×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Read Offline Anywhere
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

Kenyan Dictionary; a hilarious look at our language

When a person calls you ‘Kiongozi’, it is a sign of respect and deference to your leadership. It is the first cousin of ‘Boss’, and the illegitimate sibling of ‘Mkubwa’. Do not be surprised if they ask you to run for elective office.

But when a Kenyan calls you ‘Kiongozi’, it is not the compliment you think it is. The subtext is that they have determined your wallet to be thick, and will now proceed to ask you to back up your title by throwing drinks at everyone.

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week
Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimized reading experience
  • Weekly Newsletters
  • MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted
Already a subscriber? Log in