Behind every mask lies a unique story waiting to be told.
This is a journal of the real life tales that will make history long after Covid 19 is history.
It’s about the limitless strength, resilience and sheer will of humans to overcome anything
BEHIND THE MASK – Malik Rashid, 25
Security Guard somewhere in Westlands
I’m not married, no kids, but I have a girlfriend. We don’t live together but that will change as soon as this pandemic is over. I currently earn KES 9,000 ($90) per month. Before I started working here as a security guard, I was supplying goods to Supermarkets at a salary of KES 15,000 ($150) but I lost my job in February 2020. One of the managers was embezzling money so the company closed down. A week later, I got this job.
The toughest part of this pandemic is the high cost of living while our salaries stay low. I pay KES 3,000 ($30) rent, save KES 3,000 ($30), send KES 1,000 ($10) to my mother and the remaining KES 2,000 ($20) I use for everything else. I walk to work and keep my costs low. It’s the only way I can make ends meet.
I have hope for the future. Once Corona is over, everything will get back to normal and we can move forward. I’ll look for another job because this is not the job I wanted to do. If I could study food production and work in a big hotel I’d be very happy.
What keeps me going is my goals. Mine is to build my dream home and I’m saving up for it. I can’t wait for travel restrictions to be lifted so I can start.
My last words would be for Kenyans not to take any job for granted. Do whichever job that pays the bills for now and you can do what you want when Corona is over. Be humble and do whatever you have to do to reach your goals. Don’t look at what job you were doing before and look down on the opportunities in front of you right now.
BEHIND THE MASK - Akinyi Achieng, 27
Fish Seller somewhere along Rhapta Road
I’m always cooking inside the shop because we’re not allowed to be here serving people in the first place. City council will come around twice a week harassing us so we have to pretend it’s just the normal shop operating. What other choice do we have? If we rely on the shop only, we’re done. We have to continue cooking as well.
Let me tell you, Corona is real and it’s scary but so is hunger and poverty. At the end of the day, life must move on. If you go to Western Kenya where I come from, girls in class seven are being lured into prostitution because their parents don’t have money so the girls are left vulnerable. These old men seduce them with money and infect them with HIV because the girls won’t insist on protection.
There’s Corona and then there’s another pandemic which is poverty and hunger.
Why am I happy all the time? Because that’s just who I am and nothing can change that. I’m the one that keeps this place lively. If I’m not here one day, everyone asks where I am.
Yes, you can take the picture, then send me 500. There’s nothing for free.
BEHIND THE MASK
Lucas Osore Nyahombe,
69
Man with the green cup at Westlands Post Office
"I know every voice that says hallo but I’ve never heard yours. Why haven’t you said hallo before? The other day, one guy came by, took pictures, said he’ll help me and I never heard from him again. I tried to call him but he did not pick up. I only trust in God.
I was born in Alego, Siaya in 1951. Obama is from the East, I’m from the West. In 1956, after misunderstandings with my father, my mother ran back to her family. At around the same time, there was a measles breakout where many children died and it blinded me.
I’ve since worked as a basket weaver, switch board operator, a broker selling wares to companies. I’ve had three wives. My first one left me after a few years and my second one was cheating and stealing from me. One day I dreamt of my mother saying that my third wife will be the one I stay with forever. The dream came true. I now have 5 children with my wife who is now in Siaya.
In 2006 after several failed business attempts, I started working here. I thought to myself, I’m not doing anyone any harm and it’s a legal way of making a living. This cup is my weapon. Since then, I have built a house for me and my wife in Siaya. I’ve also built one for my daughters and one for my sons right next to ours. They’re made of iron sheets and mud but they keep them sheltered. My only problem right now is my son who has just finished high school and I want him to go to a technical university. He’s interested in Electrical Engineering. For now, he’s working as a watchman earning 8,000 ($80) a month and we’re hoping for God’s grace.
Before Corona I used to get at least 2,000 ($20) on Saturdays and on Sunday 3,000 ($30) because people are more generous on God’s day. Some say let me give some offering and see how my day goes. Nowadays I get 300 ($3) per day when I’m lucky. I use 80 ($0.8) to get home in the evening and 100 ($1) to get here in the morning which leaves me with 120 shillings ($1.20) for rent food and everything else.
The friend I did business with many years ago is the one who cooks for me. He takes care of me because he remembers how I helped him when business was good.
I’m hoping that a vaccine is found so we can go back to life as usual. What motivates me is faith in God. As I sit here, I don’t get money for hours or days on end sometimes, but I know that it will come. When I come here I have no worries, the money brings itself. Yesterday for example, I was shaking my cup from 7am to 8pm without much. At around 8:30pm before leaving, an Indian man came and gave me 1,200 shillings ($12)
So relax, things come when they come, not when you want.
I had to persevere 2 failed marriages before I found a permanent one."
BEHIND THE MASK – Narius Manthi
Mama Mboga somewhere along Lantana Road
I had two daughters and one son but one of my girls passed away in 2017 after a short illness. I’m the one raising her daughter who is almost 4 years old now.
This corona is really affecting me because I’m not making as much as I used to. Before, people used to buy produce worth KES 100 ($1) or KES 50 ($0.50) at the least. Nowadays, someone comes and buys one tomato and one onion. Most evenings I used to go home with KES 3,000 ($30) to KES 5,000 ($50) on good days and now, getting 1,000 shillings ($10) is impossible. The other thing is, most people are afraid of coming here because they’re afraid of getting infected. They would rather go to supermarkets because they feel safer there.
To be honest, I’m also afraid of getting infected because I meet a lot of people but I must continue working. I still have to provide for my family. For example, right now, my son is admitted in hospital and I have to send KES 500 ($5) every day for treatment. He got a wound that wouldn’t heal and now they say his leg has to be amputated.
What keeps me going is the simple fact that if I don’t work, I’ll go hungry. My husband left me in 2003 and I’ve been alone since then. Doing everything by myself. I can’t say his parents will help me because they died a long time ago.
I try not to keep my problems in my heart because those thoughts can bring you problems. Always thinking where the money will come from, always wondering how you’ll feed your children. So what I do is focus on what I can do now. The little money I have now, I make the best of it. God is in charge, not me.
Whoever has work, should be grateful and continue doing it because this will pass very soon.
By the end of the year, things will be back to normal.
BEHIND THE MASK – Thomas Maina Mutheu, 33.
Boda Boda Rider
My motivation? First of all, forget my children, forget my wife. I was raised around problems man. I remember throwing up in Mrs Gachau's class because all I had for one week was water. I never want my kids to go through that. That’s why every day I get up I have to make that day count.
Some days, I come here and spend the whole day with no work. Getting 200 ($2) per day, and sometimes nothing. Most people are indoors and when they leave the house, they go shop for 2 weeks which means less work for me. I used to make 2,000 shillings ($20) per day, use 500 ($5) on fuel, 500 ($5) on credit, food and other small things and save 1,000 ($10). I have 2 boda bodas but I’ve decided not to take money from the guy operating my 2nd bike. I know he needs the money.
I was paying 4,000 shillings ($40) on rent, but I decided to get a roommate and we found a small room for 2,000 ($20) per month. I sold my furniture and things I don’t need so we can fit into this small room.
My wife is due to deliver our 4th child mid July and that is a lot of pressure at this time.
For now I would say we have to adjust. If you were paying 10,000 ($100) rent, move to a 5,000 ($50) place so that you you can use the money in other ways.
