MERU DAILY

Fans following a game at a previous Edition of Aquadel’s Pool Tournament. PHOTO/Felix Kinyua. As a dependable Meru-based freelance journalist (read: permanently busy and selectively available), my calendar is usually tighter than a drum at a church fundraiser. The only loophole in this madness is the occasional escape to Makutano’s backstreets—yes, the unofficial headquarters of stories, characters, and the sacred art of mushene ya Meru. Before you ask, yes—everything I do there is strictly legal. I just happen to meet very interesting people in very interesting places. Don’t act surprised. Makutano is the capital of Meru, whether Google Maps agrees or not. Now, because of this ever-demanding schedule, many events pass me by unnoticed. That was until I discovered Aquadel’s Pool Table Tournaments—the one event that refuses to be ignored. And judging by how they sell out faster than cheap plots in Timau, I’m clearly not the only one paying attention. Let me paint the picture for you. Aqu...

From Left Mr. Mutuma, Ms. Murugi, Captain Lewis and the Event winner Evans Kathunkumi.  Photo/Felix Kinyua .  If there’s one thing about my weekends, it’s that they refuse to behave. They come with plot twists, surprise characters, and enough drama to qualify for a Netflix deal. Naturally, I look forward to them like a politician looks forward to campaign season. Now, let’s rewind. The week leading up to this masterpiece of a weekend? Brutal. My boss—may blessings locate him—decided that idle hands were not just the devil’s workshop, but apparently also my personal brand. Every hour was accounted for. I worked. I sweated. I survived. Barely. But as the wise philosophers once said, “All work and no play makes Jack a very boring WhatsApp status.” So on Saturday, balance had to be restored. The Warm-Up: Cobra’s Place Before the main event, there was a “pre-game”—you know, the kind that pretends to be casual but is actually a full dress rehearsal for chaos. My good friend Kevo and...

  Mr. Mutuma, in blue Awards the winner of the Legends Pool Tournament Lewis AKA Lewi, (in the middle). Photo/ Felix Kinyua . Happy Easter, my beloved readers. Now before anyone says anything, let me just remind you—mimi kitu haiwezi nipita ni form. Some of us were born to struggle, others to survive, but me? Clearly I was created to live a fan life. A professional spectator. A full-time vibes consultant. But today is not about my greatness, even though it deserves its own holiday. This is yet another Kwa Murugi’s Classic, proudly sponsored by Mann Insurance and the CEO herself, because excellence apparently travels with backup. Let me confess, this whole thing was unplanned. I got one of those “kuja tu” calls that either lead to free entertainment or questionable decisions. Before I could even think twice, a not-so-familiar guy was at my place ready to pick me up like I’m some guest of honour. I didn’t ask questions. In Meru, you enter the car first, then you ask God for direction...