Njugush recalls getting “the mother of all beatings”.
Written by Zenna Issa on July 18, 2024
Njugush’s new book, “Whispers from My Childhood,” delves into the strict upbringing he experienced under his mother’s watchful eye
He recounts numerous instances where her discipline was severe, especially in response to his mischievous behaviour.
One particularly memorable incident that his mother later shared with him involved him killing her entire brood of chicks before the birth of his younger brother, Kadugu.
“My mother told me that before Kadugu was born, I strangled all eight chicks that had just hatched,” he reveals.
During a visit from a church member, he was supposed to give adults space to talk, but instead, he became angry and went to the chicken coop, recalling the circumstances.
“I picked up each chick and strangled them one by one,” he says. “Afterward, I threw them inside the house where they were having tea.”
He vividly remembers how his mother, unable to wait for their guest to leave, gave him a severe beating, which he describes as “the mother of all beatings.”
Reflecting on his childhood behaviour, Njugush’s mother characterizes him as a boy who always sought attention wherever he went.
“He wanted to be noticed,” she recalls.
In another incident, Njugush admits to leading a small group, including his brother and cousin, to vandalize a neighbour’s banana farm using skills he had learned from a village elder.
“After felling several banana trees, we were caught when the neighbor’s grandmother visited and reported our mischief,” he explains.
“That evening, we faced serious consequences,” he adds. “My little brother and I were both thoroughly punished, serving as a reminder to never lead Kadugu astray again.”