WHY YOU ARE SINGLE, FOR LADIES

So you're at a point in your life where everything has fallen into place, literally. Your career is good, your social life is exciting, you've found your sense of style and you look better than you have in years. Just one thing missing. Where is the...err boyfriend? The man, the lover, the husband, the best friend, the significant other? It has come to your attention that happy couples annoy you. You stare longingly at the man and woman walking past you in the street, hands held, talking and smiling with an obvious affection and tenderness for each other.

You put yourself out there and hope for the best, but in the relationship department you seem to be like a sinking ship. Taking a look at yourself, the problem just cannot be you. I mean, your appearance is at least decent, you're confident, and your personality is a winner.

So why are you single? I'll tell you why!

1. You're not ready for a relationship.

Just because you think you are; doesn't mean you are. You think you've got it together, but really you haven't. Those wounds from your past and those insecurities that you hide stop you from offering the best version of yourself to the world.

2. You want a perfect man.

Well, I'm pretty sure that you are no wide eyed angel with a nineteen inch waist , perfectly symmetrical features, and a halo above your head signifying that God himself knows you are divine. So why do you expect to get a 7"foot tall man with a chest as hard as a wall and muscles that feel like bricks, who makes millions, is an alpha male but listens to you talk all night like your best girlfriend would?

Since I don't think he exists, I would advise listening to what a person makes you feel rather than prematurely judge him on a set of near impossible standards. Chances are that you blow off that guy who always tries to make you laugh, the one who runs to your aid every time you need a favour but is only 5"8 and makes a middle level income.

By no means should you lower your standards, but rather use them to align yourself. Good attracts good. Make yourself into a person even you would want to be with. If you want a physically fit man, have you made efforts to be in tip top shape too? You want him successful; do you work hard for what you earn too?

3. You play games.

I've read a hundred times from different writers that "you should play hard to get" and "make him chase you". These rules turn women into damsels waiting for the prince who despite being rejected a thousand times will be unrelenting and persistent. The truth; however is that these actions may in fact confuse potential suitors. You may communicate "not interested" while intending to say “try harder".

Sure, you should not be overly eager, desperate or clingy. And no, acting like you like him when you do is not a horrible, unforgivable sin.

4. You're looking/ searching.

Stop. Just stop looking. I've heard before that "needing nothing attracts everything" and couldn't agree more. Being single is not a crime, or anything to be ashamed of. Take this time to be in your element, understand yourself and love yourself. Enjoy the freedom that comes with being single. Wear your sweatpants all day in the house and forget to comb your hair, and dress up real nice to party with your friends at other times. You can afford to be selfish and spoil yourself without worrying about inconveniencing your other half. The right guy will come along, and you don't have to go out of your way to find him. 

WHY WE MEET THE PEOPLE WE MEET

 It’s only when you begin to grow into yourself that you realize just how important the people in your life are. You see, a human being is born but a blank book. Every experience, encounter and person in your life writes a page to add onto the story of who you truly are. According to the “six degrees of everything theory”, initially developed by Frigyes Karinthy in 1929; everything and everyone is six or fewer steps away, from any other person in the world- by way of introduction  so that a chain of "a friend of a friend" statements can be made to connect any two people in a maximum of six steps. This means that you are connected to billions of people across the world through a chain link, and everyone is more accessible to you than you think.

Our parents try to mould us into self-sufficient beings who are able to cope with typical life tasks, but that doesn’t control everyone we see and everyone we meet. A child will go to school, or play with other kids in the park: what’s interesting though is that they will take away bits and pieces of history and personality. As we grow, we make friends, we make enemies, and we know people that we feel indifferent towards.

However, going about life teaches us that every single person that we come across impacts our life in more ways than one. Those that are meant to inspire us make their mark strongly in our lives. Have you ever heard the story of a little girl, who was abused, molested and ill-treated in her childhood? She felt lowly and unloved. Hell, I think she must have felt worthless and incapable of achieving anything- because of her experiences with people who broke her. One day, this little girl was walking, and an older woman stopped her and said, “Little girl, you are so beautiful, do you know that?” And from that day onwards, the girl saw herself differently, she finally felt worthy. Worthy of success, worthy of love and worthy of respect. She would then go on to build an empire much bigger and much more powerful than any other woman in her race had done before, and she would top the Forbes list time and time again. This little girl was a young Oprah Winfrey. Some people who we meet inspire us so greatly, that it would be difficult to see ourselves being the people we are/ want to be without the impact they have in our lives.

