then turns to me . " I know I should have asked you this first but circumstances didn't allow us, "  this was getting creepy . " So , you know how you have always wanted to make a difference ? To stand against oppression , fight and create a safe space for everyone ? You can do that now ,"  I couldn't help laughing . As defenseless as I was at the moment , making a difference? This was one big joke . " We have the resources , the support , a plan and every reason to do this . We have an organization who's whole purpose is to build a better Kenya and we would really like it if you joined us . There will be a few compromises but all worth it ,"  Could she really mean this ?  I had never seen her so sure , passionate and committed to anything , not even the KCPE exams back in primary school . She gets up and moves towards the bed , giving me a minute to process everything she has said so far . She is back and hands me the envelope I had completely forgotten about . 

" In here are documents to conceal your identity . Everything you will ever need , a passport , identity card , certificates on every level since birth but all under a different name . Your old self will cease to exist . What we are working on is too critical to risk exposure . This is a once in a lifetime opportunity , you will have a home , we as your family , free access to food , shelter , a steady income flow and you will be protected . In due time, we will have a country that looks out for it's people . You will work , not for us but for yourself and this country . " This was too much information to process , the best I could do was look at Laicy , open my mouth then close it . So she did the speaking . " Induction will be at midnight . We have four hours fifty three minutes left . Enough time to rest , clear your mind and clean up . There are clothes in your closet , see what works for you . Nick , who I trust you already met , is one of our most trusted , highly trained member and will escort you downstairs when you're ready .  It was good seeing you Miss Lilian Ngatia and would love to stay and chat but I have a meeting to plan ,"  Lilian Ngatia ? I liked my original name better , this would take some getting used to .  She's almost at the door but stops and turns to me , " And Lilian , it's Miss Emily Namala from now on ." with that , she left . My jaw dropped a bit lower .  The audacity ! True , I desperately needed the job but shouldn't I have a say in it ? Not to mention , she left so many things out . What exactly was I signing up for ? 

Four hours fifty minutes later . I almost don't recognize the reflection staring back at me . A simple official look does it for me . Perfect . Hair held high in a bun , a white long sleeved shirt , navy blue bow tie , navy blue pants and black low heeled leather boots .  Nick ,  as he had been addressed , escorts me downstairs as promised . 

We walk into what I take as a conference room . Nick takes position at the door while I try to decipher what kind of induction this will be . There are six seats , three of them occupied . One of the three fully robed , a judge . The other a middle aged man who's role I can't tell . Finally, a familiar face and one of the best lawyers to grace these lands , Laicy alias Emily Namala . I take the seat next to Laicy leaving two empty seats  , who could we be possibly waiting for ? 

The door opens , for some reason everyone seems to have an urge to stretch their legs , they all stand up . Even the 'statues' in the room seem to stand straighter , so I follow.  Taking sight of the two men infront of me , I swallow hard.  How could they be here ? 

"Mr P... ," Laicy steps on my foot and I have to swallow my muffled protests . 

" Now that we are all here , let's proceed .  Miss Namala , this must be her ," gesturing towards me . One of the two takes the lead .

"Yes sir , allow me to introduce Miss Lilian Ngatia . She is exactly what we are looking for ," What exactly were they looking for ? I couldn't think of any super power I might possess . With a lot of effort I manage to keep my mouth shut and take a seat, following Laicy's lead . This is way beyond anything I had expected . 

"Miss Ngatia , I trust miss Namala gave you a brief description on what we are all about . This is an off the record organization founded to deal with affairs my government cannot directly deal with . The SSA is this country's only hope . We can't have corrupt figures thinking they will get away with everything .  You may proceed ." 

" This is the part where you swear alligeance to the Secret State Affairs organization ," Laicy whispers and nudges me to stand up , so does she and the two sitting directly opposite us , the judge and the John doe . 

A Bible is placed before me , my left hand lands on it , my fingers feeling it's  detail searching for reassurance . From a far I hear a voice . 

" Do you Lilian Ngatia take an oath to ... ,"  was this a good or a bad thing ?  " ... to always have the interests of the state ... ," on one hand I would have a solid job and a place to call home ... the voice , I should be focusing on that , it is important . " ... to give your whole life ; mind and body to seeing through the course of this organization ... "  something just doesn't sit right with this , I want to leave . I need to leave , " ... to do anything that is required of you for the greater good of this country , following the principles set by the Secret State Affairs ... "  my entire being screams 'run' but I can't move a muscle , " ... for as long as this organization runs ? " What comes next ? I'm supposed to say something . Laicy steps on my foot , again . This works the trick , " Ye... Yes , I do ." did I just agree to , what was it again ? I didn't even hear half of what was said . 

" Congratulations Miss Ngatia , you are officially part of the SSA . Mr Brandon Khan here and Miss Namala will fill you in on your duties and our expectations later today ."  The John doe finally has a name . " I trust your hesitation has nothing to do with doubt " This sounds more like a threat than an affirmation . Wait , his face , isn't he a cabinet secretary ? Right , the newly sworn in cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National government . Wasn't he supposed to maintain order? Not wreck havoc , not to mention who he walked in with ! 

" Miss Ngatia , I'm still talking to you , pay attention . I would hate to have to look for a replacement , we don't have enough time for that ,"  The perfect welcome ! How was Laicy involved in all this ? 

" Why would you try to overthrow your own government ? I don't understand ,"  This I address to a face we all know too well , he looks a few years older in person compared to the face on billboards and social media platforms . 

" Do you play poker Miss Ngatia ? This isn't so different . Your intellect should be sharper than this if you're going to work for me . I'll pardon you this one time . The rumor about overthrowing the government works in our favor , it keeps suspicion off us and buys us enough time to make this work but that's all it is , a rumor . What we are doing is passing a message , taking a step to reclaim a corruption free , fair , peaceful country . The intelligent ones will take the cue and back down , woe to anyone who attempts to derail us . The victims will be remembered for their sacrifice , every war has casualties and we can't let a few dead bodies hold us back ."  This is SICK ! There must be a better way to transform this country , theirs wasn't it . 

" Our first project will be an assassination , we can't have criminals misleading our people , taking what belongs to 'wanjiku' over the years and thinking they can get away with it . This will happen in the next twelve hours , Mr Khan will be back with the details . Meanwhile , Miss Namala , keep Miss Ngatia in check , most morgues are already full . " Was that a straight up threat ! What did I just sign up for ? 

The four make their way towards the door leaving Laicy , or should I say Miss Namala , and I rooted to the same spot . 

" What he means to say is , we are glad to have you . Welcome home Lilian ," Laicy whispers , she must have seen my facial expression .  Why did she get me in this mess in the first place and what duties was I to be allocated . 

 I glance from Laicy , to the retreating figures ; the judge , Mr Khan , the CS and finally our newly sworn in president . Wasn't he supposed to be a symbol of national unity ? To think I had cast my vote for him ! 

Mr politician , what is your end game ? 

PS: THIS PIECE IS ENTIRELY FICTIONAL .