BEHIND THE MASK (Father’s Day Edition)
Esau Maina Mwangi, 65 years
Sells Fruits along Electric Avenue
I have 8 children. 4 girls and 4 boys. The last one is in form 3 and the eldest is married so I don’t have to take care of him but I have to fend for my two youngest ones. My wife lives upcountry and we’ve been together for 45 years.
I’ve been selling fruits here for 10 years and I used to make 500 ($5) every day. I would pay rent, food, bills and my children’s education and save 100 ($1). Sometimes the fruits will go bad because no one is buying and I have to go get fresh fruits from Marikiti. Now I’m lucky if I make 200 ($2) so I can only afford food. In April and May when we couldn’t sell anything, I was surviving on the 100 ($1) I was saving every day and on some days we would sleep hungry.
We had to change how we eat. We used to have tomatoes, onions, good cooking oil in our food but now I will boil sukuma and eat instead of frying. Sometimes I’ll buy a quarter kilo of meat at the end of the month.
This coming month, if things don’t change, I’ll will move houses because I’m paying 4,000 ($40) rent after they raised it from 2,500 ($25). The government should help us with some money to lift small business like mine. I would be able to add stock and sell more.
I don’t bother my children because they also have families and they’re trying to make it in life. A young man will pay 15,000 ($150) rent because he wants a good life for his family and sometimes they’ll even ask me for 500 ($5) when things are tough. So I can’t be relying on my children when I have the strength to work.
Hard work is the best way to move forward. If you want to get rid of bad thoughts like suicide, get out of the house and do something to keep you going.
BEHIND THE MASK - Anne Wanjiku Kimani, 37
Owns a Kibanda somewhere in Parklands
"We all have NHIF insurance, but the best insurance is God. Every morning and every evening we start and finish with prayers. We can't protect ourselves, only God can.
I hired my sisters to help with the business so I'm the one supporting the whole family. I pay them half of what they used to get so that I don't have to fire anyone.
I used to make 2000 ($20) a day and now we barely make 500 ($50), When praying, my children say, "God please help mum so we can live the way we used to."
My husband lost his job at a high school where he was in charge of all the printing so I'm the sole bread winner.
He can do many things including food delivery, caretaker, driver, cleaning supervisor. Anything that pays.
It's obviously more strained in the house because you know men get angry when they don't have a job and the wife is providing. But I know he will find a job because he is hardworking.
I'm very hopeful that this pandemic will pass because Kenyans are God fearing. I also don't want to lose my clients so I have to keep working.
Anyone who has faith in God will not perish from this pandemic. It's like el nino floods, they come and go."
BEHIND THE MASK – Boniface Njoroge,
Wines and Spirits owner along Electric Avenue, Westlands
In these times, I can’t say my brother is only the one I share a mother with. Right now, you are my brother. Here, we can never allow one of us to be in trouble and not offer help. We try everything we can to help our friends get back on their feet. When one of us has lost hope because of this corona, we sit him down and tell him he’s not the only one suffering. We’re in this together.
When curfew was announced, there were many ‘usiku sacco’ guys here (night shift workers) who were affected. We helped them stay afloat and we’re still helping where we can.
Business is not good but when Corona is over, things will be back to normal. There are people who are not leaving the house but you can’t compare them to us. We are hustlers. You can’t compare a person that stays home because of Corona with a person who goes out to fend for his family. The one at home has money, us we have no choice but to work every day.
Don’t allow your heart to be weak. Take heart and don’t ever compare yourself to others because that’s what makes things worse. Stick to your work, do it well and keep going.”
BEHIND THE MASK – Godfrey Senelwa, 33
Sells Smokies along Electric Avenue
"Since this thing started, which witchdoctor has come out and said he can cure Corona?
None! But when a pastor says "come to church, I’ll play the guitar and end this pandemic," he is persecuted.
Maghufuli has kept the churches open because he knows where the true power is. When he said we cannot trust what these foreigners are bringing to Africa, people called him drunk but he knows what he is talking about.
As long as we put God first, we will make it through this. For weeks we haven’t had water at my place so we have to buy water for 20 shillings. Do you think we are going to wash our hands with that? No way. But God is great because it rained recently and that’s the water we collected for everyday use.
Waiting for government to help is like being a tick that depends on the cow to survive. You must be self-reliant, help your neighbor and trust in God"
BEHIND THE MASK - Piredi 'spanner' lekirisa, 35 (PART 1)
Watchman at a kibanda along Riverside Drive
"They nicknameed me 'spanner' because I fix things and I save people. When I was a 14 year old shepherd boy in Samburu, we had shiftas from Somalia who came to raid our cattle. This particular morning at around 10:30am my instincts told me something was wrong. My 2 dogs started barking towards the hills where the shiftas were hiding behind a hill.
I noticed they had a spy who was patrolling our bomas to monitor the area before the attack. I had no weapon, just a Y8. It's the metal they use for construction and I had crafted it into a weapon.
I sneaked up behind him and took him down. The screams woke up everyone in the village and the shiftas ran away.They never came back again. That's how I got the name 'spanner.'
Even now, I still protect people here. If you threaten this guy, or the street child or even the dog over there, I will deal with you.
I'm not afraid of Corona. I'm ready to risk my life for my family."
BEHIND THE MASK - Piredi 'spanner' lekirisa, 35 (PART 2)
Watchman at a kibanda along Riverside Drive
"There's no difference between you, me, or the dog over there. We're all one. We're living things. I can't do anything without you, that one, the street child and even the dog. We need each other like parts of a car. Working together and moving the car forward.
My family was staying with me before Corona and now they're in Samburu because the borders are closed. I miss them but I call them every now and then. It pains me that if anything would happen to them there is nothing I can do.
I get 300 ($3) but I used to get about 1,000 ($10) per day. I send 150 ($1.50) to my wife to take care of the children.
I continue believing because of my family, and my life. I have to provide for them and I have to eat.
Be faithful because nothing lasts forever and no one knows tomorrow or the next minute. You never plan anything in your life, it's planned for you by God."
BEHIND THE MASK - George Kiige, 72
Shoe Shiner somewhere in Westlands
"Elderly people have more thoughts because everyone depends on them including shosho (Grandma) The young people nowadays, once they get their comfortable life, they forget the old. Therefore, if wazees are the ones at risk, the government should provide them with food and healthcare.
I've been here for more than 30 years and it has never been this bad. I'll sometimes go home with 200 ($2). The worst part is that the government has not taken the right steps as far as churches are concerned. There are people who can talk directly to God and they knew this was coming long before it got here. You can't be doing all sorts of sins and you're the one telling us how to stop Corona. The best medicine is God almighty. Open the churches.
I'm not afraid of getting corona because I know God exists."
BEHIND THE MASK - Joseph Kilonzo
Sells pants around Kileleshwa
"I was a driver but I lost my job as soon as corona started so I decided to get trousers from Gikomba and started selling them. I was earning 18,000 a month ($180)
When I’m selling these trousers I depend on the poor because I don’t expect a rich person to leave their office to buy from me. They buy from malls. My customers have no money so I’m really feeling the stress. There’s no free water in Kibera so I have to buy 5 litres for 5 shillings every day. This means people are not washing hands as is required. I’m just lucky things are ok so far. I haven’t heard of anyone who is sick around where I stay.
I have 5 children and a wife who is taking care of them very well in Kitui. I provide everything for my boma but now the shamba we have is where they get food from.
I still thank God because I’m able to get bus fare to come here and patrol for business. The reason I’m able to continue is my independence. I don’t have a boss giving me stress asking how much I have sold. I am my own boss so I can do what I want and I’m satisfied.
