A Nairobi Christmas

A Nairobi Christmas

Jesus came to no 65 Windy Ridge – Karen on Christmas eve, but we were too busy celebrating to open the door when he rang. So, he went on down the street from house to house, not really wanting anything more than just to put in a personal appearance and give a little hope.

At 15a, the maid opened the front door and slammed it shut again before he could say anything.

At no. 21, the vicious Alsatian dogs made such a noise, he thought it unwise to tempt them any further.

No. 24 was in the dark, but then he noticed some light around the back and made his way towards it. An elderly couple were watching the president give his message of good cheer to the nation on TV. They were holding hands. He smiled and knocked on the window. Suddenly they seemed terrified at the sight of him, and the man ran to the phone. Jesus walked away quickly…

No. 41 Was having a noisy party and a remix/jazzed up version of Silent Night was playing. Jesus clicked his fingers to the rhythm. He walked up the driveway filled with new cars and stepped onto the verandah. A mixed group of healthy expats and Kenyan were laughing at the latest joke. They ate, drank and smiled, tinsel and bravado glittering in the colourful lighting. No one took any notice of him as he circulated among the guests, though some were visibly disturbed by his presence, wondering who this gatecrasher was.

One of the guests thought he was one of the serving staff and called him over – “here you…” Jesus went over to her. “Hey you, refill the madam’s glass will you.” He took the glass to the kitchen. Outside in the small courtyard, he saw two children playing with champagne corks. They smiled on seeing him and waved.

A dog growled. A car hooted at the gate.

A police helicopter clattered across the city.

God rest ye merry gentlemen was now playing, as he walked out the front gate.

A police van stopped next to him and a torchlight blinded him.

“Hey you; what are you doing in this area?”

“It’s my birthday”, answered Jesus.

“Like hell it is”, retorted the policeman as he frisked Jesus roughly, obviously angry at having to be on duty instead of at home with his family.

The back of the van was opened and Jesus was pushed inside with some other suspected undesirables.

In the distance he heard a hi-fi blaring his song through the raucous laughter of another party – “sleep in heavenly peace” x2…