The Tale of Displaced African's Son: Tears of Neglect

By Mwalimu Murithi

**Book Description: Tales of Tendai in "The Tales of Displaced African's Son: Tears of Neglect"**

In the intricate tapestry of humanity, where diverse cultures intertwine and histories collide, emerges the compelling story of Tendai. Born into an interracial union that defied societal norms, Tendai's life journey is a poignant reflection of the complexities of identity, love, and the longing for belonging.

Set against the backdrop of a world still grappling with the aftershocks of colonialism, Tendai's tale begins as he navigates the intricacies of his dual heritage. With a heart yearning for connection and a spirit yearning for opportunity, he sets out for Kenya, a land of dreams and promises, in search of greener pastures.

As Tendai carves his path in Nairobi's bustling urban landscape, he encounters both the bright lights of possibility and the deep shadows of despair. Love finds him in the most unexpected corners, but so does betrayal, fracturing his sense of trust and leaving scars that shape his perception of relationships.

Yet, at the core of this narrative lies the heart-wrenching theme of a broken family. Torn between the echoes of his ancestral roots and the urgent pull of his present, Tendai grapples with the disintegration of the very foundation that should provide solace and support.

"Tears of Neglect" weaves a narrative of struggle and survival, where Tendai's journey echoes the collective voice of countless displaced souls seeking their place in a world that often fails to embrace their complexities. Through the tears of neglect and the scars of shattered dreams, Tendai's resilience shines as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

In this evocative and emotionally charged novel, the author delves deep into the human experience, unraveling the threads of love, loss, and the eternal quest for a place to call home. "The Tales of Displaced African's Son: Tears of Neglect" is more than a story; it is a profound exploration of identity, family, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mwalimu Murithi
• Release date: Aug 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223941330

Mwalimu Murithi

Mwalimu Murithi is a literary force to be reckoned with. With a Bachelor of Education from the prestigious University of Nairobi, he has honed his skills as a writer and educator over the years with painstaking effort and unwavering determination. As the pioneer teacher of a day secondary school, he has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the less privileged in society, having gone through the crucible of teaching in an under-resourced environment. Mwalimu Murithi's experience in the corporate world has given him a unique perspective on the issues facing people today. As a project manager for community-based projects, he has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of orphans, youth, people with disabilities, street children, and refugees, with an iron will and a heart of gold. His writing reflects his passion for social justice and his commitment to making a difference in the world. Mwalimu Murithi's words are a powerful force for change, inspiring readers to take action and make a positive impact in their communities, like a beacon of light shining through the darkness. With his tangible experience of the problems facing the most vulnerable members of society, he brings a unique perspective to the literary world and a voice that demands to be heard, like a lion's roar in the jungle.

Book preview

The Tale Of Misplaced African’s Son

Tears Of Neglect

By

Mwalimu Murithi

Copyright © 2023 Mwalimu Murithi

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

This book is a work of fiction and contains elements inspired by real-life events. Names and characters are purely the product of the author's imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. The book also includes real names of institutions, places, and incidents to enhance the timing and narrative flow intended by the author. However, the mention of these names in the book does not imply that the events occurred exactly as narrated. The author had no ill intention to portray the institutions, places, or buildings mentioned in a negative or disparaging light.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this book are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization, institution, or individual mentioned within.

Note: The information contained in this book is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the book or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the book for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

This book is dedicated to: 

In loving memory of the countless souls whose stories were buried beneath the sands of time, we dedicate The Forgotten African's Boy to you.

To the brave hearts who navigated the treacherous waters of history, often without recognition or praise, your strength fuels our determination to honor your legacy.

To the children whose laughter echoed through ancestral lands, to the families torn apart by unforgiving circumstances, your stories echo in these pages, a testament to your resilience and endurance.

To the dreamers who dared to imagine a brighter future despite the darkness that surrounded them, your vision continues to guide us towards a better world.