My advice is for Kenyans to realise there’s a lot of work. Some women are now selling masks or hawking. Get out of the house and do something. Wash people’s feet, shine their shoes. Ask for work with dignity, believe in God and follow safety precautions."
BEHIND THE MASK- Jonathan Macharia, 20
The Student Hustler along Mombasa Road
Interview by Tom Osanjo
Photo: Kui Kariuki
“I’m a First Year student of Building and Construction Technology at Masinde Muliro University. I used to help my cousin sell chargers, earphones and adapters on my college vacations. However Covid-19 happened and the university was closed.
With too much time and nothing to do, I decided to start my own biashara with the experience I got at my cousin’s stall. The most I make is Kshs 300 (USD 3) on a good day. I use this for lunch, walk back home in the evening and share with my dad. We live in Lunga Lunga slums.
He is a good father and he works hard at the Kamukunji Jua Kali sheds where he makes jikos (charcoal fired stove). Sometimes I contribute some little money towards our supper but most of the times my dad buys all that we need. My mother is back in the village in Murang’a County.
It’s my hope that when corona is over, I will go back to school and finish my studies. My dream is to get a job in my chosen field but I am aware that opportunities are getting less by the day.
My plan B is to get some capital and build on this business of gadget sales. I believe I have enough knowledge of how the market works.”
BEHIND THE MASK - Eric Gitonga, 28
Owns an Mpesa and Retail shop near Sankara Hotel
"Corona is fake news. I don't believe it exists because I have not seen anyone who is sick. They say Westlands is a hotspot but I haven't heard of one case. Not one.
All I know is that things are bad. I eat what I'm selling in my shop sometimes because there isn't enough money to buy food. I was earning 3,000 -7,000 shillings and now I can't even get 1,000 ($10)
Sometimes when my children are hungry I buy bread and they eat that. It's still food, sindio?
I also haven't paid my rent for the last 2 months. It's 7,000 ($70) but I don't have the money to pay. The landlord said he'll remove my door but I'm still negotiating with him.
Why is the government not helping us at all? Anyway, I'll continue working because I'd rather die from Corona than hunger"
BEHIND THE MASK - Kule Nakale, 27
Sells shoes near Sankara Hotel
(Name changed to protect identity)
“I cope by smoking weed. A lot of weed. I don't have to drink much but I must smoke weed.
I used to make about 10,000 ($100) on some days but now I can't even sell 3 pairs of shoes. I go home with 300 to 400 shillings on most days.
My wife used to work in a boutique but now she has no work so they all depend on me. We have 2 daughters who are 4 and 7.
They should open the churches even though I never used to go. Actually, they should keep them closed because this thing is not a joke.
Tell Kenyans to wear their masks.”
BEHIND THE MASK - Shadrack Kofia Kanake
Owns a kiosk near Sankara Hotel
“The poor ones with families are the ones who are suffering the most because they have so many people depending on them and so many bills. The rich people don't have to leave home but for us selling to Kenyans at the bottom, we have to continue working. I only get like 300 ($3) nowadays so there's no savings.
When my 3 children as what’s going on I tell them Corona is real and they should wash their hands and wear their masks. My wife doesn't nag me because she understands how things are. She was working in a hotel but lost her job so now I’m the only one they depend on.
I used to sell a whole crate of soda per day, but now I only sell one or two. It's the small money that keeps me motivated because the 50 shillings here and there is what keeps me alive. The few coins here and there always adds up.
If people don't work, crime will go up. You won’t be able to leave your house without being robbed by your neighbours. Let's keep hustling and move on with life. If you were hustling keep hustling for your family. Otherwise you won't survive.”
BEHIND THE MASK – Gaceri M’Ithinji
Health Care Provider in North Carolina, USA
(PART 1)
"I was exposed to the virus 2 weeks ago while administering medication to one of my patients, she was a 100yrs old. She died last Saturday. She had contracted the virus from a caregiver a week earlier but we did not realize it. Her test was done on Thursday the 18th and the results came in on the 23rd.
Of course by this time a lot of us were already exposed (though we were all gowning and masking). The health department mandated that we all get tested so I got my test (self-administered in a drive through location) on Friday last week.
By this time, all employees in my building and patients were tested and it's scary how the virus had already spread. On Friday June 12th, there was one employee with a fever, by Monday June 29, we had over 20 cases. It just takes one person getting exposed, and maybe not even symptomatic, to infect a whole family. This virus is spreading like a Bush fire.
I have been hunkered down at home since mid-March, working only 2 days every other weekend. I order my groceries online every 20 days and do a curbside pick up to minimize contact with other people and I’ve also grown a vegetable garden. I’ve been homeschooling my kids for 3 months now and might have to continue with the same when school resumes in the Fall."
BEHIND THE MASK – Gaceri M’Ithinji
Health Care Provider in North Carolina, USA
(Part 2)
"I cover my hair going into the building. I spray myself down with disinfectant spray and bring a change of shoes that I spray before changing and leave them in the trunk in a plastic bag. I leave my lunch bag in the car for about 3-4 days. I notify my children when am pulling up in the driveway to lock themselves in their rooms so I can strip as soon as I get inside, put the uniform in the washer and dash to the shower.
I will not be going to work until the weekend of the 11th. I got my results back and fortunately am negative, such a relief.
Since our building just got infected, they have added to the measures, of course getting hazardous pay and isolating infected patients to just one Unit. We are negotiating on getting a shower/changing room.”
BEHIND THE MASK – Gaceri M’Ithinji
Health Care Provider in North Carolina, USA
(Part 3)
“I keep up with my friends via phone, we had 2 friends' baby shower via zoom and dropped the presents in their garage and waited 3 days before they could open them. I visit with my neighbor over the picket fence, we share vegetables by allowing each other to pick whatever they need from our respective gardens. Fortunately, she is a nurse too and she actually took her Covid test 3 days before I did.
Am keeping busy with school stuff, playing tennis with my son, soccer, hide and seek and anything that keeps the kids engaged and distracted. And of course Play station, Netflix, Hulu and Disney plus. I had to let go of my yard man so I have taken on that role too. We keep busy, stay up late, sleep in.....
Kenyans just need to be aware especially that the young people could be carrying the virus asymptomatically and transmitting it to vulnerable family members. There is word that this virus might be with us for the next 12 months so we need to adjust accordingly and be responsible.”
BEHIND THE MASK - Steve ‘Roots’ Kumari, 36
Owns Roots Salon in Nairobi CBD
“The young brothers nowadays are all about having as much sex as possible and buying Subarus that don’t add value to their lives. I grew up in Kibera and that has moulded me in terms of my mindset. Those principles that got me to where I am have helped me through this tough period. Set your mind on something and you’ll get it. Not everyone supported my line of work as a hair stylist but I pushed forward and never gave up.
Fortunately, I haven’t had to let go of any of my 23 employees. We just share the little we get but things are tight especially on rent because management refused to reduce the rent so I’ve had to go back to my savings.
Because salons are high risk areas, we’ve had to be very strict on the safety regulations to ensure that we don’t lose our customers. Salon investors closed their businesses but us stylists who are entrepreneurs we we’ve been able to maintain our businesses because we have the skill. If you have a skill and passion, own the business and then employ. You cannot eat passion but business is everything. Build a house, plan your future.
The peak of this pandemic is coming in a month or two so we’ll all be affected but I thank God for Corona because I’ve learnt my priorities. I never had time for my children but now I’ve been able to spend time with them and that has changed my mindset. I’ll plan my time differently and I’ll budget more wisely for my future."