And yet there are those, who it seems have the sole purpose of breaking us. They may come in the form of faux friends, enemies or unfriendly strangers. They may even be family members who do a lot more hating than they do loving. The ones who tell us we can’t be whatever we want to be. The ones that say we aren’t intelligent enough, talented enough or beautiful enough. It’s important to embrace these people though, because they are only playing their role in making us who we are. Without them, without the experiences that they bring us, we wouldn’t be strong and we wouldn’t know what we know- that we are capable of overcoming difficulties and obstacles in our path.

Finally, there are those that have always been there from the start. The ones that love us unconditionally. These are the people who are not afraid to tell us when we are wrong, those who can smack the sense back in our lives when we are going astray. I guess it’s safe to say that these are the most important, because they keep us on track and remain with us through rough, bumpy roads that seem to lead nowhere. Through every failure, every success and every mistake, their love and presence remains constant.

 What I’m trying to say is, no single human interaction is a waste. Everyone that we meet, see or know plays a huge role and makes some sort of impact in our lives. Every experience we go through comes full circle to make us who we are and build our character. 

That’s all for today, loves! A lot more stuff coming soon. Feel free to interact with me. Comment, share, like!

THE BOLD LIP

For thousands of years, human beings have used make up as a tool to express themselves as well as make statements. It has been such an important factor in society that it is difficult to imagine a world without it. Women have celebrated their femininity throughout the centuries by creating a blush effect using roses, darkening their eyelids using burnt matches and using berries to stain their lips.

It is safe to say that for a long time, bold statements have existed, where people used the art to demonstrate their uniqueness in a confident display. The Egyptians, both men and women, would paint kohl, a mixture of metal, lead, copper, ash and burnt almonds, all around their eyes. The circles of kohl were meant to ward off the evil eye or dangerous spirits and certainly played a role in deflecting the harsh desert sun. The result was a bold, severe, yet beautiful statement.

The bold lip has made its mark more so in the 21^st century. In New York fashion week, spring 2014, there was a clear indication of the bold berry lip trend, with a polished matte finish. In every runway display, the lips seem to be bolder and brighter. If the lips are not bold, then another makeup element is, say a nude lip and heavy smoky eye.

Closer to our time, we’ve seen the rise of feminism, promoted by powerful female figures. Often, the clothes that these women wear and the make-up they choose allow them to self- express, or create their own niche so to speak.

Marilyn Monroe, one of the biggest icons in the 50s was known for her beauty and charm. But even she, an effortless beauty, made bold statements with her make up. Make-up artists and celebrities try to recreate her look time and time again. Marilyn wore a bold red lipstick, which she lined and contoured to create the luscious, voluminous look we all know and love.

Rihanna is one of the biggest stars in the world right now. She’s not one to follow rules, as she sets her own and creates trends we just can’t help but follow. She is known for being edgy and creative, using her fashion sense and make up as an indisputably powerful statement. Rihanna is often spotted in bright, bold lipstick. On and off the red carpet, she manages to pull off red, purple, burgundy, emerald green, black and virtually every color that could possibly exist.

How can you, too pull off the bold lip? The trick if finding the best color for your skin tone, and especially one that you love as it should make you feel confident and beautiful. Consider the tone of the lipstick, e.g. what tone of red, purple or brown would be best on you? Cool-toned lip colors have more blue in them and tend to look better on people with cool-toned complexions. Warm-toned lip colors have more yellow or orange in them, and tend to work well on those with warm-toned skin. 

Confused about whether your skin’s undertone is warm or cool? Check the veins on the inside of your wrist: if they look blue, you have cool-toned skin; if they look green, you have warm-toned skin. If you can’t tell one way or another, you have a neutral skin tone and can wear any color.

Be sure not to over-do the rest of your face. Skip the contouring, and heavy eye make up for more subtle lip colors, and let your bold lips do all the work. Instead, allow your other make up to play supporting roles. Soft gentle eyebrows, moisturized skin and a touch of mascara will be just enough; a groomed but natural look.

