After so many years, I got to be a part of those that travelled upcountry this year, getting to experience shagz as a young adult.

My experience has been nothing short of interesting and eye opening.

Upon my arrival, I was instantly expected to pay up 'black tax' since my shagz relatives were now aware that their graduate daughter had gotten a big media job in Nakuru city.

Read: Inside Nakuru's New Year celebration culture

Every hand I shook, was wet with the expectation of grabbing onto a big fat envelope or at least pesa ya bamba (phone credit).

After settling in and chilling for a few hours, the aunties began to bombard me with questions they had no business asking.

The leading question being 'Unaolewa lini?' Followed by occasional insensitive remarks about my weight.

Over the course of the countless cups of tea that would be served to us, I was constantly ridiculed over my shallow knowledge of my traditions and ethnic language, earning me the name 'born tao.'

As meals were served, young adults like me found ourselves in limbo, not knowing where to sit.

Eventually, the 'all-knowing' aunties would assign us seats on the kids table with the cheeky uncles bravely citing the reason behind the seat assignment; "ukiamua kuoa ama kuolewa utaketi na watu wakubwa."

Also Read: Three things Nakuru should do in 2024

Once sited, the battle for holding my own phone would begin as the young ones would cry and beg to watch cartoons on your phone.

Failure to comply would earn me harsh side eyes from the adults as the children screamed even louder.

And even as meal times passed, the cousins would bundle up to clear the tables and wash the dishes.

This is when you'd hear family gossip that would shake you to the core and have you seeing some family members differently.

Last but not least, the shagz chronicles wouldn't be complete without mentioning how confusing it is to have a seven-year-old uncle.

Needless to say, I'll be coming back to shagz next year to try earn my spot on the adults table!

Related: Nakuru residents share their New Year wish

How about you? Did you get to go to shagz this year? How was it for you?

diligenceodongo@gmail.com

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Diligence Odongo