BEHIND THE MASK – Kevin Mutua Makau, 13
Street kid along Kenyatta Avenue
“This glue makes me high. If you want to be high for long, sniff this. My mother kicked me out of the house once and I never went back. Tell her I’m here. Her name is Mwende.
We don’t wear masks because we don’t have money to buy and no one is giving us any. The only difference between corona and no corona is city council. They don’t harass us like before.
We come here at 5am every morning and at 7pm we go back to the base in Grogon. We sleep hungry but not every day. Sundays are bad because people don’t come to town as much but the chief of Ngara gives us food every Sunday.
Sometimes when we ask people for help they tell us to go ask Uhuru. That really hurts but I leave them to God because he is the one in control.
What I want the most is to go to school not even money. I want to be a doctor. If I go to school I would stop sniffing glue and I would help the other children suffering like me. I want to be a responsible adult so I can stop suffering.”
BEHIND THE MASK – B.L Okello Ogude
Former Chairman of Chama Cha Mafundi Moi Avenue
“I started working here in 1972. I was the Chairman of Chama Cha Mafundi Moi Avenue until recently when I let the younger ones take control.
There’s no work because people are afraid of interacting and moving around. That’s why you see the workers here sitting all day with no work. Things have never been this bad.
There are almost 8,000 fundis in Nairobi and they are now jobless. That’s why we need the mayor to come here and give us support. I don't think he has any idea how tough things are for us. We have carpenters, electricians, plumbers, masons, we have everything.
All we need is more support from government. The economy cannot grow if there’s no work but we have to continue trying.”
BEHIND THE MASK - Morris Otieno Orwa, 62
Chairman Chama Cha Mafundi Moi Avenue
”Tell the government not to abandon us during these hard times. All the Ministers know us. We do work for people in high places and people who own salons, stalls, and even outside Nairobi.
They know us even at Central Police Station so no wrong can happen here. The main issue for most people is rent and transport. Where you used to pay 50 shillings, now its 100 and you still have to think about feeding your family and all the other responsibilities you have.
The extension of curfew from 7 to 9pm really helped because now we can leave here at 8pm instead of 3pm.
In 3 months, things will be better now that Uhuru has opened up the borders. I know they will raise the fares to upcountry but at least I can visit my family in Bondo every few months. I have 7 children. Some are working, some are in Primary.
As the chairman I have to tell everyone to be strong and resilient because this is affecting us all."
BEHIND THE MASK – Evans Ngigi, 37
Roams the streets of Nairobi
“Instead of rehabilitating Corona, they should rehabilitate people. If I’m healthy and hygienic, I can cope with Corona. Right now I have to use drugs because that’s the only way I can get by when it’s raining and I’m sleeping outside. The drugs tell me the sun is shining even though it’s raining.
Corona is like AIDS. It’s everywhere, it’s unusual and so many people are dying from it. I think we’ve wronged God and even the bible predicted this Armageddon. What we need to do is to learn how to live with Corona just like we learnt how to live with AIDS. Forget the masks, they’re not helping. We just wear them because of the police. We need to change the system like the referendum.
Tell Kenyans to learn how to live with this thing without these clothes covering our mouths because it’s here forever. The baby that died in Kenyatta Hospital this morning doesn’t know Corona, the one that was hit by a car didn’t have Corona, what I this quarantine nonsense? Stop being afraid of this disease. You can’t be afraid of the bible and afraid of the sword. Pick one.
I can’t predict my future because only God knows but I have a very sound mind. I just need the opportunity to work. I’m very strong and sometimes I do manual labour for a few shillings. I also collect plastic things in the streets sell.
There’s nothing I love more than being ‘hope-loaded’ so that I never have despair in my life. And people driving cars don’t scare me because I don’t compare myself to them. Nobody was born with a car in his hand."
BEHIND THE MASK – Zena Nzembi Mulei, 36
Chief cook at Homeless of Nairobi
“We’ve been rehabilitating, educating and feeding the homeless since 2014 at the Deep Sea Slums Rescue Centre. Now with Covid and social distancing we reach them where they are. For the past few weeks we’ve been feeding them near Westgate every day at 1pm. Today we had 70 guys.
Before Covid, well-wishers used to help the homeless with food and clothes but now people are afraid of getting infected. That’s why Kenyans should use people like us as a bridge to those who need the help.
It’s not that I’m not afraid of getting infected, I have the fear but I must continue with my work. If we all fear then what will happen to those who need us? When I wake up in the morning I think about them and it keeps me going.”
BEHIND THE MASK – Mary Achieng, 40
Hawker along Moi Avenue
“Some people who are not working are just lazy and using Corona as an excuse. When you have children and people who depend on you, you must go out and work. In January, I fell while getting off a matatu and I injured my right leg very badly but I still came back to work in a few days.
I haven’t paid my rent for this month and last month so my biggest worry is that. Luckily, I have an understanding landlord so I pay him the little I can when I get it because I feel guilty. On most days I won’t even make 300 shillings ($3). When it comes to food it’s fifty-fifty because some days you get something to eat and some days you don’t. Either way you must be grateful for being alive.
Let’s keep smiling and being grateful because thousands of people are dying the streets in Europe and the U.S. We’re in a better position so let’s thank God.”
BEHIND THE MASK - Kevin Nyang'uono, 29
Uber Driver
"The first few weeks after they announced the first case, I was scared of getting it so I didn't work. After 3 weeks or so, the brokenness hit hard and I decided to get back to it. I'm not ignorant about the dangers of Corona though so I'm observing all the safety precautions.
On really good days like Friday, Saturdays and Sundays, I'd make about 20,000 ($200) before expenses. If I make 1,500 shillings now, I'm grateful.
Uber had an offer when if you make 15 trips, Uber would take only 3% instead of 25% and that was great. Now I'm not even able to get 5 trips a day.
At least the borders are open so now I can hope for more long distance trips. In the last months it seems like people got tired of staying home and they're slowly coming back.
Ah yeah, I'm asthmatic. That's why I'm not wearing a mask."
BEHIND THE MASK, - JOYCE WANGECI, 50
‘Escape from Sobibor’ - Part 1
Interview by @Tom Osanjo
“My journey to quarantine began in Karima Village in Nyeri County where I buried my late dad early this year. His death left me devastated and my days became empty. It is around this time that a friend of mine called and told me to visit her in Spain.
I reasoned that being in a faraway country would do me some good in terms of closure. I packed my bags and headed to Madrid. Around this time, the Spaniards were not taking the Corona threat seriously. People shopping, malls full to the brim, musicians performing in the streets. It was the jam packed pre-corona Madrid we used to see on TV.
Then the figures starting rising and the government moved in. A lockdown was announced and I didn’t want to go through that in a far-away country although my hostess and her family were awesome.
It was a scene from hell as I tried to get into the last plane leaving Madrid. What saved me was the Shengen visa which allowed me passage into any European Union country. However, my heart sunk when I learnt that the only available route was through Rome. Italy was witnessing shocking figures of those infected and dying from the disease.
By God’s grace I managed to get through Rome and to Ethiopia and finally home. Reminded me of the movie ‘Escape from Sobibor’.”
BEHIND THE MASK, JOYCE WANGECI, 50
‘Escape from Sobibor’ - Part 2
Interview by Tom Osanjo
"At JKIA we were taken straight to quarantine at the KMTC. Just as we were about to finish the mandatory 14 days some young men spoilt the party by holding a party where social distancing rules were thrown out the window. The government extended our stay.
The biggest problem those of us who have been to quarantine face is that of stigmatization. Once you have been to a quarantine, everybody believes that you have the virus, despite the fact that you tested negative and allowed to go back home.