Next, and very importantly, you have to pair up the bold lip with an outfit that co-ordinates with the look rather than drowns it.  Now, I would assume that none of us are prep’ing for the red carpet, but typical day to day looks. The fact is, bold lipstick is not casual. However, it sure can make the most casual outfit just a tint brighter and cuter. It can make an everyday look appear more sophisticated and thought-out.

A casual white blouse, faded blue jeans and plain black heels or boots type of day would work best with a bright red lip, to sort of bring life to the outfit. Dull colors and plain, casual clothes always work well with bold lips, drawing attention to your face and highlighting your smoochers. In this case, less is more.

That is not to say that you cannot wear flashy, bright colored clothes with a bold lip. However, you need to be a bit careful such that the result is tasteful and does not make your look crowded. Take for example a yellow dress and the bright red lip. You might be worried about looking like a hot-dog with ketchup and mustard, but it can definitely turn out looking a lot more glamorous. Emma Stone is a great example. She stunned in a bright yellow gown and bright, fuchsia lip color when she showed up at the Spider-man -2 premier last year.

Most importantly, there are no rules that are set in stone! Through mixing and matching, you should be able to attain the look that you like best, and be able to express yourself using your own words, your own language and your own style. Do what feels most comfortable for you, and don’t be afraid to step out and make a statement once in a while.

Thank you for reading, loves! feel free to comment and share!

TRUSTING IN THE PROCESS

 An ache, far more painful than the physical. It feels overwhelming, frightening yet empowering at the same time. You are so afraid  of the thought of life without it yet know deep down that things would be so much easier if you let it go. It haunts you. It's in the mirror, in your thoughts at day and yet interrupts your sleep every night. That is what it feels like to have a dream. Your passion chooses you, and not you, it. It is a one true love that  you cannot let go of, no matter how hard you try.

It doesn't matter what you want to achieve.

(Lupita Nyong'o: Talented, with a dream out of this world. And she did it.)

There are skeptics who sneer, shrug and roll their eyes at the mention of your plans. And they will sometimes say, "No, but really, what is your back up?"

You know that it is either this or a life of fading away into nothingness. Because this, your dream, gives you life.

And you work, everyday. Captured and enslaved by your passion. Your efforts are relentless, your attempts countless. Every time, it feels like you have taken one step forward and two back. Failing is heartbreaking, and every time an attempt is unsuccessful, it crushes you. Deep down to your very core, it tears you apart. But unlike other people, the mission remains, and you do not have the option of giving up.

 (Madonna: fired from dunkin donuts, dropped by her first record label in the group "The breakfast club". Picked herself up and kept going.)

This is the only way. To keep trying. To never give up. To do any and everything that can bring your dream to life. It means following in the steps of your predecessors, who always seem to say, "I kept trying. They told me I couldn't, but I have."

And more importantly, you realize that your passion is beyond you. In the very way you can't control it, you also cannot control your path towards it. The number of times you fail before you succeed are all a part of the journey, and you have to trust wholly and let it all unfold. Keeping the faith, putting in the work, and knowing that the rest is going to follow.

 (Kanye West: Passionate guy, Isn't he?)

Finally, your sleepless nights seem to bear fruit. Your questions seem to have answers. Your blood, sweat and tears have a reward. At last. A light. Dim, far away, at the end of the tunnel. But you see it. And the steps towards that light are the happiest moments of your life.

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WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE RAE SREMMURD

It's been a very busy couple of days, with  exams and projects totally snatching all my time away. However, that period of time is thankfully over. Now, I have some time to do what I love; write, and interact with my readers.
I'm really glad that I can share my new obsession with you.
These guys have stolen my heart and captivated me in more ways than one. They are definitely lookers, but that is not all they have to offer.

First, I'll tell you a little about them. They are an American hip-hop duo, composed of real life brothers: Khalif Brown (Swae Lee) and Aaquil Brown (Slim Jimmy). Their name is derived from their home label, EarDrummers, but spelled backwards and pronounced Rei Srimmurd.
They are from Tupelo, Mississippi. Slim Jimmy is currently twenty one years old while his younger brother Swae is twenty.

