MERU DAILY

  Patrons Enjoying themselves at a Bar. Photo/TripAdvisor.  Fridays mean freedom for most people — that sacred day when laptops shut early, ties loosen, and everyone suddenly remembers they have social lives. But for me, Fridays are a little different. As a digital economy worker juggling multiple gigs with my inner journalist, I usually spend Friday nights hunched over my laptop, fingers dancing on the keyboard, eyes glued to screens, surviving on caffeine and ambition. By the time others are clinking glasses, I’m usually in a Zoom meeting trying to sound enthusiastic about “synergizing deliverables” while my soul quietly begs for rest. Last Friday, however, something unusual happened. I made an exception — and how I wish I hadn’t. It was a few minutes past 11 p.m., and I had just logged out of a webinar with my boss. My mind was fried, my back stiff, and my motivation long gone. Just as I was about to surrender to the sweet embrace of sleep, my phone buzzed. It was my friend...

  The New Aquadel Auto Spa Carwash at Gakurine, Meru. Photo/Aquadel. Last weekend was one of those long, emotional ones. The nation stood still to mourn our beloved Baaba — a true statesman, a man whose voice could silence a room and whose wisdom will echo through generations. Everyone needed space to grieve, so I decided to give you all just that. But come Saturday night, somewhere between 11 p.m. and midnight, my restless feet led me to the New Aquadel Auto Spa Carwash in Gakurine. I’d been invited by my good friend, the ever-gracious CEO, Mr. Bloko — and what I thought would be a short stop turned into one unforgettable night. --- First Impressions: Not Your Ordinary Carwash The moment I rode in, I knew this wasn’t your regular “soap and rinse” joint. Bright lights danced off spotless windshields, engines purred softly, and the entire place buzzed with energy. Cars were neatly lined up, shining under the glow like models at a beauty pageant. Before I could even gather my thought...

A Selfie of me when i first met Raila in Person at Kaaga Primary school in Meru.  Photo/Felix Kinyua. There are deaths that stop a nation — and then there is the death of Raila Amolo Odinga. For many of us Millennials and Gen Zs, this is not just another obituary; it feels like Kenya has lost its political north star. Raila wasn’t just a politician — he was a constant, a storm, a myth, and somehow, a comfort. I first met Raila in school — not in person, but in print. He appeared in our history books right between “The 1982 Coup Attempt” and “The Birth of Multi-party Democracy.” I read his name before I could spell “opposition.” Then I grew up and realized that Raila wasn’t just a name in a textbook — he was the chapter, the recurring one that every government tried (and failed) to close. And today, like many Kenyans, I find myself in disbelief. Because somewhere deep down, I thought Raila was immortal. That man survived political arrests, betrayals, coups, election rigging, and sti...

MC Judge (on the left) admires a Mugumo Tree with Francis Mugambi AKA Kibeste. Photo/Mc Judge.  We’ve all met that one person who can give a TED Talk about saving the planet, yet can’t save a single seedling. But this Mazingira Day, Meru youth decided to flip the script. They didn’t just talk about the environment; they walked it, dug it, and planted it — literally. At the heart of this green revolution was Francis Mugambi, popularly known as Kibeste — the kind of youth leader whose energy for environmental causes could recharge a dead solar panel. Kibeste has been championing for a greener Meru long before it was trendy. Honestly, if tree planting had a Nobel category, his name would already be engraved on the trophy. The action unfolded in Makutano, where a vibrant mix of youth groups — The Patriots, Makutano CBO, and a crew of entertainers — rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Together, they planted over 2,000 trees to rescue the Gachiuma River source, which has been on env...

Aquadel's New Carwash located at Gakurine Meru, 200M from Maua-Isiolo Junction. Photo/Aquadel. Watu wangu! Today I officially turn thirty-something. Yes, that mysterious age where you start saying “I’m still young at heart” while Googling back pain remedies. So, happy birthday to me!  And as is tradition, birthday presents or a little M-Pesa love are highly encouraged — the line is alive and well: 0704565790. But today isn’t about me. The day after Tomorrow is. On Saturday, October 11th, after Mazingira Day — and it’s all about something bigger, cleaner, and greener: the brand new Aquadel Auto Spa Carwash. --- A Mission Rooted in Change Now, if you know Aquadel Springs Drinking Water, you know these folks don’t just quench thirst — they quench ideas. This time, they’ve truly gone beyond expectations. They’ve launched a bold mission to plant 100,000 trees by this date next year. And to begin with, this Saturday we will plant 100 trees at the carwash.  Because, let’s face it, tr...

Aquadel Pool Tournament Contestants Pose for a group picture.  Photo/Felix Kinyua. Ladies and gentlemen, gather round. I’ve written words for weddings, covered chaos, and even described a goat auction once — but never in my long, word-filled life have I been speechless. Yet this month’s Aquadel Pool Tournament did the impossible: it shut me up. I tried to write about it the next morning, but even my keyboard refused to cooperate. My mind said “poetic justice,” but my heart whispered, “bro, we got humiliated.” --- The Calm Before the Cue Storm At exactly 5PM — not a minute later, because Aquadel doesn’t do “African timing” — I strolled into the New Aquadel Auto Spa Carwash at Gakurine, a few meters from the Maua–Isiolo junction. What I found there was less of a carwash and more of a movie set. You’d think Netflix was filming The Fast and the Curious: Meru Drift . And right there, the mighty Nairobi Elite had already set up camp — sharp, slick, and dangerous in red. Our local heroes ...