To the fighters who stood up against oppression, discrimination, and injustice, your courage lives on in the battles we fight today.

To the believers who held onto hope when all seemed lost, your faith serves as a beacon, lighting our path in times of uncertainty.

May this book serve as a tribute to your memory, a testament to your experiences, and a promise to amplify your voices. Your struggles, triumphs, and legacies will never be forgotten.

With deep reverence and unwavering respect,

Mwalimu Murithi

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Chasing Elusive Dreams in a Foreign Land:

Chapter 2: A Boy Alone in the Shadows:

Chapter 3: The Crushing Weight of Rejection:

Chapter 4: Yielding Temptation of Escape:

Chapter 5: Struggling to Shoulder the Burden

Chapter 6: Born in the Cracks of an Interracial Union

Chapter 7: Exploited and Forgotten: Betrayed by Those in Power

Chapter 8: Love’s Betrayals

Chapter 9: From Cross to Crescent:

Chapter 10: Memory Bank Retrieval:

Chapter 11: The Weight of Unemployment and Societal Expectations

Chapter 12: Beyond Gender Roles:

Chapter 13: A Father's Cry as Sons Spirals into Despair

Chapter 14: Lost Identities, Cultural Struggles:

Chapter 15: The Sting of Deception

Chapter 16: The Tireless Brother’s Pursuit:

Part II: Introduction: Son's Torn Hearts, Mended Souls Through Creativity

Chapter 17: The Healing Power of Creativity:

Chapter 18: Navigating the Healing Journey:

Chapter 19: Shattered Dreams, Broken Promises

Chapter 20: Struggling in the Grip of Poverty

Chapter 21: Rebuilding Amidst the Rubble

Chapter 22: Desperate Measures, Dangerous Choices

Chapter 23: A Glimpse of Redemption

Chapter 24: A Ray of Hope in the Darkness

Chapter 25: When Hope Feels Far Away:

Chapter 26: Illuminating the Shadows of Discrimination

Chapter 27: Seeking Belonging, Embracing Diversity

Chapter 28: Breaking Free from the Chains of Bipolar and Societal Stigma

Chapter 29: Reclaiming Dreams, Embracing Resilience

About the Author

Chapter 1: Chasing Elusive Dreams in a Foreign Land:

Tendai stood outside the closed door, adorned with two padlocks hanging on his rented house. The caretaker had callously added another one after his failure to pay rent for a couple of months. With a frown etched deeply on his face, resembling the grooves on an ancient baobab tree, he pondered how everything had hyperbolically closed up in his life, much like the door before him. He had embarked on a journey from his homeland, eagerly seeking the elusive green pastures, only to encounter barren soil and locked doors at every twist and turn. Kenya, the supposed land of opportunity, appeared to be draped in a cloak of indifference towards his plight.

With a stomach that grumbled in protest, Tendai's hunger echoed louder than the morning rooster's crow. His pockets carried nothing but the weight of disappointment, and the prospect of a meal for the day seemed as distant as Mount Kilimanjaro. For weeks, he had survived on meager rations, a mere cup of tea and an andazi, their sweetness fading like the distant memory of his dreams.

Seeking respite from his relentless pursuit of a livelihood, Tendai reluctantly turned his weary feet towards a construction site. His frail frame, weakened by hunger, was ill-prepared for the physical toil that lay ahead. The supervisor, a man with a booming voice and a harsh tongue, glanced at Tendai with disdain. You, there! he bellowed, pointing a finger that seemed as rough as the acacia thorns. You're no better than a woman! I need workers, not wilting flowers.

A blush of shame tinged Tendai's cheeks, but he held his head high. He had faced worse storms on his journey, and he would not let the supervisor's words extinguish the ember of resilience within him. He swallowed his pride and accepted his dismissal after working for only one hour, knowing that tomorrow would bring fresh trials and tribulations.