Okay! Enough of that. I am now on a mission to make you their fans, if you are not already!
Here is why you should love Rae Sremmurd:

1. They work hard

I like to accord respect anyone who unceasingly goes after their dream, setting ambitious goals and constantly moving towards that direction. These guys have been working since they were literally kids. They began as a group of four in their hometown, going by the name "dem outta st8 boyz". Back then, their music was heavily inspired by Soulja Boy. They worked part time jobs in order to travel, perform and audition.

Their song, YNO off the album Sremmlife talks about their difficult journey, ambition and hard work. Listen to it on this link.
https://youtu.be/v9sYXDjBI5U
Even now that they are signed, they are always working, never slacking off and constantly trying to be better.

 2. Great music

You probably know them from their hit single "No Flex Zone", which went viral. Their next song, No Type was even bigger. Their style of music is quite unique, including high pitched tones that instantly capture attention, making them sound younger than they actually are. The beats from EarDrummers instantly make every single song a fun experience. Coupled with their rapping skills and unquestionable talent, their songs are an all round package of great hiphop.

3. Party music

Rae Sremmurd music mostly falls into the category of party anthems. They make music that hypes up any room instantly. Further still, the words are catchy and often addictive. I'd like to say that, as serious, difficult or stressful life can get, we all need a dose of fun and a laid back, happy go lucky attitude. That, exactly, is what Rae Sremmurd provides in the music industry.

4. Animated

They bring life to any room that they walk into. Their interviews are loud, fun and animated. Swae Lee is the more outspoken of the two, going on and on, telling funny stories and interacting candidly with any interviewer. Sometimes, they get so hyper that getting up and dancing, jumping on top of tables is not out of question!

5. Good looks, anyone?

I have to say, being easy on the eye does make them all the more appealing. Great jaw lines, pretty boy smiles and charm can go a long way! These guys look good and stay trendy.

I've only given five reasons why you should be their next biggest fans, but only because I know that after you listen to their first album, Sremmlife, you can definitely come up with a thousand more! So, go out and get it.
Good music is a cure for the soul, and can brighten up any day.

That's all for today. Feel free to interact with me, comment, e-mail or share! Thank you for reading, loves!

HOW TO SHED THE UNWANTED POUNDS AFTER THE FESTIVE SEASON

 HI GUYS! Oh my gosh, you have to forgive the current state of my blog. I am still in the process of designing it and it will be in tip- top shape very soon! Bare with me, my loves. 

Easter has come and gone, my friends. And you have eaten a whole lot of fattening food over the festive season. So, it turns out that to commemorate the celebratory times, you have a little extra something on your belly or your hips. Not to worry though! I have just the remedy on how you can shed the extra weight in about three weeks.

I’d like to talk about three weeks, because everybody’s body is different and the best way is always the healthy way.

1.      Diet is 70% and  exercise is 30%

Always remember this. In order to lose weight, you have to burn more calories than you consume. The idea is that you burn more than you eat. Even in a sedentary state, your body is a machine that constantly, however slowly, burns calories. Therefore, with just a few tweaks to your diet, you are sure to kick- start the weight loss process.

Cut out refined foods such as wheat flour, processed meat and junk food. These are packed with sugars and sodium, which not only pack on the kilos, but also lead to bloating.

Instead, opt for plenty of fruits and veggies. Cliché as it may seem, not enough people pay attention to this word of advice that is constantly being passed down. Fruits and vegetables clense your system, because they are high in fiber and water. They ease the elimination process, leaving you feeling fresh and with the added advantage of vitamins and antioxidants. And not to mention the glow on your skin that follows.

Reduce your carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrates are basically just complex sugars which when eaten in excess are stored as fat. If you limit your carbohydrate intake, you allow your body to get sufficient nutrients without any being stored as fat.

Eat a diet rich in proteins. Opt for lean proteins such as white meat, lean cuts of red meat, beans and nuts. These are low in saturated fats. Proteins heal and repair damaged muscle tissue, which you not only need on a daily basis, but more so with a thorough exercise regime.

Drink plenty of water. Around two liters a day works well for any adult. Water leaves you hydrated, and it also has multiple advantages. There are only positives to it. Clearer skin, eyes and nails as well as a smooth elimination process and fresher breath.

