BY FREDDY MACHA
Picture this London scene.
Rushing to work, early morning, windy, rains and news of Storm Boelo and Austen. Trees and properties damaged. So cold you wish you were in warm East Africa. Meanwhile, news also warn El Nino, more terrifying, shall soon ravage that same East African landscape you crave. No where is safe, globally.
But you flew here, for the greener pastures.
Dashing towards the fast trains station – a lady is screaming. White ; probably 40s or 50s-yet looks almost 80.
“Thank you so much! God bless you my love!…”
Someone just put money into her small plastic cup.
The beggar is genuinely, grateful.
Soon you are in the packed train. Silence abruptly broken by a very uncomfortable stench.
“Sorry to bother you. Don’t like doing this. But I have to. I am homeless. Need something to eat…”
Most Londoners feel giving money to beggars -shall be used for booze and drugs. Authorities constantly advise offering money to homeless charities who run organized assistance.
She gets distressed. “No one cares! I want to die now! It is so cold. Just need a cup of coffee.”
No one gives.
“Why are you laughing? Think this is funny?”
At the next stop the female who looks 30 years, leaves the train. In tears.
Apart from useless wars initiated by men in suits and political speeches filled with empty lies; peace and prosperity is like an unpredictable, sleeping crocodile. Across destroyed lands, refugees and immigrants crossing frontiers.
KUPIGA BOX is a Swahili word used overseas, to mean jobs. Working to pay bills. Send money home. On average most of us hold two- three jobs.
Lately, in the African community, deaths of males and females found alone in rented rooms have increased.
Unlike when it was older individuals, recent statistics point to younger, averaging 25-45 years. The stress of doing long shifts- sometimes at night- inadequate sleep – can be fatal.
Last week this column focused on music as a job, overseas. Majority musicians have to supplement incomes through menial jobs e.g. night security, waitressing, taxi and bus driving. By the time they have saved enough to return home, health is kaputt.
In the 1970s we heard “mabaharia” stories – young seamen coming to work abroard- returning, comfortably, with saved dollars. In 2026, saving money is harder. Most salaries are okay, however, bills and taxes, higher. A small consolation is when the Ulaya money is transferred into local Shilingis.
But at what cost?
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