As the African sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the horizon, Tendai trudged through the dusty streets. Dejected and with an empty stomach that gnawed at him like a persistent mosquito, with nowhere to sleep, he found himself drawn to a den where the scent of miraa mingled with the heavy air. Young men gathered there, their faces weary, their eyes clouded with their own tales of woe.

Tendai found solace amidst this community of shared sorrow, graciously, as the generous ones bought him a few leaves. It was a welcome gesture, fostering a spirit of togetherness that could make the cold night tolerable, uncertain of what the morrow brings. The miraa leaves danced between their teeth, momentarily, skillfully masking the bitter taste of life's disappointments. In their camaraderie, they found fleeting moments of forgetfulness, chewing away their woes as if they were voraciously chewing the hardships of existence itself.

With each bite of the miraa, a flicker of light shimmered within Tendai's eyes, a defiance against the darkness that had settled upon him. For this night, he would bury his sorrows beneath the miraa's bittersweet embrace. Tomorrow, he would rise once more, determined to crack open the locked doors of opportunity, no matter how bruised his knuckles might become.

In the dim light of the early morning, Tendai embarked on an arduous journey, walking an astonishing 20 kilometers to attend a video production interview at one of the prominent media houses. Unshowered for countless days and wearing the same dirty attire, he stood out conspicuously amidst the other candidates who were sharply dressed in official attire, resembling peacocks flaunting their vibrant feathers.

As Tendai entered the interview room, the panel's gaze shifted towards him, their eyebrows furrowing like the meandering paths of a river. Instead of focusing on his technical skills and abilities, their attention fixated on his outfit and glooming appearance, as if his clothing had sprouted wings and was dancing in front of them.

The questions that followed only confirmed Tendai's suspicions; they had already made up their minds about him. It was as if a hyena had sniffed out weakness and was circling its prey, ready to pounce. Tendai, however, possessed a spirit as resilient as the baobab tree, refusing to wither under the weight of their doubts.

Recalling an old African saying, she who hides her nakedness never gives birth, Tendai decided to share his predicament with one of his fellow interviewees. With a glimmer of compassion in his eyes, like a moonlit river reflecting the stars, this kind-hearted individual extended his hand, offering him a lifeline.

Grateful for the gesture of kindness, Tendai accepted the money graciously, feeling as if he had just discovered a hidden spring in the heart of the desert. With newfound hope, he could now afford a plate of madodo ugali, its comforting warmth enveloping his hungry stomach like the embrace of a long-lost friend. And with the generosity of his newfound companion, he could also secure his fare back to the estate, riding the matatu with a mix of relief and laughter bubbling within him.

Back at the estate, despite having a satisfied appetite, the door of his rented house hung heavy with two padlocks. He found himself with no alternative but to join his fellow hustlers at the miraa base. Refusing to succumb to disappointment, he recounted his interview experience with a touch of wit, leaving his fellow hustlers in fits of laughter. Amidst the laughter, Rasta, who had claimed to be the sole sober individual in the group the previous day, could be seen. He possessed a dark, slender frame, with his dreadlocks cascading down his shoulders.

Welcome to the guild of jobseekers, whose job description involves crafting enticing CVs, dispatching countless applications, traversing the pavement to attend interviews, developing a stony heart to fend off the impact of disappointment and the silence that follows numerous job applications, Rasta declared amidst his contagious laughter.

Do you see that gentleman over there? Rasta pointed towards a man engrossed in his phone, oblivious to his surroundings. We call him the doctor, but even if you're ailing, he won't administer a painkiller to ease your suffering. Despite obtaining an undergraduate degree that failed to provide sustenance, he stretched himself further to pursue a master's degree, only to be met with fruitless outcomes. He then took a desperate leap of faith and embarked on a PhD, which has left him permanently afflicted with mental distress. That's why you see him lost in his own world. After his academic pursuits failed him, he has now become a professional gambler, relying on luck for his survival. Ras narrated the sad state of the affair with some humor.

