By Omulo Okoth
Kenyans, who migrated to London years ago and are happy with their quiet lives there, have come out to identify with Team Kenya.
With the Olympics within their vicinity, they have come in their hundreds to reconnect with their homeland through interacting with Kenyan competitors, journalists and spectators at the event. In the process, they are also getting to know other Kenyans living in their neighbourhoods.
Miniature flags
They range from retirees to students and business people.
You can spot them from a distance at the stadia or the Olympic Village sporting Kenyan attires. When they mix with Team Kenya, all they ask for are team pins and miniature flags.
They ask all sorts of questions from buildings they remember to politicians, some who died long ago.
We meet Nazir Ahmed, 70. He left Kenya for London in 1974 and settled in Yorkshire. His wife, Shamym, grew up in Nanyuki.
Apparently, Nazir was close to Kenyan politicians of that time. He thinks the late Ronald Ngala would have made a good president.
Good man
“He was a very good man, jovial and polite. Look, if Moi was his deputy in Kadu, and he (Moi) went on to rule for 24 years, don’t you think Ngala would have done better?” asks Nazir, cheekily.
“(The late Paul) Ngei was also another good man — generous and helpful. He used to come fuel at my Park Service station along Thika Road. Gerishon Kirima was also a very close friend those days. I hear he died last year? Very unfortunate.”
“Argwings Kodhek was intelligent . . .” Nazir goes on and on about the politicians of post-independent Kenya.
Apart from socialising with politicians, he was renowned cricketer who played for Sir Ali Cricket Club.