It is very painful when even those close to you look at you suspiciously as if you are going to infect them. I think this has a lot to do with the way those in charge have presented this disease.
I've been home for almost two months but I can tell that there are those who are not very comfortable being around me. It can be mentally and emotionally draining. Being in quarantine is not a walk in the park. The fact that I was back home and yet not home was nerve wracking. Some of us took to bible study to stay sane. I thank God that I finally finished the term and went back home.
I am still healing from the whole ordeal and once in a while I get panic attacks. I am also trying to help others who are coming out of quarantine to reintegrate into normal life. It is not easy but it is a battle I must win."
BEHIND THE MASK - Nicholas Sila, 17
Street boy somewhere in the CBD
"This is called 'Msi' - jet fuel. It gives me steam so I feel airie airie. The only way I'll stop using it is if they take me back to school.
I've been here since 2015, surviving. Most people don't have money nowadays but I still wish them the best because we're in this together.
The only thing we can do is to pray that Corona ends soon. I'm not afraid of it because I know only God knows the day and the hour."
BEHIND THE MASK – Judith Chebichi, 20
Student at Kabianga University
Interview and photo by Isaac Bett
“Since schools are closed I’ve gotten the chance to spend more time with my family. This has taught me that there is a second chance for everything. Now I know more about them, I’m communicating more with my friends and I’m doing the things I had put on hold, like exercise.
I’m still a student so I don’t really feel the economic impact like so many Kenyans who are suffering but it has really affected my academic year. Of course I’m also worried about getting infected.
Covid will come to pass and so I keep the hope because I have a purpose which I haven't yet fulfilled. Whoever will read this, tell them they shouldn't give up because this is not the end. Just follow what the government says and have hope that things will soon go back to normal.”
BEHIND THE MASK – Jay Ndegwa, 22
Hair stylist at Roots Salon
“Things have improved a bit since the curfew was extended and borders opened up. Before Covid I would get like 15 customers in a day and now we get 7 clients at the max. It’s better than a few weeks ago where we had almost no customers. Considering we’re paid on commission instead of salary you can imagine how tough things are. I still have bills to pay.
Fortunately, I had started my own clothing line where I design my own apparel. Having a side biz helps balance out things financially even though it’s not doing so well at the moment. My boss is okay with my side hustle because it doesn’t affect my work and I never miss a day here. If you have the ability to hustle a second or third source of income, do it.
Being excellent at whatever I do and giving it 100% of my focus is what keeps me going. If I make you happy with my services I know I had an impact on you. That’s what makes me happy.”
BEHIND THE MASK – Elijah Mutembei, 21
Shopkeeper in Ngara
“I was studying phone repair in Geti Campus in Maua, but I had to drop out because there was no school fees. That’s when I decided to come to Nairobi and look for a job. I got one but when corona hit, I was fired because the shop I was working in had cut costs. That was the toughest day for me.
For two months I had no job and no money. I was even going to where my friends work and asking them to buy me lunch. Can you imagine? At one point my dad gave me 200 shillings ($2) and I made it last for 1 week. I would buy 3 chapatis a day, cut them to pieces and throw them in soup to make it feel like food.
Thank God I found a friend who gave me this job this month. It’s still not easy because selling one soda feels like a miracle. This fridge uses a lot of electricity, the rent for this container is 8,000 ($80) and that’s exclusive of all the other bills. My salary was 5,000 ($50) a month but now even if he gives me 2,000 ($20), I’m grateful.
What helps me is that I am saved and I have hope. At least here I’m getting a little money instead of being home doing nothing and earning nothing. I have hope that after the president lifts the curfew things will improve. You know us Meru people depend on night jobs but unfortunately we can only work during day time.
Psalms Chapter 91 gives me strength. It says ‘a thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.’ The moral of the story is, don’t lose hope. Everything happens because of God”
BEHIND THE MASK – Lydia Wambui Kihara, 52
Sells porridge and Sugar Cane Juice in Ngara
“I was a cateress and matron in a girl’s school in Thika but I had to quit my job because I didn’t feel supported by the administration. In May, me and my sister decided to start this business because she had a sugarcane juice machine and I have experience as a cook.
Let me tell you, family is very important because we’ve helped each other so much. Together we’ve started the idea of making this special porridge called ‘Uji Power’ It’s not the usual porridge because we use groundnuts, yams, pumpkins and cassava, sweet potatoes and arrow roots.
I should be making a lot of money selling my unique porridge and juice near this bus stop but that’s not the case right now. I also have a son who is in form 2 and I know I’ll need to pay his school fees when all this is over. For now he’s staying with his older sister in Naivasha and I feel bad because I can’t afford to visit them often. Going would cost me 1000 ($10) for transport which would mean going there empty handed. I continue working so that I can afford the transport to visit them.
Every morning I have to sacrifice and walk one and a half hours from Jericho to Ngara. It’s worth it because whenever my customers are happy I feel happy. Believe in yourself and take things as they come. God is there for us."
BEHIND THE MASK - Uniter Njeri Mwangi – 21
Student at Keriri University of Science and Technology
“I was working at a big restaurant in town and of course that was locked down soon as all this started. The first month I was absolutely down and desperate so I decided I had to hustle. In the first weeks of May I got a job packaging snacks at small company somewhere in Baba Dogo. After two weeks, that company closed as well.
That’s when we came up with this idea of starting a sugar cane juice and porridge kiosk. Actually, my mum is the one who had this idea together with my aunt because this power porridge is something new. Since she has the experience as a cook, we got the capital and got started.
With this Corona, you’ll have to put your qualifications aside. Your PHDs, you degrees all that. You just have to hustle like everyone else or you stay hungry. It’s your choice. Like there’s this very well educated guy who had an office job and now he boils maize and sells to us daily. He has humbled himself.
This pandemic has taught me that you don’t need to rely on employment. You can do your own thing and you’ll survive. Just use your brain and go on with life because this corona might go on forever.”
BEHIND THE MASK - Tobias Onyango, 14
Street Kid somewhere in the CBD
BEHIND THE MASK - Tobias Onyango, 14
Street Kid somewhere in the CBD
"Just like my friend, all I want is to be back in school. Don't let him lie to you that he goes to his aunt's place in the evening. We all go to sleep on the floor at Grogon. That's our base.
Some days we don't have food but some people bring us food like today we got these sausages.
Corona is not good. We're suffering more because there's no work we can do for a little money. The only thing I need is education so that I can help the blind, the deaf, the cripples and the homeless."
BEHIND THE MASK – Benson Mwangi, 55
Shoe Shiner near 9 West
“The devil is not a person. Its bad thoughts that get into your head and fill you with negativity. The way you get out of it is being around positive people who will tell you ‘you’re not alone. I was in the same place as you but God gave me the strength to rise up again.’
For example you’ll be thinking about your problems until you meet someone with worse problems than you. From there you’ll discuss things and you’ll help each other get out of the ditch together. We may not have money or property but we help each other.
When I come to work, I interact with the people around here. We talk and learn something from each other which gives us strength to live another day. When you’re together, you share ideas and that’s what being human is about.
I have 3 children living with me and I pushed the 20 year old and the 17 year old to look for work. One is doing construction work and the other one is selling smokies and eggs. They must learn how to work early. In fact I don’t know if most children will want to go back to school because they’re making some money now.
For me, I’ve only gotten 200 ($2) today so all I can do is buy food. Nothing else. I haven’t even paid my rent for 3 months. Business is really bad but even when I get only two or three customers, I’m grateful.
