You suffered the blow of a fight you didn’t start
A fight you know nothing about
I remember every hustle we went through
How we struggled with life in the village
With the Video-show we started together
Together trying to make a dollar each day
I remember very well those morning runs
When we braved the cold to keep fit
When you prepared for the recruitment
Up and down those steep slopes
You were always faster than me
And you had to wait for me to catch up
I recall without fail the nights we spent together
At nyanya’s place for supper and endless stories
The late nights after the late matches
And the worries we shared over increased Super sport bouquet prices
I wouldn’t forget the ploughing
At the farm down by the stream
And the sugarcane we loved so much
I remember the way we used to cycle back home
After I closed the Mpesa shop in Mailisaba
And the usual long trek home
My elder brothers whom you studied together in Kapchepsir
You always got along well like siblings
Growing up together into ambitious young men
I remember like it was yesterday
When you came back from Saboti
With the good news that you had been picked
After a long night of medical tests
And a tedious day running around town
I saw hope
I was so happy for you
It indeed was the best thing to happen
After so long a time of trying
I knew at last after so long a time of trying
I knew that you would at last complete
The studies you had put on hold
Due to financial constraints
I knew you would better the lives of everyone
I knew all was going to be well
And I thanked God for the opportunity
That he gave you to serve this country
In the capacity of an administration officer
The pass out was in February last year
I missed attending it but it was the greatest news
You had graduated at last!
You endured the 9 month-long training
Phase one of the dream was done
….
15 months later
Today
The 1st of June 2017
I’m a bitter man
I’m bitter because of your dream
Your dream that has been cut shot
We’re left but with sorrow
Knowing that you’re no more breaks our hearts
It’s painful that you departed too soon
The reality of your absence hasn’t yet dawned
I will forever struggle to believe that you are no more
I’m bitter because I’ve lost a brother
A friend and a champion for this nation
You believed you were called to serve
To protect and to maintain order in this country
You gave out your heart to service
And yet somehow you’re gone
Gone too soon, too painfully brother
Your life was taken by an IED in Lamu
When you were out on patrol with your team
I cannot bear the imagination of how it happened
How just abruptly the patrol was cut shot
The picture of the wrecked armored vehicle is proof enough
That your life was painfully taken
I am uncertain if I’ll ever find peace
I don’t know if my soul will find rest
Journey well brother Steve
Our roads are now unsafe
We cannot be certain about where we walk
Our trails are unsafe with these IEDs
I don’t know where we’re heading as a nation
On matters security
There definitely is an enemy within our borders
I wonder what the authorities are doing
But I wouldn’t start a fight with them today
As the Nation celebrates madaraka
You’re lying cold and lifeless in a morgue
You suffered the blow of a fight you didn’t start
A fight you know nothing about
But I celebrate your resilience this day
Your persistence and zeal to achieve your goals
In protecting others you lost your dear life
May your reward be triple in heaven
Kwaheri kaka Steve
Fair thee well brother
We miss you big time!