2.

   A calorie is a calorie

More calories, more weight. Now, I do not mean that you should not eat. However, research shows that you can gain weight even on healthy food. It’s all about just how many calories you consume per day. You can either eat enough to lose, maintain or gain weight. A healthy estimated requirement suggests that women should consume 1200calories per day, whereas men should have 1800calories per day. And all this is just the minimum requirement, meaning that you could definitely go higher.

3.

      Strength training

Strength training is a method of improving muscular strength by gradually increasing the ability to resist force through the use of free weights, machines, or the person's own body weight. Strength training sessions are designed to impose increasingly greater resistance, which in turn stimulates development of muscle strength to meet the added demand.

When you work your muscles out, not only do you burn a large number of calories, but also increase your metabolism; such that your body is able to burn more calories at a sedentary or non- active state.

Through this kind of exercise, you are able to increase muscle to fat ratio, tone your body and most of all increase your level of physical attractiveness. The key to a great swimsuit bod is definitely in the weight lifting and strength training.

4.

     Interval training

This is physical exercise that consists of alternating periods of high and low- intensity activity. Interval workouts involve brief bouts at near-maximum exertion (endurance heart rate) interspersed with periods of lower-intensity activity (fat burning or performance heart rate zones.

You can do this very easily on a treadmill, setting it to high speeds of about  12km/h, sticking there for three minutes, then going back down to 5km/h and alternating in this way. You can also incorporate this in an outdoors run, by going from full sprint to rest several times.

Interval training saves time in that you are able to burn more calories during a shorter period of time. This is because your body requires more energy for these sudden bursts of exertion.  It also improves your body’s ability to burn fat , because fat stores or glycogen stores are used as the fuel during this kind of work-out. It also makes your heart stronger, thus double- functioning as cardio exercise too.

5.

    Healthy habits, healthy habits, healthy habits!

A good body is always a healthy body. You do not want to be emaciated and thin. Nor do you want to be overweight and fat. You need your body to be well nourished, with a low percentage in body fat, and a high percentage in muscle.

Eat healthy foods and exercise at least three times a week. Remove junk food and fizzy beverages from your diet and drink plenty of water. Have days when you go on full-on clenses with plenty of fruits and vegetables and you will constantly feel great about yourself, as well as look amazing. If this is actualized in the long term, you will maintain a healthy body weight and good physique all through. 

There is alot more stuff coming soon!

IN THE WAKE OF TERROR

When I first began this blog, I wanted it to be a playful and happy approach to life. However, there is one thing about life. It is not silk- smooth and unperturbed. For you to actually be alive means that you face trials and tribulations daily. No one person has an existence without problems.

Yesterday, 2nd April 2015,  an estimated 5 gunmen stormed the Garissa University College, taking many innocent lives and injuring others.
Eyewitness accounts (courtesy of The Standard) suggest that gunshots could be heard as from 5.20 AM. A college cook said that the gunmen began by accessing the student's hostels. The two college hostels are situated some 500meters from the main gate. The entire college has about 800 students. All of them live in the two university hostels situated about 20 metres apart.The college administration block is some 50 metres from the main gate. Lecture halls are another 30 metres away.

The official numbers are these: a total of 147 killed and 79 seriously injured. A survivor student said that the Gunmen spoke in broken Swahili, and that they brandished AK 47 guns and also possessed explosives. They allegedly asked victims to narrate a verse from the Qur'an or explain an Islam teaching. Christians were shot on the spot. Terrorist group Al-shabaab claimed responsibility for the heinous killings.

Just who are these Al-shabaab?
Al shabaab means "the Youth" in English.
It emerged as the radical youth wing of Somalia's now-defunct Union of Islamic Courts, which controlled Mogadishu in 2006, before being forced out by Ethiopian forces.
There are numerous reports of foreign jihadists going to Somalia to help Al-Shabaab, from neighbouring countries, as well as the US and Europe.
It is banned as a terrorist group by both the US and the UK and is believed to have between 7,000 and 9,000 fighters. (courtesy of BBC)

They are also known as  Harakat Al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen which is Arabic for "movement of striving youth". The group is based in Somalia. In 2012, it pledged allegiance to the militant Islamist group Al- Quaeda. The group describes itself as waging jihad against "enemies of Islam", and is engaged in combat against the Federal Government of Somalia and the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM).

