Word of Life

In January 1988 something did happen to me that changed my life forever. It was one of those mornings when I wasnt at the bus stop at 5.45 am in the morning, which meant i was caught up in the Thika Road traffic jam. By the time I had run from the community bus stop across matumbato road to upper hill school, it was already 8 am and assembly was on. I had missed preps (one of the biggest sins one can commit in school) and also missed the headmaster's adress. Verdict, punishment,usually delivered after lunch.

It was the preserve of the administer of the punishment to decide how to make your life miserable. this could either be cutting grass, rolling across the football pitch without your shirt, or being confided in a small cupboard which could hardly fit a small child for about 30 minutes.. Once this one guy was asked to uproot the soccer goal posts using a panga... he gave it his best shot and got more punishment for destroying school property...The worst though was being caned by Mr nyoike, who was a specialist of some sort.. This day it was decided that mr Nyoike would administer the canes....

There was obvious panic amongst us late comers cos the guys caning was dreaded.. The only way we could escape this was to go join in the christian union meeting that was being held at that very moment...We did manage to avoid being beaten because nyoike upo bursting itno the CU found us singing athe top of our voices even drowning out regular CU goers.. This was the first event....