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Heavy responsibilities for elder aunt among the Logooli

With Seenge Fonesi. She is the elder grand daughter of Isagi and elder daughter of Amugasya. She is often present in functions involving the family of Amugasya. Pic taken on 18/4/2024. The elder sister soon becomes the elder aunt. It is this “seenge munene” (elder aunt) tag that she is tied to many cultural responsibilities – back home. To her marital family she may appear as any other woman, but she is not so in the eyes of her people. Marriage does not steal her away as it would happen with other daughters of the old man. To her, as days go and the old man and woman of the estate are dependents, she becomes increasingly present.  Her brothers also need her for almost all traditional markings. They are marrying, she needs to welcome the new wife. They are giving birth, she needs to come to midwife or “bless” the new born. They are paying dowry she needs to lead the women delegate. There is a conflict she needs to come for a hearing.  And many others. Traditions does not expect her to

SHOES THAT SCHOOL


He could not understand the fun with the shoes that made me photograph them.


In 1985
He bought the shoes for Ksh 85
In May he was 56
He might have worn them today.

For more than 20 times
He has changed soles
But the crocodile skin
Or the best tan it was
Keeps going.

If you hear their praises
And how they've helped
With the care they get
You won't think otherwise.

Mom proposed the laces be replaced
But the man he is
Never ready for ambushing change
Can't change them
Maybe if mom does as she've done elsewhere.

The shoes paid my fees
Paid for Mercy
Paying for Milly
To pay For Dollin
Will pay for Den and Nana.

He is a keeper
A man who lives by his means
Though we may correct him anyhow
It may be by our lack of experience.

My son, follow not the modern tight trousers
Nor take to alcohol
I regret the days I was a drunkard
For I want you to live dignified
(The shoes existed before you
And careless life may see them burry you)

As any child wishes
Parent's should live long and healthy
To drink sugar
Of their Child's gratitude.

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