My experience as a participant in the Wak of Hope campaign

GARISSA—I always dreamt to be a writer and for the first time I am feeling the ‘heat’ of being one. Before no one bothered to give me a directive on whatever I was to write, but on this one, my editor, Abdikadir Okash called me twice demanding that I had to finish up the articles detailing my experience as participant of the historic Walk of Hope peace trek that started from Garissa to Mandera.
To begin with, convincing my family in my bid to participate in the walk proved hard as my mother would not allow a bit of the idea. I had to convince her, and after much convincing, she nodded to the affirmation.

After few days into the actual walk and beyond the fanfare that it attracted while starting it at the Tana Bridge, lifting my leg become unbearable and my only comfort was to tell myself that I was doing this for the marginalised people of my region—Nort Eastern Kenya.
While at Abdisamad on the outskirts of Garissa town, we met a non-local (Read non-Somali) who was comfortably going about his life. We asked him about what he was doing at a place far away from a town at the wake of Al Shabab’s targeted attack on non-locals. He informed us that he was a construction worker and that he had no problem working in any part of the country. He dismissed the union leaders who warned their members of travelling to the North.

After every walk, we talk to ourselves as engage in constructive discussion . And did I say this: We never missed a crucial topic to discuss.
The walk was never devoid of fear; fear of the unknown. We feared of infiltration by “dangerous elements” who could put our lives in danger. As we walked, a police car approached us informing that there were people coming along to join the walk. Our leader asked the Red Cross ambulance that accompanied us throughout the journey, to ferry us the walkers. After half an hour, they arrived. We approached to ask about their identity. We frisked them to ascertain if they were carrying any weapon. They were cleared by Nurdin Tube, a fellow walker.

The walk was not an easy feat as many would imagine. On the 7th day of the walk, the month of Ramadan started and we had to walk during the night and lightly trek in the daytime when we are fasting. We walked some few hours during the day and finish the remaining distance at night time.
On reaching Habasweyn, we decided to have a complete rest that lasted for 2 days. There we were joined in solidarity by Wajir West Member of Parliament, Abdikadir Ahmed Ore and other leaders.
I am from Garissa and stories abound of how one community in the area “despises” the rearing of camels. Stories are told of how one camel herder in Garissa shortened the legs of his heard of camels after he realised that a newly-born camel was having a hard time walking ( You are forgiven to think that I was that fellow). It was my first time I came to a close contact with a camel. I had a short chat the herder and he made it clear that the misconception about the camels was not as true as I was made to believe.
I am grateful that I can now drink camel milk with a lot of ease
On reaching Wajir county, we were told of a venomous snake—Buff Adder ( a very venomous tropical snake). As we walked, I realized that there was a weight on my knee. This was after I stepped on this particular venomous snake and it jumped up in retaliation. I shouted at the top of my voice and the rest who were few paces ahead of me come to my rescue, it was immediately killed and I was shocked after seeing how big the reptile was.

The snake that attacked the group.

In my walk, I can assure that I transitioned from being a teenager to a “big” man. I have no regret whatsoever of participating in this noble walk. In fact, I am glad that I was part of the walk. I met with new people, sat with them, talked to them, saw the hardship they undergo! And I tell you I AM NEVER THE SAME AGAIN. I have turned to be an activist. I will speak and protest against marginalisation. I will never be silent again. No. Never.
Anyways, I am working on a play ( I am a budding writer, anyway) and this walk will aid me in my assignment as I now have lots of information to write about.

Fuad Abdirahman was the youngest participants who took part in the Walk of Hope campaign that covered at least 1000 KM on foot.

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