When you believe in yourself and believe in God, you’ll be fine. I’m happy I can go to church again because that’s where I get my strength. I can’t say much about the government because that’s beyond my influence. Let them do whatever they want because we can’t stop anything they decide.”
BEHIND THE MASK - Shadrack Odhiambo, 36
Conductor along Route 118
“Even though we just hear there are infections in Westlands, we haven’t seen or heard of anyone with Corona. It’s because we put God first. We’re also wearing masks and before anyone gets in, we spray their hands with sanitizer.
On a Saturday like today the owner of the matatu was getting about 2,500 shillings ($25) and I was getting about 1000 ($10) at least. That has come down to 200 or 300 shillings a day.
You cannot lack everyday as long as you’re working every day. Get out of the house and do something. Don’t lose hope because life must continue. You can even come here and ask me for 20 shillings for tea and if I have it, I’ll give you. If I don’t have it now, I’ll tell you to come later. It’s about helping each other.
As a conductor I know I will always have my colleagues here who will help me with a coin here and there when business is really bad. We’re there for each other.“
BEHIND THE MASK – John Karanja, 40
Conductor route 118
"I have no idea what I’ll tell the landlord because I haven’t paid for months. He’s very angry with me. I pay the 3,000 shillings ($30) in installments because when I get 500 shillings here I save 300 for the rent. When it gets to 1,000 shillings I pay him.
I live with my wife and 3 children. My first born is 23 and he just got his boda boda so he’s able to at least make something small. I don’t even want him to help me, I want him to help himself and become independent. My second born is in form 4 and the youngest is in class 2.
If Kenyans can come to the village and help us with food that would really help. If I have food I would then use the money I’ve saved to pay my rent."
BEHIND THE MASK – Miriam Muthoni
Sells Masks and Boxers along Woodvale Groove
“I won’t tell you my age but my eldest daughter is 27 and my son is 22. She's a beautician and he is currently in driving school. Until now I hadn’t realized there’s such a big difference between girls and boys in this day and age. My girl is driven but my son has to be pushed so much. I even thought he was under the influence of something. He didn’t want to do anything but at least now he’s doing something.
Let me tell you the truth, Corona is not treating me badly. When it was first announced, I stayed home only for 5 days because there was fear everywhere. Before Corona we could only start selling here at 4:00pm, but one guy from City Council told me I can come in the morning and sell until 4:00pm when the curfew was at 7.
That’s when I decided to take advantage of the situation and started selling masks because not many people were even thinking about them at that time. Since they were expensive, I went to Gikomba, bought a roll of material and rubber bands and made them myself. From 6:00am I would walk around selling them before opening my business here selling boxers and socks. I’m telling you I was making up to 8,000 shillings ($80) in one week.
Some people who are telling you they’re not doing well are probably not telling the truth. Listen, before Corona I couldn’t sell my wares before 4:00pm and now I can sell them from 4:00am to 8:00pm if I want to. I'm not saying I want corona to stay but that's a big opportunity and I thank God for it.
I’m motivated by two things. My children and the fear of embarrassment. You’ll never see me crying or running away with the family to go upcountry. Corona hasn’t tied my hands, my legs or my brain. I will now allow myself to get to that level.”
BEHIND THE MASK – Kelvin Onyikwa Onyango, 25
Sells motivational books along Tom Mboya Street
PART 1
‘The subtle art of not giving a f*ck’ is the best seller here and it’s interesting because it is popular with men and women. This book, ‘Side Hustle’ is also selling because teachers for example are realizing they need to survive on more than one job. Robert Kiyosaki’s book Rich Dad Poor Dad, I argue with my clients a lot because they say it’s not applicable to the Kenyan market. The people who use it a lot are multilevel marketers.
In 2016, I was employed somewhere on Moi Avenue selling books, and one day this lady came to me like an angel and asked me “my brother, do you read any of these books you sell?” I told her no and she said to me, “Don’t you know that you’re selling gold here?” She went on to insist that I read ‘Who moved my cheese’ by Spencer Johnson and ‘the secret of the millionaire mind.’ I did.
That’s when I realized I had been living inside a box and my mind wasn’t open enough. I’d just finished form 4 and I started a welding job where I’d do heavy lifting and get 6,000 shillings a month. These books taught me that I should never stop thinking. If you’re employed somewhere, you never know tomorrow. I might come in the morning and find that my books have been burnt to the ground or the city council have closed my business down completely. You don’t need to lock your mind to one thing. Open up to other ways of making income so that if one thing fails the other one sustains you.
In 2017 I quit my job and talked to a friend of mine who had just been fired from his job and we started this business. I also started my teacher training course in Machakos but just been cut short by Corona and the lack of funds. I was about to finish. Both my parents died around the same time so my uncle supported me financially until I started my business.
I dream of having my own small bookshop in a proper stall but for now we must get through this tough period. I’ve never had a time when I wasn’t motivated because I saw how hard my mum worked to put food on the table. When my parents passed away I realized I still had hope. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke and I’m not a gangster. That’s why I know I have a purpose from God. I will do everything I do to inspire others.”
BEHIND THE MASK – Kelvin Onyikwa Onyango, 25
Sells motivational books along Tom Mboya Street
PART 2
“Since I was young I would listen to Tupac and other rap legends. When I got into secondary I started playing drums, singing and performing on stage infront of the whole school. The other kids would be telling me “Kevo, you the entertainment manager.” Students from Form 1 to Form 4 would come and watch me whenever I played.
I would instantly create a song while playing the drums and they would dance. I just hope that one day someone will notices my talent and support me. Even if it’s a collabo with a known artist. Let me show you what I can do.”
BEHIND THE MASK - Dr. Lyndzie Wanjiku
Obstetrics and Gynaecology Post Grad Student working at Kenyatta Hospital
Photo: Firul Maithya
PART 1
"I got sick twice. Once in March and in June. The first time I had a fever of 41.1, sore throat, and an incessant cough that wouldn't go away. At that time there weren't enough test kits so they tested according to severity and I didn't look like I was dying. I was diagnosed with acute tonsillitis but we can't certain that it wasn't Corona. I self isolated way before people wrote the home care isolating guidelines. I had my own personal utensils, I'd announce before leaving the room and sanitize the bathroom before and after use. I took all the precautions to protect my family and they didn't get sick so maybe it wasn't Corona.
End June, early July I tested positive for Corona and I believe it's my husband that brought it home. He's the Covid Focal Officer of Nyandarua county and is responsible for collecting the samples from county residents. I think he got it when removing his PPE kit because that's when you're at most tlrisk of getting contaminated. He was asymptomatic positive and I got a runny nose for days. I called my doctor friend and he told me to treat the symptoms as they appear. The old time home remedy of hot water and ginger lemon without honey is what really helped me. 8 glasses a day.
This virus is extremely dangerous for people with serious underlying chronic conditions like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, asthma, chronic arthritis or any autoimmune disorders like lupus. Also the very old and the very young. I think my lifestyle played a big part in my fast recovery. I exercise, I drink a lot of water and with every meal I have lots of veggies fruits and minerals.
Corona virus is first fought in the mind. If you can't fight it with your state of mind, it will defeat you. Do not fear. If there's no one there for you, I'm on instagram as @dr_lyndzie. I'm here for you."
BEHIND THE MASK - Dr. Lyndzie Wanjiku
Obstetrician Gynaecologist Resident at Kenyatta Hospital
PART 2
“When I got sick in March I was stigmatized by nurses where they’d say, ‘huyu ni wa Corona.’ There’s nothing stylish about stigma. Nothing. Like it’s not even cool so guys should just stop doing that. It’s nothing to write home about so just style up. Hiyo ni ujinga. Tell them Dakrtari said “Wacha Ujinga!”
