A Hero's Return

“WHY ARE THE WOMEN CRYING…? WHY DID THE TWO LADIES PASS OUT..?”

Knowing how much of an outsider I was in such an occasion, I had grabbed Saitoti in the midst of the chaos, while shooting the entourage of women dancing their way to the main arena.

“You see...” he said in his artful semi-serious semi-smiling tone, “…all the mamas and the whole community here, they’ve all done a lot for these two guys to go to university. And now they’re here…as graduates. They are all very, very overwhelmed with joy. The ladies you saw pass out, they were completely overtaken with joy…”

“I see...” I shouted back while trying to nod unconvincingly, hoping that he wouldn’t see through my bare embarrassment of not fully grasping what was happening before my eyes…

Of course I couldn’t understand it…my constantly-wired, news-infused, hyper-entertained, over-stimulated, emotion-on-demand senses were still asleep.

Surrounded by the untamed beauty of the Masai Mara, the air charged with excitement, a remarkable celebration unfolded before my eyes. Two young men, supported by their devoted community, returned as graduates after four years of university studies. Their presence marked a pivotal moment for the community, poised to embrace change and the knowledge they brought. Amidst the joyous ululations of the women and the heartfelt cheers of the men echoing through the savannah, speeches were given, expressing gratitude and acknowledging the shared sacrifices. Under the beautiful vast sky, the graduates vowed to uplift their people and preserve Maasai heritage. It was a spectacle that united generations, bridging the gap between the ancient traditions of the Maasai and the promising prospects of a new era.