“Leta chai na chapati”. This seems like an acceptable statement. The only information that you are not aware of is that this is my lunch meal. Its only the 10^th day of the month of Njaanuary but I am aware of the amount of money that I have in my bank account.

I brush off the weird stares from Mama Njeri and tell her “Nilikuwa nimekula chakula kwa ofisi na pia mkubwa alinunua pizza”. I am obviously lying but whatever...

I have a one hour lunch break and somehow, I have to make sure I consume this one cup of chai and a single chapati during that period. 60 minutes. 360 seconds. I could eat them for luch too if they were edible.

“Kuna chapati moto?", I shout. "Hebu leta ile yenye imetoka kwa jiko”. I say this well aware of the fact that it will take longer for me to eat that hot chapati. Isit being content with my kibanda wisdom.

“Never believe a man who wears an expensive suit to a Kibanda” – Chinese Proverb

This January, I have put in extra effort to look rich. The poor people really do try to look rich. None of the other customers at the kibanda suspect that I am broke.

“Mkubwa! Pia wewe uko hapa leo?”

My pleasant smile as I chew on the very small bit of this hot chapati that I just bit lets my workmate, Tim, know that I've acknowledged his presence.

“Hapa ni kuescort lunch tuu.” I tell him.

Soon, my humble chapati is finished. One of mama Njeri's waiters quickly approaches me “Nikuongezee chapo?”

“Aah, hapana. Nimeshiba.” I respond.

The honest truth is that I have a limited budget. I look around to see if there is anyone at the kibanda who owes me a chapati from years past. Even a cold one would do. This is an ideal occasion to get something free. I subtly stick out my neck to look around. Nobody. Wooooi!

I have 30 more minutes of my lunch break and I'm still on to my seat. I pinch my chin in silence, contemplating my next move.

“Mathe, uko na change ya thao?” I shout so that everyone can hear me. This is just an attempt to mask my next statement.

“Ah! Kumbe niko na ka 50 bob hapa. Shika.”

I soon leave and choose to walk back to the office at an extra slow pace thinking, “What will I tell my workmates that I had for lunch?”

Hii Njaanuary ni shida. Sigh!