How did Kenya ever get involved in a war with the Al- shabaab?
 Kenya's incursion into southern Somalia started after the kidnapping of two Spanish women, who were working for Médecins Sans Frontières at the Dadaab refugee camp. The abductions were allegedly carried out by Al-Shabaab militants.The Kenyan government claimed its troop deployment had received approval from the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG). Kenya's Foreign Affairs Minister at the time, Moses Wetangula, stated that the deployment of Kenyan troops was at the request of the TFG.
 On 16 October, an unnamed Somali military commander said that Kenyan troops had crossed the border and, in a joint operation with Somalian forces, pushed Al Shabaab out of two bases near the Kenya border. Abdi Yusuf, a senior Somali military commander, confirmed that two warplanes had attacked Al Shabaab bases, but did not confirm their origin. He noted: "I can't identify the military aircraft, but our neighbour Kenya is fully supporting us militarily and our mission is to drive Al-Shabaab out of the region". (courtesy of U.K Reuters)

Since the entry of Kenya into Somalia in the fight against Al-shabaab, Kenya has suffered a series of attacks and bombings. According to US Embassy in  2011/2012, there were at least 17 attacks involving grenades or explosive devices in Kenya. At least 48 people died in these attacks, and around 200 people were injured. Nine of these attacks occurred in North Eastern Province, including locations in Dadaab, Wajir, and Garissa. Four attacks occurred in Nairobi, and four in Mombasa. Targets included police stations and police vehicles, nightclubs and bars, churches, a religious gathering, a downtown building of small shops, and a bus station. Another attack involved two simultaneous assaults on churches in Garissa on 1 July 2012. In this attack, 17 people were killed and about 50 people were injured.
Further still, on 21st September 2013, gunmen targeted and shot customers at Westgate Shopping Mall. There have been several other attacks where in total, hundreds of lives have been lost.

Now, that was just a quick recap of what we are dealing with. What has the government done in response to these terror threats?
After the Westgate attack, His Excellency the president, Uhuru Kenyatta, in his speech said:

....." To honour the memory of those who lost their lives in this attack, I have declared 3 days of National Mourning starting tomorrow, during which official flags will fly at half-mast throughout the country. Ladies and Gentlemen, As I had vowed earlier, we have ashamed and defeated our attackers. That part of our task has been completed by our multi-agency security team. 5terrorists were killed with gunfire.
....... I promised that we shall have full accountability for the mindless destruction, deaths, pain, loss and suffering we have all undergone as a national family. These cowards will meet justice, as will their accomplices and patrons, wherever they are. 
....... With our openness and inclusivity, we shall confront and overcome all the challenges facing us as a nation. We shall rise as one, defend and build this nation together. In one accord we have triumphed. In one accord, we shall prosper. The incident which we now put behind was certainly not welcome. Yet it has strengthened us and renewed our resolve to live as one strong, open, stable, democratic and prosperous Republic, where people of all races, cultures and faiths pursue happiness together. We must live as a diverse, tolerant society with neither bias nor barriers to all people of goodwill. Our openness, enterprise and generosity have brought us through adversity to where we are, and will impel us achieve our collective and individual dreams..."   

(courtesy of Jamhuri magazine)

....."After another cold blooded attack that left 36 dead in Mandera, Uhuru pledged to intensify the war on terror. I quote,

After decades of horror, fear, outrage and frustration, we resolved as a nation to protect our sovereignty by pursuing our enemies beyond our borders into Somalia. By mid-2011, it had become abundantly clear that our long border with an ungoverned territory teeming with violent criminals was a threat to our national stability. Joining military efforts to bring peace to Somalia was the inevitable answer to our terror and security threats. In October, 2011, the Government authorized the KDF to pursue the Al Shabaab militia into Somalia.
This decision was right then, and remains so today. Following requests by regional, continental and global actors, KDF joined AMISOM in February 2012. We remain part of the African Union mission to date.
The incursion in Somalia has been largely successful. Al-Shabaab is depleted and on the retreat. However, even in its diminished state, it remains a threat to our nation. In desperation, it formally affiliated itself in 2012 to Al Qaeda, the international terrorist group.
This way, they secured resources and ability to infiltrate civilian populations and recruit, then radicalize Kenyan youths to execute attacks within our communities. This is why we have witnessed intensified extremist rhetoric against the KDF campaign in Somalia as well as support for murder and impunity. This reprehensible rhetoric has embraced Al Qaeda’s extremist ideas of setting up an Islamic Caliphate in East Africa...."

