A change is as good as a rest
When you meet John Nyaga, alias Kimoda or Johnte, you might hold your handbag and personal belongings a little tighter to avoid pickpocketing. His is the profile of a common criminal; face tattoos, silver teeth, dreadlocked hair and naturally big physique. Nyaga's profile is the kind you never want to be cornered by at an alley.
However, this is not the case for the 26-year-old resident of kwa Reuben. He mentions he is afraid of the life that crime tags along with it.
John sat for his national exams in November, 2010 at Ruben Primary School. According to him, it is a miracle he went that far with his education. After his exams, he joined a company that offered garbage collection services. Together with a group of 11 boys, they collected garbage from the households of Kwa Reuben slums. Having tasted money from this first job, John wanted more than the Ksh. 10 for a sack of garbage. His friend, Karis* (not his real name) then introduced him to a carwash station in the neighboring Kwa Njenga slums. Still earning an honest living, John worked hard to save for a motorbike. At the time, this was his biggest desire.
Looking at the life his friend Karis led, he seemed to be far better off despite them working at the same station. What John did not know was that his friend was an armed robber who gave the residents of Pipeline and the neighboring slums jitters.
This aspect, however, would not remain in the shadows for long. Karis invited John for what he called a "mission" at a mobile money shop in Pipeline. Allegedly, the shop made big transactions in its day to day operations. They set off with a plan for their mission with a third boy. Everything seemed to go according to plan. When the time came to make their escape, they were spotted by bystanders who raised alarm. Screams of “Mwizi! Mwizi!” rent the air, as people continued to shout "Thief!"
Coincidentally, casually dressed officers were in the vicinity and started tracking the three boys by their heels. Karis, who was armed with a pistol, started firing at the police. In retaliation, they fired back. Unfortunately for Karis, he was hit with a bullet and died on the spot. John disappeared into streets. He had been smart enough to be dressed in two jackets and two trousers. Finding a safe corner, he removed the traceable clothes and walked home, a changed man. The other boy, who held the loot, has never been seen or heard from to date.
John got a hold of his savings totalling to about Ksh. 5000 and traveled to his upcountry. While there, he spent a considerable amount of time thinking of what he would do once he gets back to the city. Life in the countryside was not as fast-paced as he would have liked.
With his savings, he bought rabbits and boarded the next bus to Nairobi. Once back in his natural habitat, he took care of the rabbits that started reproducing soon after. Living in the slums, he lacked adequate space to practice his animal farming. In the first few months, he found himself sleeping in the same house with the rabbits. He managed to sell a few of his newfound roommates and raised enough money to buy three hens. Two of the hens would lay and hatch chicks. This allowed his animal farm to maintain a steady growth pattern.
At the time, circa 2015, Kenya had realized a frenzy for pure dog breeds. John hopped on the bandwagon and bought a German Shepherd for Ksh. 30,000. Unbeknownst to him, the dog was expectant and a couple of months later it gave birth to 10 puppies. John’s fortune drastically grew as the puppies fetched between Ksh. 25,000 to Ksh. 30,000 each. With the money made from the puppies, he got his own space and set up a farm. He built a chicken coop, a kennel for his dogs and a bird shelter.
In 2021, John met Br. Sunday who helped him to purchase a pig. The pig is currently expectant and once she gives birth, John hopes to refund Ruben Centre for the assistance provided in his time of need.
As of today, John farm includes a pig, guinea fowls, several chicken, pigeons, 3 dogs and puppies. In his own words, he says“…heri nitulie kuliko kukimbizwa kwa sababu ya vitu za mia mbili. Nikona wanyama wengi wananitegemea, mathangu na wife pia akona ball.” (I’d rather settle than have people on my case because I stole an item worth 200 shillings. I have animals, a mother and an expectant wife who all depend on me.) John is an integral part of Ruben Centre’s urban garden both as a student and volunteer. His passion for farming is out of this planet. He wishes to have more youth reform their ways but lacks the platform. Ruben Centre welcomes donors and partners who can help structure a safe space for youth to rehabilitate while practicing farming.
Photos and story by: Gregory Barake
