By Eric Wamanji
The soft waves gently patting the boats give an impression of a lovely sleeping, harmless giant. But no. Not quite. Lake Naivasha is swelling slowly, confidently, methodically like a calculating mind. Here, at the Hook, the water’s authority is unmistakable. She has charged into mainland for about 300 -500 meters. And she’s unrelenting. She has displaced families and swallowed investments worth millions. Further, she has robbed folks the once pristine shores where the yellow-fever acacia trees swayed and whispered.
Earlier this morning, I read about the rising lake in the Sunday Nation, beautifully captured by my pal Francis Mureithi. The journalistic engine in me fired on all cylinders at ago. But then I had to stop by Neema AIC, Naivasha. See, I got a relative who discovered Christ. So, man Kim, or better call him Rev. Kim, had a thanksgiving stuff at church. I saw him in his collar. Calm. I just kept asking myself if he goes also by such monikers as “Passy” “Daddy.” Well, since it was just a brief sojourn in solidarity, we fired the Faithful Servant. Destination? lake.
On this bright afternoon, we could not stop to gasp in awe as to how mother nature, in her element, can deliver such a blockbuster of a disaster- unbothered. The waitress at the Hook takes her time to narrate how every morning they used to find the lake swollen. It’s like she comes for dinner and a pint and chooses to stay.
Legend of “Lady Naipasha”
But then, here’s a twist: could this be “Lady Naipasha” just getting furious as to the curse that befell her? Well, a quick take to the ancients. See, Timothy, the coxswain who’s hoodwinking us to take a boat ride, has some interesting angle. Legend, Timo claims, has it that Naipasha, a fair Maa maid, fell for a fella from enemy tribe. Oh, la la! Her folks got livid. Cursed. The heavens opened. Rained cats and dogs, as we used to write in primary school. The water swallowed the fair maid, and the rest is history- an unsettled lake.
What a tale! Still, the urge to experience Naipasha’s seductive charm remain strong this afternoon. Caveat though- hoping we ain’t pissing off rival clans or something lest same fate befalls us. Of course, here, the coxswains too cast their spells. Timo’s tongue as smooth as the waves. Without knowing, we have donned and fastened the bright orange life jackets. Then, from a makeshift jetty, we step on the boat. Take our sits. Glance at each other wondering if the risk is worth it. But before we could shout “shukisha”, the coxswain sitting at the back, has cranked the engine. It has obliged- roaring to life and off to the waters.
Before the lake proper, some lads, wading into the hip-deep water casting nets; some using hooks and lines, to try their luck. Soon, it was a moment of and with joy cutting through the glassy waters under azure skies. It’s here that the nursery rhyme hits nice, with nostalgia- row, row your boat gently down the stream, merrily merrily merrily merrily life is but a dream.
Whispers to Joy
Though the lake has caused havoc, the pelicans still glide graciously- next to a submerged bar counter that served neat and chilled. Still, hippos raise their snouts. Fish eagles scream their territorial love song. Me too, I wonder, if I can wax lyrical, pouring my heart to the fair maid next. So much unsaid. Heart bubbling with joy. It’s the wonder and awe of the lake. Yonder several boats, too, are afloat. Folks like us daring a fuming Naipasha.
These waters have been a witness to so much- romance, raucous parties, tragedy and fun. Yet, even as the boat ploughs through the water hyacinth to dock, I just wonder, could it be that really, the gods of the lake have been furious about the sins of the Happy Valley? Hmmm. Perhaps. Behind us Mount Longonot is peeping – cheekily. I can’t stop to imagine what if he too goes ballistic in fury and spew his red-hot magma? Armageddon.
But then even as we unhook ourselves from the charm of the Hook, we look back one more time- pondering could this be a scorned woman on a revenge mission? Just wish Lady Naipasha could whisper her secrets, her spirit.