I am an ardent reader, and like most readers, I have my own list of favorite books, newspapers and columns. I write too, albeit occasionally but I
did not have to include that, did I?
My parents and elder brothers and others slightly older than I am brag
about being the Whispers generation. They got to enjoy their weekly column
written by the son of the soil, of the stories of Pajero and the Investment. He
was and still is one of the most celebrated writers this country had. I was not
old enough to enjoy his work but Goat Matata tales did it for me.
I want to pay tribute in no particular order,
to the men and women who complete my week, and make me pick up the newspaper
first thing whenever I get home. They might never get to even read this but I
will take my chances.
The Surgeon’s Diary every Sunday is a masterpiece
for a very wide
audience. From the school going student who needs to sharpen his grammar, to
the older person who keenly follows the doctor’s stories of his patients and
sometimes his family, the good surgeon keeps all of us hooked.
Kate Flakes, how would my Saturdays be without you? The flakes column is
my must read. She tells everyday stories and experiences with humour and
captivation. Jackson Biko is my hero. One of the hardest things to do in my
opinion is to replace a great person and continue to shine and to some extent even outshine
them.
When Oyunga Pala left the column Man
Talk, I was heartbroken. That did not last very long because Mr. Biko picked up
with great skill and charm and I was hooked, again. Needless to say though, I
still read Oyunga’s articles.
One person who took the story of his life and continues to wow us with
it is Josaya Wesonga. Fatherhood 101 every Wednesday makes me feel as if I have
known Pudd’ng all her life. I never want to miss any part of her experiences,
and those names Josaya, are they real? Barasa could be the unsung hero of this article;
those cartoons of the family are simply perfect.
Whenever I pick up the Friday daily Nation, I have something I am going
for, my weekly dose of laughter. Philip, with his trademark hat never ceases to
crack me up. I read his articles with a smile on my face, unconsciously so
because if anyone gets you Philip, it’s me. I have never ceased to wonder how
well you capture your readers’ attention and keep it to the end, leaving us
yearning for more and making a week feel like two years before your next
article.
These great people among many others that I haven’t mentioned have inspired my writing
and were partly to thank for me being the English teacher’s favorite student. Hats
off to you all.
So, someone kindly let Philip know that whenever I miss his article, my
week gets ruined.
2 comments:
What a nice piece Mahugu!! I like this article for two reasons; one, it sets a good example to Kenyan youths on good reading culture, and two, your favourite articles happen to be my best too. I would recommend that you also be reading Mwalimu Andrew's 'Staffroom diary' on the 'Sunday Nation'. However Mercy, check the word 'been' on the second and second last paragraphs. I stand to be corrected,but i think the correct word should be 'being'. Otherwise i like it. Keep giving us more..kudos!!!
You know what Brian, I stand corrected. I have had unending problems with 'been' and ' being' ever since I was in primary school. thank you so much though, I feel encouraged.
Post a Comment