At times, it is the best who go. And those who remain ponder on how long they will stay around . It may be a matter about feelings but the economy doesn't give a damn. 

Sammy Kioko resigned from a company where as fate would have it, his ex was a direct supervisor. Naomi never saw anything good for writing home about. Home here meaning the Boss Okumu.

While the seventh episode is loaded with sexual harassment to the discomfort of Naomi, it tells much of mixing heartbreak and work.

It is out of revenge that Naomi rants while ordering Shikwekwe and Sammy around. And this is out of trivial things like table arrangement and files which no one has confirmed if indeed they were late for submission to her office "for signing".

Granted, Sammy arrived at work quite late and left early. But he wasn't warned. 

Sometimes, exiting is better than a long drawn out fight that will end in defeat. Sammy's resignation is a loss to the former company that hired his two mamas and his brother Shikwekwe.

History is full of empires whose greatness was punctured by pride, arrogance and women. It's a cardinal consequence that Sammy's love triangle would explode. The question was when.

We don't yet know the full extent of harm Sammy will suffer under his ex as a supervisor but hell hath no furry. Caveat: just doing this for laughs not meant for nosy news.

Back to our sixth episode of MEN CAN LIE. There is a glaring conflict of interest for a former couple to supervise and report to a manager who is attached to one of them. A vicious cycle of chaos. 

Sammy attracts sympathy although he asked for it for being an irresponsible dude who cannot man up. It's now clear that his goose is cooked.

Naomi ought to do Sammy a single favour. Let the "prodigal son" have his space rather than be bullied and cursed by everyone with an axe to grind: Okum and Naomi. 

As if there were supernatural powers directing the turn of events, Abbie just arrived in time to take on rogue boss who is bent on some escapades disguised as favours for free and fab.

Katombi accuses Gospel artists of commiting many sins including fornication and venturing into the secular music which he sings. 

As a custodian of morality, the Church is brought under sharp focus in growing talents for the Gospel ministry on the one hand and taming the wayward celebrity flock.

Five hours after release, the song Ataiwe by Katombi was viewed about 50,000 times and attracted slightly above 1,700 views. This is what some of Kisinga listeners said: 

Another viewer declared that Wilberforce Musyoka was the number one Gospel artist in Ukambani while Katombi was the best Benga singer in the Lower Eastern region.

Episode 5 is very short, Mr James Kivuvo MWINGI TIMES reader says. That's true because it's only 17.45 minutes long and the full piece per episode is usually twice today's work.

What we think is coming out is an unsuspecting and unchecked office romance harassment where Naomi will fall prey to Okum's advances because she got the job without being shortlisted and interviewed. She, however, didn't tell us which other way she succeeded in landing the job. This is Kenya, after all. Never forget that.

Away from creating new memories and new circumstances, Sammy is shifty in his focus of a dream many covet. He thinks lying to the boss that he can't make it to job is okay. 

As a cost of comradeship, Shikwekwe had to "kill Sammy's grandmother" as an excuse for another ghost working episode of Sammy. Thankless, he never tipped him yet he did all the heavy lifting.

This edition appears to introduce some norms that are considered weak in today's Masculinity Saturday morning on Twitter by @amerix. Simping for the sake of peace of mind is fine, says Douglas. And buying flowers. Looks like a colonial vestige that never actually died 60 years later.

Worst betrayal of self is prioritizing others' needs and benching own. "People are thinking about investments. You're thinking about heartbreak 💔", Sammy, a career simp is told by Douglas Shikwekwe.

In the midst of all this panacea, Douglas Shikwekwe and his partner friend Mercy are celibate. Or let's just say, they're fasting to pray for some spiritual manifestations. This is Men Can Lie Episode 4.

The script is becoming boring with telling coincidence. Ironically, such is life. Life bores. Just as Naomi broke up with Sammy only to end up staying with her real "enemy", Abbie. 

But should she apologize for being fit for surviving the vain and vague victory of worldly pleasures? Let's not judge Abbie so much.  It's too early. Plus none is holy.

Naomi is still the main man in this spellbinder. She just has some attitude that is intriguing. Always serious and very observant. That's why she caught a cheating Sammy. 

At MWINGI TIMES Entertainment, we hope it shall be well and Chozi la Mnyonge Malipo kwa Mungu.

Let's see if Naomi will turn a page in doing something for a living since she told the boss she does nothing. But Abbie thinks otherwise. Can't ex's remain exs? It's a haunted home, this.

Naomi is a tormented soul. She calls Mercy to help carry her luggage to avoid further crash in an already collapsed relationship. Resolute and brave, Naomi doesn't want further evidence that Sammy is a glutton who cheats for the sake of it.