..."Terrorism and violent crime are grave threats to our nation. We are in a war against terrorists in and outside our country. With the aid of sympathizers, supporters and collaborators among our communities, terrorists have retaliated viciously to deter us from our determined, effective and successful effort to rid the Horn of Africa of terrorism and violent extremism. We will not flinch or relent in the war against terrorism in our country and our region. We shall continue to inflict painful casualties on these terrorists until we secure our country and region. Our stability and prosperity depends on a secure neighbourhood. This is our commitment.
We ask every Kenyan to take a principled stand against the evil of terror, and to support this war. We are in this together, all the way.
Innocent Kenyan lives have been lost, in a most harrowing manner, to these animals. Too many lives, too painfully snuffed out. Again, I extend condolences to the families of all Kenyans who lost their lives in the hands of terrorists. My Government continues to extend support to you, and we pray that God gives you His divine solace, and comforts each of you in this painful moment.
In our shock, bitterness and outrage, many Kenyans, leaders included, have lost sight of the context of this situation, and the scale of the war on terror.
Kenya is at war. Our enemy thrives on sowing panic and despondency in our hearts. We aid this enemy when we succumb to suspicion, fear, finger-pointing and blame-games...."

Beyond any reasonable doubt, the president plays, very well, the role of national cohesion and unity.  Looking back at several speeches he has made, I feel that his words are definitely heartfelt.Through and through, he brings us together with unifying messages. He, rightly so, does not fail to address the Nation in these times of despair.

I have to point out, though, that these times of despair do not have to happen, and are quite preventable. An intelligence agency is a government agency responsible for the collection, analysis, and exploitation of information and intelligence in support of law enforcement, national security, defence and foreign policy objectives. It is clear that the government, as well as several higher learning institutions had received information of the looming doom. 

What do you do when you know, for certain, that something bad is going to happen? Lets take an example of a gust of wind, roaring, grey clouds, so full and heavy that they will soon burst. There is that oh so familiar scent of moist earth that tells you it is going to rain. If you were set to leave the house, you arm yourself. A rain coat, an umbrella, perhaps a heavy jacket. To say the least, you will not be a victim of the heavy downpour, rather a brave person that faced it head on and did not suffer the inevitable fate of being rained on and helpless with a bad cold and flu sure to come tomorrow.

In response to the attack, the government slapped a dawn to dusk curfew on four counties bordering Somalia — Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Tana River — and ordered residents to remain indoors between 6.30pm and 6.30am. Garissa University College Dean of Students Jacktone Kweya Opande said students called him and told him that they had been attacked. “We managed to call the county security officials who mobilised other security personnel but before they arrived, students kept calling us to tell us that their comrades had been shot and that some of them had even died,” said Mr Opande. (Courtesy of the Daily Nation). Why were these security officials not already at the scene, battling the terrorists, despite the fact that Intelligence sources knew this would happen?

Seeing that there was information on the matter prior to its occurrence, it surprises and annoys me as a citizen that more could not be done to stop it. My questions would be: How can five gunmen overpower a whole troupe of defense forces? What is the use of Government Intelligence if not to stop threats?

It is definitely my intention to remain impartial in my writing. Therefore, I have to say that the government has managed to stop several threats on gaining information of their looming occurrence. Further still, even things well done can be better done.

What can we do as citizens?
We are only human. We reserve the right to be afraid, concerned and angry. We can also choose to be strong, united and vigilant. As put by author Sun Tzu, If you know the enemy and know yourself,  you need not fear the results of a hundred battles. Moreover, I cannot put it better than famous writer Louisa May Walcott who said: I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.

May those departed rest in peace, and may the families of the affected find strength and comfort.

That's all guys! Feel free to share your views and interact. Positivity all the way!