Working at Kenyatta National hospital, it took a month to get PPE kits but we still had to see patients. In fact a couple of times I refused to attend to patients because we didn't have the Personal Protective Equipment. That was painful because the patient didn't deserve that but the Hippocratic Oath binds us to protect ourselves first and second, do no harm.
This story of Kenyans thinking that they’ll get immunity is not true. You can test positive up to 50 times. We haven’t done a randomized clinical trial to ascertain that you actually build immunity. You can get it again and again and again and again. Remember, it affects all organs in your body. Your kidneys, your muscular skeletal system, your central nervous system, it even affects your blood so you clot faster and you could get a heart embolism.
Corona didn’t bring too much change in my personal life because I love my personal space, I love being home early, I hate shaking hands, I detest people spitting in public and I always stay away from anyone coughing. I’ve had OCD most of my life so you'll always find a 50ml sanitizer and wet wipes in my handbag. All my friends know if we meet I’ll sanitize my hands as we’re talking and this is since high school.
If you don’t have to go out, stay home. Especially if you’re in the high risk factor group. There’s nothing so serious that you have to leave the house. You can get everything you need delivered or you can send someone. Pray in the house. There’s nothing more important than being alive. I think we’ve gotten immunity of the mind. We’ve just lost two men of the cloth. The Presbyterian pastor and the CITAM pastor, so now Christians are realizing even people of God can also be affected. However, I want to congratulate Kenyans because most people are wearing masks and most restaurants are observing social distance measures such as QR codes for the menus.
I get my positive attitude from my mum. She’s very prayerful. I saw her smiling through any pain she had and would laugh saying “it’s not gonna last forever” Of course we were laugh crying but it got us through. She’s my greatest fan and cheerleader. I’m also a very prayerful person. I actually formed an all-female doctor’s group around March because I figured my non-doctor friends wouldn’t be there for me if I got sick. In this group we encourage each other give each other positive vibes. We talk almost every day so those 11 ladies are very important to me.
The people around you really matter and your spirituality too even if it’s atheism. Whatever gives you that strength.
BEHIND THE MASK – Linet Kwamboka Moraa, 30
Had a Coca-Cola kiosk opposite Azure Hotel.
“A few weeks before Corona, the Chief and the District Officer told us to vacate because the K.U.R.A (Kenya Urban Roads Authority) is planning to expand Lantana road. We went to the city council and they said they had no idea and that we should stay but to make sure keep the place clean.
Before the 30 days were over, Corona started so we continue working without any threats until June when the City Council called us to the office and told us that the Pride Inn Hotel Azure wants us out. I was in a Coca Cola kiosk so they asked me to remove everything and told Coca Cola to come pick the kiosk on Monday or they’d destroy it. I didn’t think they were serious until Monday Morning at around 9:00am when a big Coca Cola truck came carrying the City Council guys and they took the kiosk.
By that time, my husband had gone to Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati who intervened and stopped the planned demolition. It was too late for me because I was already selling my stuff on the roadside with no kiosk. After a month, I gathered 60,000 shillings from my savings and MPESA capital and built this new one.
Business is still very bad. On the good days I’ll go home with 700 shillings at the most. MPESA was my biggest source of income but that has changed because people have no money. The other thing that’s selling a lot since Corona, is Mara Moja and Hedex pain killers. One pack of Mara Moja doesn’t last a week. Of course it could be because of Corona but I’m not afraid because if I put my mindset on getting sick, I won’t be able to work. I hold money all the time so it’s very possible that I get it but I put God first.
My husband had an accident on his boda boda last year and still hasn’t recovered so I’m the only bread winner in our house. The good thing is that we understand each other so we’re managing without much conflict at home. We have one daughter, Yvonne, who is 9 years old.
The best thing for Kenyans to do is to stay faithful in God and understand each other. Especially at home. We should realize it’s not easy on anyone and try help each other."
BEHIND THE MASK - John Karanja, 40
Matatu conductor along route 118
"I'm really grateful to the lady that paid 3,000 shillings for my rent. I had not paid for 3 months so I had a debt of 10,000 shillings. The Indian lady told me she saw my story and decided to pay for one month. What I can say is thank you and may she get more where the 3,000 shillings came from. It's just God's blessings. Asante sana.”
BEHIND THE MASK – George Otieno Odera, 65
Security Guard in Kisumu near Nyalenda
Picture and Interview by @yeshadesali
When I was growing up I was a very bright chap, unfortunately my father died when I was very young so there was no school fees. I did up to CP level then I got employed somewhere where I was not earning much but at least it could sustain me. In 2001, I was dismissed so I’ve been working here and there up to this day.
I earn about 6,000 shillings ($60) and that’s very hard to cover expenses. They have not reduced my pay but the prices for commodities have not changed. My 3 children and my wife are in Kisumu and they have to eat. When this thing was not there, my wife could get some ‘kibarua’ but now there’s nothing. We depend entirely on the 6,000 shillings I get and my rent is 3,000 shillings.
At my age now I wouldn’t go back to learn. I just want my children to learn. They’re telling them to learn online but we don’t have smartphones so they’re not learning. They’ve really been affected but what can we do. We will endure.
Let Kenyans keep the protocol because without that, a lot of Kenyans are going to die. This thing will be over but we have to endure by following instructions from the Ministry of health. If you look at how most people are behaving, they don’t care. Most people don’t care about keeping social distance and washing their hands. Very few do it especially in Kisumu people are very careless, surely.
We don’t need to fear. We have to be very strong, very courageous because one day this thing will go and we’ll get back to normal.”
BEHIND THE MASK – Daniel Nyanjau
Uber Driver in Nairobi
“I started selling masks in my car because a lot of customers will forget theirs at home and they have to wear a mask before they enter my car. I sell them for 50 shillings (($0.50) each. When corona started I was making a lot of money selling them while also doing trips. However, people lost their jobs and also started selling masks which increased competition and lowered the prices.
This here is Dettol diluted with water which I use to sanitize door handles after the customers leave. My only fear is when the customer seats next to me so I make sure they sit at the back left. As long as they wear a mask I’m not worried even if they cough. So far I haven’t encountered anyone who seems sick.
A lot of people have realized we have to live with this pandemic so things are starting to get back to normal. I’m now making about 2,300 shillings ($23) per day so things are not too bad. I used to make about 4,000 shillings ($40) a day before Corona. I’m waiting for the Airport and the SGR to pick up because that’s where a lot of my business comes from.
We must continue working because we have to eat. Just follow the instructions from the Ministry of Health and be responsible.”
BEHIND THE MASK – Shee Bwanahani, 47
Boat Captain in Lamu
“I think the disease might exist but the worst part of it is the fear. The other day I had one foreign lady who got on my boat and was so afraid to get near me. I sneezed once and she jumped very quickly to go sit at the opposite end of the boat.
Here in Lamu no one has died of Corona, that’s why no one is wearing masks. I have one in my pocket but I only wear it to avoid trouble with the police. Especially in Shella where you don’t have a lot of police, you won’t see anyone with a mask on.
If someone doesn’t want to give me their hand, then I don’t do the fist bump or the elbow. I would rather you just wave or say hallo verbally. Fear is infectious you know.
We’ll all die on our chosen day but not from Corona. There were rumours that one man in the old town was infected but we haven’t seen the evidence. We see him walking around looking healthy.