Sammy is already embroiled in an office thing that he did little to hide from her girlfriend, Naomi. His boss was unknowingly sucked into the panacea.

The sensible Shikwekwe advises his brother to limit fornicating. " Bro, let me tell you. You are cheating and your life is about to go south", he warns him.

Sammy mistook Naomi's silence as a weakness. He didn't know he was being investigated. Being neglected, Naomi's hair remains unattended when Sammy's side chick Abbie dons the fashionable Afro hairstyles.

Sometimes it takes guts to follow your instincts because 90% of the time, they are true.

The brief fun wasn't worth it. Men never count losses. It won't be surprising if or when Sammy repeats his costly mistake in the upcoming episodes.

Sammy Kioko forgot to tell Abbie not to call when he is home. This too was nearly unearthed  as it raised eyebrows of chukua simu.

In the intricate web of lying, one lie is not enough to cover the already torn coat of lies. For this second EPISODE OF MEN CAN LIE, it is okay to portray Luos as romantic and honest to keeping their words on dates and shopping.

Kambas come off as restless cassanovas. It may be stereotypical but there is some bit of truth in it, however little.

Excerpts:

Sammy was aware that he was lying. That's why he is playing victim.  Be that as it may, men, you better be careful when lying. Or never do it because you'll be caught. After all, set a thief to catch a thief. 

Men lie for different reasons; for convenience, for being selfish and to protect the truth.

But it is not only men who lie. The title is steeped in gender bias and discrimination. 

Most notable liars who lift the "lying trophy" in this first episode are Sammy Kioko's boss Okumu, Shikwekwe and of course Sammy Kioko.

S.K Entertainment has done other Afrotainment shows such as Kwa Vonza, Sweet Moyo, Janesis and Brathe. 

 

A major gap in the first edition is the preoccupation with portrayal of stereotypes rather than dealing with a person at fault on their own merit. That Sammy is a Kamba,  his conduct is suspected to be aided by witchcraft. Douglas Shikwekwe, a Luhya is "trapped" with food by being given favors to sign client files by Mr Kioko in return for  him being sent cash to buy food. 

However, popular stereotypes have an advantage of casting the positive side of what to celebrate in our tribes such as beauty and taste for finesse.

Ukambani is chided as a dry area. With most of southeastern Kenya being arid land, it is both funny and true to say: I wish I knew Kamba relationships are dry.

"😂😂😂 Unaongea mbaya nanime ivaa kuliko Dem Yako 😂😂😂😂", he said.

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The late Charles Musyoki Kikumbi [Kijana] was born in 1970 in a village known as Ithekethini Kimangu Yatta, in Machakos County.

Mzee Musee Kikumbi Kituu and his wife Maria were blessed with the music great son Kijana.

During our recollection, we stubbled upon his long eulogy posted on Facebook. It showed that  he honed his talent in a band called Kyanganga Boys Band that was led by one Peter Muambi. 

After a short stint, he left Kyanganga Boys Band and joined Kimangu Boys Band together with his brother.

When Kijana joined Kimangu Boys, he dropped the name Boy and was referred to as Kijana from 1990.

When Kijana joined Kimangu Boys Band, he released five editions including the following: Mbingo Ya Musyi, Muoi Danger, Charles Mutiso, Rebecca, Kyalo Simba and Beth Yiungui.

We noted that most of these early songs in his music career were produced in collaboration with Kyalo Junior and Mbatha Rithi Producer.

In 1991, Kijana Charles Musyoki Kikumbi released another album titled Leo ni Leo (Volume 1). This was done by Matunda Productions.

Below is a chronology of his other songs and the years released.

October 1991-Mpenzi Annah (Volume 2)

1992-Wendo Usu-(Volume 3)

1993-Mwaka Wa Mikatiko (Volume 4)

1993-Kadogo-(Volume 5)

December 1993-Sweet Malalu-Volume 6

1994-Kunua Kiangi-Volume 7

1994-Harusi Ya MK-Volume 8

1994-Mpenzi Wangu Nimerudi-Volume 9

1995-Elimu Ni Kitu Kizuri-Volume 10

1995-Safari Ya Kisii-Volume 11

1995-Show Ya Kitui-Volume 12

Due to his own religious beliefs, Kijana never released Volume 13. It is thought to be a jinxed number attracting bad luck.

Below is a continuation of Kijana Charles Musyoki's other releases.

1996-Majibu Ya Monyoncho-Volume 14

1996-Shida Ya Kinyambu-Volume 15

1997-Original Kuluta-Volume 16

1998-Keka Nineesi-Volume 17

1998-Bomb Blast-Volume 18

1999-Katheka Kambu-Volume 19

1999-Songs of the New Millennium -Volume 20

As you can observe from above recordings, Kijana's songs marked major world events such as 1998 Bomb Blast in Nairobi allegedly by the late Osama bin Laden who was killed in 2011 during the reign of former US President Barrack Obama.

