The mystery of Kengeleni where the stolen bell still tolls

Kengeleni heritage site where the historical bell was hang. The bell was used to a alert locals of the arrival of slave dealers in Mombasa. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]

The huge clay mold lying like a broken pot discarded by an angry mother aptly captures the sorry state of the national monument. All round the inanimate icon, there is flurry of activity as out-work drivers and touts haggle for “squads” from their colleagues.

Further away, harried hawkers battle with stall owners for customers as the incessant hooting of tuk tuk and matatus cry out for attention of pedestrians who are hurrying away from the tormenting heat. All are fighting for space to enter or leave Fidel Odinga Road and head to Mombasa Island or Bamburi and beyond.