Vagabond Multilingual Journal Spring 2014 | Page 13

Neema:
(She pretends she didn’t hear) We have an audience member with
a question.
Tausi:
(raises her hand) I think these two people should be able to love each

other because of who they are and not because of what tribe they come

from. Look at your parents, they are always arguing and they come

from the same tribe. My husband is from another tribe and we

have been together for 10 years and we are happy. Why can’t they be
happy together?
Abdul’s Mum:
There’s no way they could be happy together if they’re from different

tribes. They need to stick to their own kind.
Rukia’s Mum:
Yes, finally something we can agree on.
Abdul:
This is not fair! We are happy together and we will get married no

matter what you say!
Neema:
Ok, well, unfortunately I am not a licensed priest, so I cannot marry

you two. But I can advise you to go to counseling with your parents.
Abdul’s dad:
Absolutely not! We will not discuss this further with another therapist.
Rukia’s dad:
It could be beneficial though.
Rukia’s mum:
No, you’re wrong! As usual.
Abdul’s Mum:
I don’t want my son to be treated like your poor husband.
Abdul’s dad:
Yeah the banana doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Abdul:
She’s not like her parents; she cooks and cleans and everything.
Rukia:
Yes we’ll be happy without your precious blessing.
Abdul’s dad:
And our precious money too.
Rukia’s Mum:
Yeah I hope you bought a lot of those oranges.
Rukia:
You’re not funny mom.
Neema:
Easy easy, we need to settle this somehow.
Abdul:
Ok we’re getting married no matter what you all say.
Rukia’s dad:
Great I’ll call the caterers and make sure we have plenty of Kenyan
Alcohol. Hah!
Abdul’s Mum:
Elimu and I don’t want to be there.
Abdul’s dad:
Yeah, I don’t want any part of this.
Rukia’s Mum:
Me either, I’d rather milk my goats .
Rukia:
We don’t care .
Rukia’s dad:
Great. It’ll be just the three of us.
Abdul’s dad, Abdul’s Mum, Rukia Mum:

Idiot!

by David Kyeu
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