fatherhood | Oyunga Pala

Guest Post: He Broke Me, My Father, He Broke Me.

Posted on June 18, 2017 by OP Posted in Relationships

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Guest Post: He Broke Me, My Father, He Broke Me.

A Daughter’s lament to the father she never knew on Father’s Day.

Words: Mary Jane.

After a busy day at work, I called my mum to check up on her. She running an errand on my behalf. We spoke for a bit about stuff before she abruptly asked if I had received ‘THE NEWS’.

I thought of her goats, hundreds of them. She had probably made a killing selling them off at profit. Yet, my heart instantly felt heavy because she repeated the same question and I sensed some hesitation in her voice.

No goats had been exchanged for cash.

“He died”, she pronounced.

All I said was okay, and hang up.

You see, ‘he’ was my dad.

Guest Post: For Men, Age Is More Than A Number

Posted on December 8, 2016December 10, 2016 by OP Posted in About OP, Insight

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Guest Post: For Men, Age Is More Than A Number

Words: Clay Muganda

Newspaper columnist, Clay Muganda reflects on ageing and the lessons he picked up from his father.

Doctors. They are the best. Or so we think. Many people believe that medical staff or doctors can keep secrets. Patients easily share stuff with them that they would never reveal to their spouses, sexual partners or children.

Opening up to a doctor is so easy. We never think much about the things we tell doctors about ourselves, and how they might be used against us.

But at some age, you become conscious about what you tell your doctor and wonder whether these young men and women can keep secrets.

The Art Of Being A Good Man: 15 Great Quotes From Barack Obama

Posted on November 25, 2016November 27, 2016 by OP Posted in Insight

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The Art Of Being A Good Man: 15 Great Quotes From Barack Obama

In a way, Obama the politician was a disappointment for Africans. His father was Kenyan and Africans could be forgiven for raising their hopes. It did not play out as imagined. People expected a robust policy but Obama was fully occupied, trying to make America sane again.

On the other hand, George W. Bush is widely credited for initiating a visible policy and humanitarian support for African issues. Obama did not have the luxury of cosying up to Africa, at least not in the way many expected. His tenure was focused on trade to counter Chinese presence than aid.

Nonetheless, in his 8 years in office, the continent still claimed him as one of their own. Their proudest son. He was warmly received when he visited Ghana, Egypt, Senegal, Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia.

The symbolism of Barrack Obama, the man, was one of his most underrated qualities. Obama was a good role model for uprightness and he broaden the scope of black manliness. Obama earned his place as a dignified man and flipped the stereotype of bravado expected of a black man in power. He expressed a personal sense of excellence that was worth emulating.

OH My! What A Guy! The Many Facets of Being Jeff Koinange

Posted on September 16, 2016September 16, 2016 by OP Posted in Insight

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OH My! What A Guy! The Many Facets of Being Jeff Koinange

Jeff Koinange is without a doubt, Kenya’s most celebrated journalist. As host of the popular JKL show on KTN TV his industry remains unmatched and his ability to find connection with all types of people has elevated Jeff to an undisputed position, as a voice of influence in our times.

Jeff was the first African in history to win an Emmy and notably the first African to win a Peabody, and the first African National to be awarded a Vernon Jarrett and the Prix Bayeux.

The “Bench” a moniker for Jeff Koinange’s JKL show hosted by Kenya Television Network has become an institution warranting the title “the voice”. It is where talent is unearthed. It is where issues of contention get aired providing a weekly catharsis for dedicated viewers. The “Bench” helps us by constantly calibrating national events and contextualizing issues, thereby birthing a more informed audience. The bench will clock 9 years in November 2016 and it has provided a platform to more than 3000 guests. This is what is considered good journalism.

But it what does it take to consistently operate at this high level? Does Jeff have a life outside the bench?

I invited Jeff to my bench and this is what he had to say…

Posted on September 8, 2016September 12, 2016 by OP Posted in Relationships

Being Manly Enough Requires Balls

Words: Clay Muganda

I am old.

On 15th February, 2003, just when Kenya had restricted Canada to 197 in 49 overs, and I was watching Kenya chase, I got a call.

It was during the 2003 Cricket World Cup, and my drinking pal then, and at The Porter House that Saturday afternoon, was my creative friend…a man so sharp that he cannot hold a job since he does not understand how other people around him can be so dumb.

You can say he is as arrogant just like his uncle who gave you the Michuki Rules. He can call you anything, anytime, if he feels you are a dunderhead.

He does not drink in hours. He drinks in days. He says so. And it is true. The mothers to his children know that. He could leave the house on Friday, and on Sunday afternoon, I would still find him in the pub. Drunk. But his ability to call people names still intact.

His Baby Mamas always run away. With the child, or children. But at some point they come back. His brains bring them back.