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Chak a Chaka ~ Luo for ‘Just Start’

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One cold night at 1 AM, I was thrown out of the place I had called home , not rented,bought . As if the pain of losing everything wasn’t enough, the final words hurled at me were: “You are the devil incarnate.” But I can guarantee you,I am not.

I walked away with no money, no home, just my riding gear, fuel in my Zontes 250V, and a storm raging inside me. Depression had been my unwanted companion for three years. I had been receiving counselling from Amani Counselling Centre and psychiatric support from Dr. Okonji at Nairobi Hospital. They say, “Don’t ride when on certain meds,” but my bike and God were my lifelines. If I lost either, I would die. Not being melodramatic , just raw, unfiltered truth.

So, I rode. All night. No destination, no plan, just me, the road, and my thoughts. When morning came, I pulled over on Peponi Road, trying to think. But my mind was blank. I fired up the engine and rode towards Lower Kabete.

At Spring Valley, the familiar sight of traffic policemen signalled a stop. One of them grabbed my keys, “Madam, weka pikipiki kando.” I froze. Then, without warning, I let out a scream inside my helmet, breaking down uncontrollably. If you have never ridden with a broken heart, are you even a rider?

The officer, sensing something was terribly wrong, held onto my bike and refused to give me back the keys. He asked me to sit by the roadside to breathe. And then he did something unexpected – he listened. I don’t know if he fully understood my pain, but when I finished speaking, he looked at me and said, “Simama. Start.”

That moment, those words , they lit a tiny spark in me. I walked into a random agent’s office, desperate and exhausted. A man named Enoch listened, really listened. And instead of turning me away, he gave me a house and time to raise the deposit and rent.The lady owner gave me a bed from her house,asked some men to help me fix it in one of the rooms, and gave me beddings and a bedsheet to hang over the window. Yes, I got back to renting..siggghh!

That was my second chance.

And here I am, in 2025 , healthy, happy, and living a life I never thought I would reclaim. It took being forged in fire to decide to change my life.

So, if you see me riding, let me be. I have fought demons. I vowed never to fight again. If you see me embracing people, fighting for unheard voices, it’s because I hit rock bottom and when I did, I found out it had a basement and I know what it means to struggle physically, mentally, emotionally, financially. I also know what it means to sew back your heart thread by thread and realize that some bits are not meant to heal perfectly.

I’ll tell this story slowly, in bits. Maybe it will encourage someone. But for now, this Tuesday morning, I ask you ,come up for air, breathe – just start. Chak a Chaka.

             ~ Kagwiria Murungi ✍️ ~

www.kagwiriamurungirides.africa

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Urban Trails and Timeless Tales: A Motorcycle Journey Through Nairobi’s Hidden History

by with No Comment Adventures
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Motorcycle adventures are often synonymous with rugged trails and untamed landscapes, but I believe adventure is wherever curiosity takes you. On my latest ride through Nairobi County, I discovered two incredible locations that redefined what it means to explore: the Old Fire Station and the Nairobi Railway Museum.

A Stop at the Historic Old Fire Station

Nestled near Nairobi’s city center, the Old Fire Station is a landmark that’s easy to overlook amidst the urban bustle. Located on Tom Mboya Street, this station is one of Nairobi’s oldest fire service buildings, steeped in history and a testament to the city’s growth over the decades.

As I rolled into the compound, I was greeted warmly by the firemen on duty. They welcomed me like an old friend, a gesture that set the tone for the rest of my visit. I was immediately struck by the station’s vintage charm — the brickwork, old fire engines gleaming in the sunlight, and the palpable sense of pride the firemen took in their work.

The firemen graciously took me on a guided tour, sharing stories of Nairobi’s firefighting history. I learned about the evolution of fire engines, the bravery required for their work, and the challenges they face in a rapidly growing city. To top it all off, they served me a steaming cup of uji (porridge) — a simple yet heartwarming gesture that made me feel at home. As I sipped, I realized how much history and humanity were tucked away in this seemingly ordinary place.

Does a fire station seem like a strange destination for an adventure? Perhaps. But for me, adventure is about connection, history, and uncovering hidden gems, and the Old Fire Station delivered all three.

The Nairobi Railway Museum: A Journey Through Time

From the fire station, I rode to my next destination, the Nairobi Railway Museum, located along Workshop Road, just a short distance from the city center. The museum, a treasure trove of Kenya’s railway history, stands as a gateway to the stories that shaped the nation.

As I entered, I was greeted by the sight of towering locomotives, each bearing the weight of decades gone by. The museum houses an impressive collection of old steam engines, carriages, and other railway memorabilia. Walking among these massive machines, I could almost hear the echoes of bustling train stations and the rhythmic chugging of engines cutting across the savannah.

One of the highlights was learning about the construction of the Kenya-Uganda Railway, famously nicknamed the “Lunatic Line.” The project, which began in 1896, was fraught with challenges, from hostile terrain and disease to encounters with wildlife. The tales of the “Man-Eaters of Tsavo,” lions that allegedly attacked railway workers, were especially gripping.

The museum’s curator shared fascinating anecdotes, such as how the railway played a pivotal role in shaping Nairobi into the metropolis it is today. I also saw the luxurious carriage used by colonial governors and dignitaries, a stark contrast to the utilitarian trains that transported workers and goods. It was a vivid reminder of the different worlds that coexisted during that era.

Redefining Adventure Riding

This motorcycle adventure through Nairobi was unconventional, yet profoundly enriching. It reminded me that adventure isn’t confined to remote landscapes or daring feats. Sometimes, it’s about uncovering the stories that lie hidden in plain sight.

The Old Fire Station and the Nairobi Railway Museum are more than just historical sites; they’re living narratives of Nairobi’s past, filled with resilience, innovation, and human spirit. These places deserve a spot on every adventurer’s itinerary.

If you’re looking for a guided tour that’s equal parts history, culture, and adventure, join me on my next ride. Let’s explore the unconventional and redefine what it means to journey through Nairobi.

 

Have you visited these places or similar ones? Share your thoughts or join me on my next ride to uncover more hidden gems in Nairobi County!