Kabunguthi

Kabûgûthi the legendaryOnce upon a time in the quaint village of Nderi, there lived a barber like no other - the legendary Kafûgûthi! Now, Kafûgûthi was as unforgettable as his name, and he had a story that was as wild as his haircuts.

You see, Kabûgûthi arrived in Nderi all the way from Turbo, and his journey was nothing short of an adventure. He didn't ride a fancy train; he came in a cattle car that usually transported cows, all thanks to a cow merchant named Githendie. Talk about a unique arrival!

Upon reaching Nderi, Kabûgûthi found himself in the employ of Githendie's butchery. But his true companions were the town's dogs, known as "ngui cia dukaini." With a simple whistle, he could summon these furry friends from Shauri, and they'd come running all the way from Nderi. It was a sight to behold, and young kids like you couldn't help but be amazed.

But Kabûgûthi was destined for more than just butchery work. He had a brilliant idea – a mobile barber service! In those days, the only barber in town was someone known simply as "Plan." Armed with a manual hair clipper, Kafûgûthi began his door-to-door hair-cutting venture. People were used to scissors (magathî) haircuts, and his service became an instant sensation.

He shaved people everywhere – at home, by the roadside, in the market, gardens, and even at weddings. However, his unbridled enthusiasm for his work sometimes got him into trouble. He'd shave kids without their parents' consent and then show up later to demand payment. There was even a time he walked into a drinking den (gwa shangaa) to collect money because he found a boy had tried to shave himself with scissors! Why? Well, he had declared a self-binding contract with the village that no one should shave themselves unless he, the barber, had left town! Now, that's a unique business strategy.

As Kabûgûthi's reputation grew, so did his love for two things – drinking and the company of the fairer sex. Most of his hard-earned money found its way into the local drinking dens, especially "Kwa Mathîa", "Shauri" and "Kwa Wambîu," which would later become the Catholic church in Nderi.

Kafûgûthi did try to get saved along the way, at "Gîthomo Kîa Ngûrinû." But, unfortunately, he changed his mind on the road to righteousness, perhaps enticed by the allure of his favorite drinks, "kûmeria." He never removed his Akorino turbun or informed the church, choosing to keep his activities hidden.

However, fate had other plans. One day, one of his so-called "friends" who often hid him while he indulged in his secret activities, decided to betray him to the Akorino. They led the religious group straight to Kabûgûthi's hiding place, and he found himself in an epic battle – a "mbara ya rika riake" – with the Akorino. They stripped him of his turbun, and from that day forward, he decided not to hide anymore.

Kabûgûthi continued with his mobile barber business, scissors in hand, but his glory days were numbered. Soon, electric shavers were introduced, making his manual clippers seem like relics from a bygone era.And so, the legend of Kabûgûthi, the mobile barber who once summoned dogs from miles away and fought an age battle with the Akorino, lives on. His story is one for the ages, filled with laughter, surprises, and a few secret escapades. May he forever rest in eternal peace, his legacy etched in the memories of those who knew him in the wild days of Nderi! 😄🪒🐕🍻