In the quiet village of Gitithia, life was simple and tough. The people of Gitithia, mostly farmers and small traders at nearby Nyambari market, worked tirelessly to make ends meet. Among them was a young man named Jemo wa Nduthi, known for his exceptional work ethic and boundless energy. Jemo's story began with a simple bodaboda—a motorcycle taxi.
Jemo had always been a hard worker. From a young age, he helped his parents in the fields, dreaming of a better life. When he turned 18, he managed to scrape together enough money to buy a second-hand bodaboda. It wasn’t much, but to Jemo, it was the start of something bigger.
The locals quickly noticed Jemo’s dedication. He was the first to arrive at the marketplace every morning, ready to ferry passengers to their destinations. His bodaboda, painted in bright blue and white, stood out among the others. It was teasingly named “Tigoni Maternity Wing Direct” after the famous local hospital. This nickname, however, had a double meaning. Jemo had a reputation for charming the village girls, many of whom ended up pregnant after rides on his bodaboda.
Despite his indiscretions, Jemo was well-liked for his hard work and friendly demeanour. He saved every shilling he earned, dreaming of a better life for himself and his family. His dedication paid off when he managed to buy a smooth, used Mazda Demio, venturing into the taxi business.
The transition from bodaboda to taxi driver was a significant step for Jemo. The Mazda Demio was a symbol of his progress and determination. He proudly painted it in the same blue and white colours, maintaining a sense of continuity with his humble beginnings. The taxi business proved to be even more lucrative than the bodaboda, and Jemo's reputation for reliability and efficiency grew.
Jemo’s taxi quickly became popular, not just in Gitithia, but also in the neighbouring villages of Mwimutoni, Lari thikimu, Gatama among others. People appreciated his punctuality and the clean, well-maintained car. However, the nickname “Tigoni Maternity Wing Direct” was soon replaced by a new name for his Mazda Demio: “Gitina Girls Secondary School.” This nickname was a nod to a local girls' school known for its promiscuity, and it reflected Jemo's ongoing entanglements with the village girls.
Despite the whispers and rumours, Jemo’s business flourished. He became one of the most sought-after taxi operators in the area, often hired for long-distance trips and special occasions. His financial success transformed his family’s life. He moved them out of their humble mabati house dwelling into a newly built stone house—a significant upgrade from their previous house.
The new house was a marvel. It had large windows, a modern kitchen, and a spacious living room. The villagers gaped at the transformation of Jemo’s family. From struggling farmers, they had become one of the most respected families in Gitithia. Jemo’s wife, Wanjiru, and their three children enjoyed the comforts and respect that came with Jemo’s hard-earned money.
However, as Jemo's fortunes rose, his character continued to deteriorate. His reputation with the village girls worsened, and whispers of his numerous affairs became louder. Jemo’s wife, Wanjiru, was well aware of her husband’s perfidies. She had confronted him multiple times, but Jemo always brushed her off, claiming he was just having fun. The tension in their marriage grew, but Wanjiru remained silent, focusing on raising their children and maintaining their home.
Last Sunday was a day that would forever change Jemo wa Nduthi's life. It started like any other day, with Jemo making his usual rounds in his Mazda Demio. However, there was a look of unease on his face, a stark contrast to his usual confident behaviour. Jemo walked into PharMed Chemist at Gitithia with a look of desperation. He purchased an HIV test kit, a purchase he had never made before. The self-test confirmed his worst fears. Tears streaming down his face, Jemo rushed to Gitithia JCF, a local church. The pastor, Pastor Kamau, was standing outside, greeting the congregants as they arrived for the usual Sunday service. Jemo fell to his knees before the pastor, crying out, “Pastor, pray for me. I want to serve Jesus now.”
Jemo had always been a hard worker. From a young age, he helped his parents in the fields, dreaming of a better life. When he turned 18, he managed to scrape together enough money to buy a second-hand bodaboda. It wasn’t much, but to Jemo, it was the start of something bigger.
The locals quickly noticed Jemo’s dedication. He was the first to arrive at the marketplace every morning, ready to ferry passengers to their destinations. His bodaboda, painted in bright blue and white, stood out among the others. It was teasingly named “Tigoni Maternity Wing Direct” after the famous local hospital. This nickname, however, had a double meaning. Jemo had a reputation for charming the village girls, many of whom ended up pregnant after rides on his bodaboda.
Despite his indiscretions, Jemo was well-liked for his hard work and friendly demeanour. He saved every shilling he earned, dreaming of a better life for himself and his family. His dedication paid off when he managed to buy a smooth, used Mazda Demio, venturing into the taxi business.
The transition from bodaboda to taxi driver was a significant step for Jemo. The Mazda Demio was a symbol of his progress and determination. He proudly painted it in the same blue and white colours, maintaining a sense of continuity with his humble beginnings. The taxi business proved to be even more lucrative than the bodaboda, and Jemo's reputation for reliability and efficiency grew.
Jemo’s taxi quickly became popular, not just in Gitithia, but also in the neighbouring villages of Mwimutoni, Lari thikimu, Gatama among others. People appreciated his punctuality and the clean, well-maintained car. However, the nickname “Tigoni Maternity Wing Direct” was soon replaced by a new name for his Mazda Demio: “Gitina Girls Secondary School.” This nickname was a nod to a local girls' school known for its promiscuity, and it reflected Jemo's ongoing entanglements with the village girls.
Despite the whispers and rumours, Jemo’s business flourished. He became one of the most sought-after taxi operators in the area, often hired for long-distance trips and special occasions. His financial success transformed his family’s life. He moved them out of their humble mabati house dwelling into a newly built stone house—a significant upgrade from their previous house.
The new house was a marvel. It had large windows, a modern kitchen, and a spacious living room. The villagers gaped at the transformation of Jemo’s family. From struggling farmers, they had become one of the most respected families in Gitithia. Jemo’s wife, Wanjiru, and their three children enjoyed the comforts and respect that came with Jemo’s hard-earned money.
However, as Jemo's fortunes rose, his character continued to deteriorate. His reputation with the village girls worsened, and whispers of his numerous affairs became louder. Jemo’s wife, Wanjiru, was well aware of her husband’s perfidies. She had confronted him multiple times, but Jemo always brushed her off, claiming he was just having fun. The tension in their marriage grew, but Wanjiru remained silent, focusing on raising their children and maintaining their home.
Last Sunday was a day that would forever change Jemo wa Nduthi's life. It started like any other day, with Jemo making his usual rounds in his Mazda Demio. However, there was a look of unease on his face, a stark contrast to his usual confident behaviour. Jemo walked into PharMed Chemist at Gitithia with a look of desperation. He purchased an HIV test kit, a purchase he had never made before. The self-test confirmed his worst fears. Tears streaming down his face, Jemo rushed to Gitithia JCF, a local church. The pastor, Pastor Kamau, was standing outside, greeting the congregants as they arrived for the usual Sunday service. Jemo fell to his knees before the pastor, crying out, “Pastor, pray for me. I want to serve Jesus now.”
