Mkulima Moments: How I showered lovely Wandia with gifts

Despite the disappearance of WakaGeorge, Mzee Jeremiah, Kabeca and Wandia’s aunt in the city, even after I had paid them their travelling allowance, my stall to stall visit at the breeders livestock show in Nairobi was successful.

As I had said, this city trip was one way to appease the cooperative officials who were increasingly becoming impatient that I was too keen on cooperative funds.

They were complaining that I was becoming too economical and was beating Magufuli, the Tanzania President, in austerity measures.

None of those who absconded came back with us. WakaGeorge came after one day giving the excuse of how his phone had run out of power. He had acquired a new smart phone which he bought from the savings of the allowances given by the cooperative.

Mzee Jeremiah came after two days. He also bought a new pair of safari boot shoes and a China made walking stick. Mzee Kabeca came after three days complaining how he had a hard time with his tenants who have not paid rent and he was forced to lock the house until they paid.

Wandia’s Aunt came accompanied by the lovely flawless Wandia in her new car which was making  its maiden drive to Mashambani village.

Interestingly, both Kabecha and Mzee Jeremiah have been insisting they actually came back to the show. However, when I asked them what they had learnt,  Kabeca, “Hiyo maneno ilikuwa  mingi sijui nitaanzia wapi...wewe tutapanga nikuelezee.” I have decided to go slow on them.

BETTER DAIRY COWS

Wekesa, my farm hand, was excited to be in the show and learnt a few tips on feeding a dairy cow although he was disappointed there were no chickens.

“Mkulima, are chickens not livestock?” he asked when we arrived.

“I think they are, though sometimes they are referred to as poultry,” I replied.

He continued to pester me. “Why were they not in the show?” He asked.

“May be next time they will be there,” I answered with uncertainty just to cut him short. However, I have a new problem with Muchiri, my former farmhand who attended the show.

He has realised there are better dairy cows than those found at Mkulima mixed farm.

Since Wednesday, he has been taunting us. He is now preaching ‘tembea uone ukulima’, to anyone who cares to listen.

“Ngo’mbe sio Friesian tu,” he was overheard saying after one of the farmers asked to him to share what he has learnt in Nairobi.

“Kuna Guernsey which doesn’t feed a lot but gives high quality milk,” trying to pick out some of the things he learnt.

Just then, Wandia sent me a message. “Uko na maziwa nibebe?” the message read.

“Of course, dear. Come over bae,” I replied. This message stopped any other activity that was taking place in the farm. Since she added that she was leaving in the next one hour, I gave Wekesa the order to ensure he reserves some milk for Wandia.

She requested if we could drop the milk at her aunt’s place. We put three litres in a plastic container that had cooking oil previously and enhanced the lid with a plastic paper bag.

MORE THAN SHE HAD REQUESTED

I also persuaded Wekesa to give one of his chickens with some eggs. He has been convincing me the chicken is a Kuroiler that matures faster than Kari improved kienyeji.

During this time of the year Mkulima Mixed Farm is green with leafy vegetables in excess. To Wandia’s bag of goodies we added some spinach, sukuma wiki, strawberries, managu and broccoli which has not been recognised as a vegetable at Mashambani.

I also added one of the Chinese cavefish banana. In short, my package to Wandia was more than she had requested.

We met Wandia along the tarmac road. The drizzling weather could not allow her drive the car in the muddy route from her aunt’s place.

She also got a big ‘red L’ sticker on the rear and front wind screens indicating she is still learning how to drive.

I led Wekesa on the way. I was carrying a banana trunk on my shoulders and a bottle of milk on the left hand.

Wekesa had the chicken on his armpit and the assorted vegetables on the other. I could see him struggling on the slippery road. Simba, our docile dog trailed us. It seems to have a liking for Wandia.

We found Wandia dressed like one of those ladies who have just landed from the cold weather of diaspora. She wore a marvin to cover her lovely long hair with a matching trench coat and long black boots.

The right attires for the weather. Her brand new car was there waiting.

“Mkulima, this is too much,” she said as she hugged me in astonishment.