The mystery shopping girl

By Josephine Wanjiru

I remember laughing loudly when my friend Lucy narrated how she lost Sh1,500 to a conman and was only left with a pair of socks to show for it. I blamed her for being foolish.

I also teased Paul, my friend, after he was lured by a man claiming to be a ‘pastor’ with powers to perform miracles including multiplying money.

He ended up with a bundle of well-arranged green papers sandwiched between two one US dollar bills.

The bundle was supposed to be the product of ‘miracle’ work.

I was so incessant that Paul had to beg me to stop reminding him of his ordeal.

I never imagined it would happen to me. I was always careful in town, walking confidently and avoiding talking to strangers.

But it eventually happened to me when I least expected it.

I had just joined university.

The first day was hectic. Long queues at the registration section, the slow pace and the whole process made worse by a power blackout.

I had to continue with the registration process the next day.

It was still early in the morning. The day was beautiful.

By 9am, I had acquired all the documents indicating that I was a bona fide student of the university.

I placed all the documents in my already full bag.

I decided to go shopping. The day was still young and there wasn’t much else to do. Classes were yet to start.

Making friends

I headed to town. I planned to go to Eastleigh to buy clothes then to Nakumatt Supermarket to buy electronics and other domestic appliances.

At the stage outside campus, I carefully checked the matatus coming trying to select the best.

"Hi," Somebody called startling me from my reverie. "Hello," I murmured back paying no attention to the woman. Not discouraged by my lack of interest, she proceeded to ask whether I was a first year student. I said yes. Not wanting to appear rude, I asked her the same. She hesitated then said yes.

She was tall, slim and of chocolate brown complexion. A typical student, judging from her dressing. She introduced herself as Ann.

Being a fresher meant making friends with total strangers. I was glad to make one. Perhaps it was this happiness that made me relax. I never regarded her with the suspicion I would if we met in town.

Ann said she was going to visit her cousin but on hearing where I was going, she said that she also wanted to go to Eastleigh.

We boarded the same matatu after Ann, who seemed more knowledgeable, bargained for the fare. We got into an animated chat like old friends. She offered to pay my fare.

When she discovered I was already studying for CPA, she claimed to be ahead of me and promised to help me with books and notes. Why was she so interested in me?

My first impression was that she was arrogant. But I decided to be patient.

I learned a lot from her. She even convinced me not to go to the supermarket for electronics. According to her, they were available in Eastleigh at a lower price and high quality. I even told her that I was grateful for knowing her.

At Eastleigh, she showed me the bank where I withdrew Sh8,000 after estimating the cost of the goods I wanted to buy, taking into account her suggestions.

Shopping spree

We visited various shopping malls sometimes using the back streets and corners. At some point I thought she wanted to confuse me and may be rob me violently. She even asked me to hold my bag carefully since someone might snatch it. I was sure she didn’t know how much I was carrying.

Inside a boutique, Ann fitted in some jeans. She gave me her bag to hold.

I was seated on a stool and too tired I removed my bag and held it together with Ann’s. When it was my turn to go behind the curtain and try some jeans, I unconsciously gave her the two bags to hold. She had trusted me with her bag and I found myself doing the same.

I went behind the curtain to fit. But on coming back, Ann was nowhere to be seen.

She had left with my bag. The shop attendant convinced me she would come back believing we were good friends.

I felt numb, my legs wobbled. Sensing danger but not ready to accept it yet, I checked all neighbouring shops in vain. I waited for her to come back but she didn’t.

I had been conned. My money, mobile phone, valuables and important documents were gone. I had been fooled.

I still remember her face hoping one day I will meet her and force her to pay back. I learned to pay attention to my instincts.