Being careful is good but not being unreasonably fearful. This could be a punishment from God because we’ve become hardheaded. That’s why there’s no cure for it. We need to repent and reduce our sinfulness. Foreigners think it’s just science but I believe it’s because we have sinned. That’s where we don’t see things the same way.”
BEHIND THE MASK - Jimmy Carter Kavuti, 41
Events organizer and MC in Mombasa
It's been a trying time for me as has been for everyone. Apart from financial woes having not worked in my field of expertise for 4 months, I have lost my pride sometimes, developed a low esteem, been humiliated, but with it, I have learnt to survive. I have learnt to share, to plan with the little I have. What keeps me going is the hope for a better tomorrow.
There are no worst days for me. Every day has it's own challenges. Some worse than others. We should thank God that every day we get through it, it's a beautiful day and we should be grateful we are in it.
BEHIND THE MASK – Yassin Ali, 56
Herbalist in Lamu Old Town
“There was a man from Switzerland who came to me because he used to smoke 3 packs of cigarettes a day. He tried to stop but he couldn’t. He tried all kinds of solutions from Germany, Sweden, France but he still didn’t manage. When he came to me, I gave him only Moringa seeds for 8 days. He stopped for good up to today.
The important thing is to understand if you’re sick and then you clean your body. I’m a cleaner. Some people take painkillers without removing the root cause. This is like sweeping without removing the rust. When you use Panadol, tomorrow it will come back because the root cause is still there. When you come to me, I don’t cut the stem, I remove the roots of the problem.
My work is to clean bones and nerves. The bones have the bone marrow and the bone marrow is the foundation of a human being. Without foundations you can’t build a strong house. There are strong men and healthy men there’s a difference because you can be like Mike Tyson but not healthy.
If you have Corona virus, first drink tamarind juice plus lemon. Secondly, add olive oil to tea and you’ll be fine. Olive oil and coconut oil are some of the most important resources we get from fruits. They’re much better than massage oil because healing yourself from the inside is better than only outside. If you’d like to stay healthy, go swim, practice, eat fruits, olive oil and fish. Avoid fats.
I believe there’s Corona but not really in Kenya. Kenya has Corona because of money. No one has died of Corona here even though people are being forced to do the test. Why doesn’t Tanzania have Corona? Because they’re not forcing lies on their people.”
BEHIND THE MASK – Kamal Islam Ali
Captain in Shella Island, Lamu
“I stopped smoking weed because the police here started harassing me. We even had a physical fight. They locked me up for 3 days but I paid them and they released me. I also stopped because life now is too tight financially and it’s an expensive habit. I feel very good now that I’ve stopped.
It's been hard because there are no tourists but the good thing is that we go fishing so we can’t really go hungry. I still have to pay 10,000 shillings ($100) rent for my one bedroom apartment but we talk nicely to the landlord and he understands when we can’t pay.
Corona is a government competition for the elections. The people insisting on corona are spoiling Lamu because there is no business. It exists in Europe because of the weather but the weather in Lamu is nice so we're safe.
Don’t be afraid because only god will save us.
Why are you not scared of HIV and you’re scared of Corona?”
BEHIND THE MASK – Mohamed Sisqo
Tour guide in Lamu Old Town
“75% of the income in Lamu relies on tourism so Corona has really affected us. I mostly do old town tours, dhow fishing trips, sunset cruises, snorkeling and walking trips. My wife was also benefiting from doing henna paintings on visitors when things were better. Now I’m the only one trying to earn something. At least we can still eat because we can go fishing, sell some and eat some.
Here in Lamu we haven’t seen the effects of Corona with our own eyes. We just hear that 6-7 people are sick but we’re not sure that’s why no one is wearing masks here. Sometimes the police will pick a day where they arrest those who are not wearing masks and that’s the only time I’ll wear one.
We don’t believe the disease exists in Lamu because the way people in Western countries are dying, I don’t see that here. The doctors say it is real but if you gave me money as a doctor and told me to say it exists, I would. Corruption is the game being played here. Lamu is too small. If one person had Corona, we would all be dead.
I have two children and the other is due next week. That’s what keeps me going. It’s not for me. We’re grateful at least because we’re seeing signs of visitors coming back. Things have not fully opened up but we have hope.”
BEHIND THE MASK – Benson Ndonji, 54
Professional driver, currently unemployed
PART 1
PART 1
“I was working as a driver for a rich married couple up until March when they left the country because of the pandemic. I don’t think they’ll ever come back. Life was good because I was earning about 40,000 shillings ($400) a month and I could see my last born son through high school.
Right now I’m paying bills but nothing is coming in so that’s really difficult. When I had a salary, I’d pay my 5,000 shillings on rent, 15,000 shillings on upkeep and the rest I would pay school fees and help wife as well. Her mama mboga business collapsed when the pandemic hit so it’s just me now.
I had to send them to Butere because of how things are. I even started building materials so I can have a house for them there but that had to stop when my money ran out. I’m the only one living in our Kibera house. I’ve lived here all my life and I’m currently part of an initiative by SHOFCO which raises awareness on Corona and how to protect yourself from it. When we saw the numbers in Italy and Spain, we were very scared so we had a volunteer group of 6 where we would go around Kibera answering questions and giving tips. If the disease hits Kibera properly, it’s going to be a disaster.
The problem I’m seeing is a lot of marital problems. People are beating each other up I’m telling you. This one guy was working a regular job before Covid and from one day to the next, it was gone. The wife didn’t care, she still needed him to provide. A jobless man is a frustrated man so he became arrogant and offensive and eventually he started beating her. She ran away after a while and left him with the kids. He now has breakfast in illegal drinking dens and doesn’t care about the children.
I want my life to be better. I don’t want finish worse than I started. I also don’t want my children’s lives to be like mine. They must have a better life. Everything that happens has a reason so adjust when you’re hit by challenges. Keep your head up and tackle whatever comes your way.”
BEHIND THE MASK – Benson Ndonji, 54
Professional driver, currently unemployed
PART 2
“I was working as a driver for a rich married couple up until March when they left the country because of the pandemic. I don’t think they’ll ever come back. Life was good because I was earning about 40,000 shillings ($400) a month and I could see my last born son through high school.
Right now I’m paying bills but nothing is coming in so that’s really difficult. When I had a salary, I’d pay my 5,000 shillings on rent, 15,000 shillings on upkeep and the rest I would pay school fees and help wife as well. Her mama mboga business collapsed when the pandemic hit so it’s just me now.
I had to send them to Butere because of how things are. I even started building materials so I can have a house for them there but that had to stop when my money ran out. I’m the only one living in our Kibera house. I’ve lived here all my life and I’m currently part of an initiative by SHOFCO which raises awareness on Corona and how to protect yourself from it. When we saw the numbers in Italy and Spain, we were very scared so we had a volunteer group of 6 where we would go around Kibera answering questions and giving tips. If the disease hits Kibera properly, it’s going to be a disaster.
The problem I’m seeing is a lot of marital problems. People are beating each other up I’m telling you. This one guy was working a regular job before Covid and from one day to the next, it was gone. The wife didn’t care, she still needed him to provide. A jobless man is a frustrated man so he became arrogant and offensive and eventually he started beating her. She ran away after a while and left him with the kids. He now has breakfast in illegal drinking dens and doesn’t care about the children.
I want my life to be better. I don’t want finish worse than I started. I also don’t want my children’s lives to be like mine. They must have a better life. Everything that happens has a reason so adjust when you’re hit by challenges. Keep your head up and tackle whatever comes your way.”