How Many Friends Do I Have Left; Part Two. For Keegan Kagwe.

A lot had improved ever since I wrote the first part of How Many Friends Do I Have Left. I managed to spook quite a few of my friends who had comfortably but unconsciously momentarily forgotten me. When word hit the streets that I wasn’t very happy with this behaviour, they quickly rekindled the broken links, the political differences went water under the bridge though needless to mention, it was partly a humorous exaggeration on my part.    

But then another reason somehow cropped up and another bunch of friends threatened to leave my space. It started from the rumour that I wasn’t visiting the socializing dens, popularly famous for the smooth and continuous flow of the good drink.

Some actually loudly suggested that I needed to be punished for my shocking change. I had to call a press conference to cool the heated tempers and assure my dear friends that I had but only taken a deserved vacation. And promise that we will surely hit it again at a time in the not too far future.

Because I cherish my friends. Because I would want them to be there. Because they are important, good people to have around even when I don’t actually need them. Because they would be there, when and if needed.

Man Keegan

But just as I was relaxed in that peace; that satisfied, my friends did not take ill of the little humour in me and we were now closer than ever before, the shocker came and it hit like a sledgehammer! I friend I have know since I came to Sweden, man Keegan is gone.

It is terribly sad to receive this soul breaking news. We that work so hard in this life as if oblivious of what awaits us all. That cannot tell when a friend is due to depart, so that at least, we can bid them farewell. That life moves on and on as our friends pass on, and off the tracks of our lives.

Encouragingly, though their activities cease as their souls embark and cross over to the next world, the memories that we collect together remain to live on in our lives. We will remember Keegan.

I don’t know any person who had Keegan for an enemy. He was a friend. But for his troubled cough which always disrupted his laugh, he was a cool guy. He hated immorality in our little community and was, though not greatly privileged, always supportive. The last time he slept over at my place, he coughed throughout the night, but no one complained, he was our friend.

 He loved taking photos, especially at celebrations and parties which he still has tacked up somewhere in his rich bank of memories. Every now and then he would surprise someone with a cd compilation of their pictures taken at different places and occasions, no charges.

But lately he was out of range; this I hear was because his long fight with his illness was taking toil on him. He was suddenly not as available, now I wish I made that call. Knowing him I know that he understands, because he, if in turn, would have made the call, that’s who he was.

We are mourning our own, like someone else put it, a veteran in our small community.

Yes, “sometimes the strongest among us are the ones who smile through silent pain, cry behind closed doors and fight battles nobody knows about”.

"my little world" Keegan

“Its really sad to part from a clean hearted, respectful, loving & a wonderful bro as you've always been to many of us, through all the babylon struggles, you always supported & encouraged strength of togetherness & brotherhood.. A true brother & a soldier for harmony!!” Billy Kevins.

What some of us might not know is that Keegan gave his life to God a few years back. He accepted him as his personal saviour in front of the congregation at the Baggarmosen church during the visit by Kenyan bishop Njoroge. He is safe.

Find comfort in the presence of your maker, which is where you belong. Thank you for the times we shared, they are cherished, and you will always be missed. So long my friend. Deepest condolences to the Kagwe family.

P Bryan Njoroge.

EARLIER...

How Many Friends Do I Have Left.