Oh, really! Tendai exclaimed, a mixture of surprise and sadness evident in his voice.

We are not lacking in such vivid examples, Rasta paused, inhaling deeply before resuming. Let me tell you about Martoo, the guy who sat beside you last night. He's an exceptionally brilliant IT expert, armed with a master's degree. With just his phone, he can penetrate any digital fortress. Yet, for the past month, this miraa base has become his makeshift bedroom. Rasta's tone conveyed the gravity of the situation.

Rasta carried on, I claimed to be the only sane person in this crowd, and these guys attribute it to the weed we indulge in. It's like that saying goes, 'In a madman's world, everyone else is deemed mad except for himself.' After completing my Bachelor of Commerce at the university, I spent a grueling five years pounding the pavement, searching for a job. The only positions available were in marketing, where you were paid based on commissions. In unfortunate months without closing any deals, you'd go without a paycheck. Months turned into an eternity, igniting a deep-seated rage within me. I did the unthinkable, and I have no regrets. I had an inferno of academic frustration that led me to burn anything in my house that bore even a semblance of education. From my primary school certificate to my university degree, they all became mere ashes in frames.

Meanwhile, Tendai sat speechless, his mouth agape, absorbing the tale while intermittently nodding his head to signal his comprehension..

I made a firm resolve then and there that I would survive as if I had never set foot inside a school. Whether that decision was influenced by the weed or not is a tale for another time, Rasta chuckled. I don't expect to land a job in some fancy office, which is why you won't find me donning formal attire. With my dreadlocks, the gatekeepers of those establishments wouldn't even bother opening the door for me. But let me tell you what I do now, he chuckled again, they call it being a Jack of all trades but a master of none. From painting to plumbing and all sorts of household repairs, my clients couldn't care less about how I dress as long as I solve their problems. Rasta quipped, a sense of pride emanating from his unconventional career choice.

I can truly relate to your life and the decisions you've made. Despite having technical skills acquired at the university and having worked in the corporate industry back in my homeland of Uganda, I too set my degree aside for a few years and ended up working in a pub. Right now, I'm open to anything, even if it means joining you in this 'Junk of all trades' industry of yours. Tendai procraimed impressed by Rasta's unique perspective and his gift for storytelling, He found the night increasingly enjoyable. He developed a sense of trust in Rasta and felt comfortable opening up to him.

At this moment, I feel as if I'm being engulfed by an ocean of troubles. Childhood memories of rejection and desolation haunt me relentlessly. It's as if the weight of tons is crushing my fragile emotions. I find myself trapped in a deep pit, isolated and alone. A glimmer of light offers a ray of hope for rescue, only to transform into frustration when it proves to be unattainable. My attempts to climb out of this pit have been slippery and treacherous. Both physically and emotionally, I am exhausted, but my spirit refuses to surrender. It clings to the only thing I have left, even though it feels like a frail rope on the brink of snapping at any moment. Tendai opened up, deep heart wretching feeling.

Rasta, revealing a softer side, sympathized with Tendai. Brother, I'm sorry. Life can be incredibly unfair at times, but fret not. If you want to step into the realm of sanity, I can show you around. I already have two potential solutions in mind. Firstly, you mentioned working in a pub, and right behind us, there's a pub where the manager has hinted that they're in need of workers. Tomorrow, I'll take you to meet him. Secondly, for your emotional healing, I have a client who happens to be a counseling psychologist working with an organization that aids young individuals. Through his guidance, numerous youths who were once lost and disheartened have found new purpose in life. My prayer is that you secure the pub job tomorrow, and once you're settled, I'll gladly introduce you to him. Rasta sagaciously suggested, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the heaviness of the situation.

Hope began to simmer in Tendai's heart, and he couldn't contain his delight as a wide smile spread across his face. I will be eternally grateful for this gesture Ras, he exclaimed.

"It's not just