Rural Dispatch: Real boys once owned real animals not gadgets

Kenya and presumably the entire world has changed so fast in the past two decades such that whatever was considered fashionable 15 years ago is fighting for space in a county museum somewhere expected to attract tourists soon. If you do not understand what I mean, ask around if anyone still remembers what a ‘disco’ watch is.

Those not so old people of my age group know the tales and importance that surrounded this gadget. It was once hired out for special functions like visiting a girl’s home and during class eight parties that were held before KCPE was sat. Probably, this was the only gadget that intrigued the boy of that era.

A boy during the eighties and nineties owned real African property then. I remember we booked calves and goats’ kids long before they were born and once born, we continued ‘owning’ them until our parents decided to exchange them for cash. We dared not complain publicly for we were the keepers while our parents were the real owners. At least you could shed tears when your favourite animal was sold or slaughtered.

However one animal that was so close to the heart of every self-respecting village boy was the dog. This ancient animal excited a boy’s life. I remember how we ran after the male dogs that came in droves to try and help beget more of their kind.

I don’t know when the male chauvinism bit us but I remember that we had no good words for both the female dog and her owner. However, as boys, we never missed to enjoy the mating season courtesy of the female dog that gave us a glimpse into the prohibited dark future. Though we hit the males with stones and sticks, it was always exciting to see them come back for more drama. It is not only men who find themselves in strange territories once in a while!

After the mating season, we embarked on booking the puppies and the cycle would continue year in year out. Things have changed so much since then and my son would rather hold on to the TV’s remote than get close to any hairy animal.