Kijana's last hit was a celebration of the New Millennium that was ushered in 2000.

Kijana died on 10/7/2000 at around 5pm. He was travelling from Machinery. This is where his in-laws reside. 

It was alleged that Kijana Musyoki had differences with his wife Mama Marietta Musyoki.

In 1994, Charles Musyoki Kikumbi tied the knot with the love of his life called Amina Ishmael from Kitui.  But later, their marriage encountered challenges leading to their separation.

He later married Marrietta Kanini Musyoki. Their friendship started when Marrietta was a student at Darajani Secondary School in Machinery. He is the one who paid Marietta's fees from Form 2 to Form 4.

They were blessed with a baby boy in 1998. His name is Festus Kituu Kikumbi Junior.

Before his demise, Kijana Charles Musyoki Kikumbi  is credited for producing 21 volumes of Benga music. 

His legacy was continued by Kyalo Junior who started from Volume 22.

It is the young Kyalo Junior who included never heard before songs that the late Kijana Charles Musyoki Kikumbi had sang in 1990 but had not officially released. They are contained in Volume 22. They include songs like Safina.

Below are some of of Kijana Charles Musyoki Kikumbi's band members. They are worth noting due to their contributions to his music career.

They are:

1.Francis Mutuku alias Pastor Maiti-Solo

2.Bosco Mulwa -Solo

3.Francis Danger Kavuu-Rhythm

4.Chris Nzombo-Rhythm

5.John Muasa-Rhythm

6.Ancent Mumo alias Sendi Ringo Star-Rhythm

7. Mutua Satani-Bass

8.Sammy Kasee-Bass

9.Wagateembura-Drums

10. Munyao Ka Kimangu-Drums

11.James Mwau Kilonzi-Drums

12. Wasi Wasi-Vocalist

13. Isaiah Mutie-Vocalist

14. Lucas Mutua "Ng'athika"-Vocalist

15. Wambua Wa Masilia-Drums( Reservist)

16.Kyalo Junior -Main Composer 

17.John Kiio Kyuma-Vocalist (Cousin)

18.Joseph Kitussa-Vocalist (Mavoloni).

Away from music, Charles Musyoki Kikumbi was a businessman. He had invested in matatus public transportation sector. His business partner was  Mr Simon Munywoki, the owner Original Line matatus.

Kijana Musyoki's matatus were christened Wendo Usu.

When Kijana Musyoki died, his brother Kyalo Junior Diambo assumed the leadership role in Kimangu Boyz Band. He released the following cassettes:

1. Tumkumbuke Kijana-Volume 22

2. Mukasa Wa Kyanguli-Volume 23

3. Muoi Musyi-Volume 23.

The late Charles Musyoki Kikumbi's successor Kyalo Junior Diambo passed on. This was the date of his demise: 22/3/2002.

After Kyalo died, his maternal uncle Patrick Musee Kituu took over the reins of the Band and released Volume 25,26,27,28,29 and 30.

The late Kijana Charles Musyoki's son Festus Kituu Musyoki sang a song titled "Pole Mashambiki" in 2016.

The hope of Kimangu Boys Band fans is that it will live forever.

"May God rest the souls of the departed Kimangu Boys Band musicians in eternal rest. Amen", said an ardent follower.

It is a conciliatory edition where foes hug and rivals agree it's time.

Producer and actor Sammy Kioko, as Mzee Baraza observes, is making efforts although struggling to make it.

A lasting legacy of this show is that young men are fighting a losing game in the dating world plagued by the deep pocked wababas.

The BRATHE spirit is what makes Tobi to observe thus while having a chat with Sammy, "We have been losing in this game. We have never won. We are victims".

The impassioned pleas by Consah's ex-boyfriend is what makes this last episode surreal and quite too mature to the reality that is the nasty break ups in Kenya.

He says in his efforts to get her, he lost [her] and has to live with that reality. But going by Consah's looks, it is not an easy thing to forgive as she is detached. These words, clearly, fell on a deaf ear, "I just wanted to say I am sorry. I am not here to return. I am here to go. But please understand that I never meant harm to you at any point".

All in all, it was a YouTube series that was worth local viewers' attention especially at a time we need to promote our local talents by giving them a platform for showcasing the best they have.

STORY By MUSYOKA NGUI

It's true that the extreme sport has broken many hearts. And controlling parents and spouses never know when boundaries are enforced for the sake of peace, even if temporary.

This is the 24th episode and Mzee [mbaba] Baraza has not learned his lesson that him being a control freak is leaving his two daughters dating wrecks. 

Tina fled the country. Next week, Tamara may. And this being drama, you cannot kill the protagonist and the show continues without a full stop.

Baraza's goons waylaid Zainabu and friends, ostensibly, on their way to the airport. The "nice" thugs finished the job and are in for a cut from their lord.

One major lingering lesson especially for men is that they should not let female friends separate them. That's why the wise Sammy cautions Tobi that it will be an exercise in futility to let the warmth of ghetto be taken over by the cold unreachable demands of the city girls.

Sammy tells Tobi this, " Don't we have dreams? We stopped chasing our dreams and started chasing women. You were dancing. I was a footballer. We both stopped. We are just chasing girls".

Sammy goes on to warn his friend that girls will leave him for men with more money. "You forgot I am your brother. Ubrathe ilienda wapi? Madem walikam wakatudivide. Let us focus".

Still, this is a reminder that pastors have shepherded many sheep to unholy pastures. Baraza's humming of the Pamoja na Wewe song is a stark contrast of his bad other life as a commander of a killer squad.

He tore apart the future of Zainabu and she never completed school. "Sometimes, I feel I let you down", he tells her.

It is not evident if they will change their ways in order to be contented since the gluttony for a more beaming and curvier cute is making many skirt the fundamentals of maturity in exchange for this nonsense.

STORY By MUSYOKA NGUI

From the look of things, things are not good for Sammy. He appeared sad after reading the letter. Tamara too had stayed with the letter for days before delivery, piling to the mystery of Tina's secrets.

Tamara claimed the letter contained "all the answers" Sammy was looking for. Although we're not told, it is clear that Tamara is the dreaded bearer of bad news.

An earlier plot revealed that both Alex and Sammy were dating Tina before her disappearance. Sammy was keen to know the paternity of the unborn child Tina was carrying.

Since Sammy lives in the ghetto and is from a poor family, Tina's dad Mzee Baraza doesn't like him. He appears to prefer Alex who had a bad stint in the dating scene since he was eclipsed by high flying Sammy.

Another interesting twist is the undecided Tobi who lies to all his women: Zainabu and Konsah. But being the shrewd woman she is, Zainabu reads through that.

It is not clear how long Konsah will cook her Mandazis to the heart of Tobi but Sammy is having a field day eating them while warming with the new microwave Tobi bought from auctioneers for KSh200, a throwaway price. The economy is going south and that's no exception including the Ukambani film stars.

Next time, it'd be fair to let us know what Tina wrote. Pressure ya Baraza itaanza kupanda. Zainabu ought to be kind. She has done enough damage. Why kick a man when he is down?

See you in episode 20, 10am Friday.

She welcomed YouTube viewers to watch her new song titled Maisha Yangu. "Maisha yetu yote tujitolee kumtumikia Mungu" , she urged her virtual followers from across the globe.

The song is done in Kenyan style. Fans drew inspiration from the rendition with many congratulating her for her exceptional melodious voice together with all those involved to create it.

MWINGI TIMES sampled some of the viewers and this is what they said:

Peninah Wanjiku Kimanzi: Wow I love this song. Keep moving to greater heights.

Faraday Charloh: You are such an inspiration to me. Big up wa musyi.

Felix Omondi: Thanks for the angelic singing. Indeed, we should dedicate our lives fully to the service of God!!!!!!

Episode 18 of #BRATHEseries does little to tell viewers where  Tina is. It doesn't also say whose pregnancy she is carrying. But going by the man talk between Alex and Sammy, the baby might be Sammy's.  

This is because Alex dismissed him as being too poor to start a family with Tina who comes from an affluent family. Baraza's worst assumption is that he can choose partners for his daughters Tina na Tamara. He handles them with kid gloves yet both are adults and have their own lives and preferences. 

Another interesting turn of events pits Tobi and his two women who his friends Sammy gives him free advice about. Tobi lacks the guts and spine to disappoint toxic Zainabu because it's clear that Zainabu was snatched from him by Mzee Baraza. His life is in danger and his continued engagement with her may prove a fatal attraction.

Tobi's "I'll think about it" mindset is what keeps Zainabu waiting for him to change his mind. Yet he misses Mandazis cooked by Konsah. The shortest way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

Tamara's role is largely introductory though she has access to both power and privilege. What she lacks is developing actionable networks around work to make her father's large estate attract more occupants outside the regular patrons. Perhaps, it is also a prove that higher education is not panacea for enterprise. Tobi and Sammy appear to be more streetwise and outgoing than her. Check out the full episode and others on YouTube. It's worth the data. Link:BRATHE EPISODE 18