SAMPLE COMPOSITION

SAMPLE 1
We all lined up for we were the next on the stage. Nervous as we were, we still
felt determined to keep the lead. It was our custom that we wer e always second to
none. It was a gr eat day that most schools had longed for . Never theless, we didnot want
to show a white flag neither blaze the t r ail. We allgathered our wits and kept our
powder dr y to face the challenge that awaited us. We anxiously waited for our tur n.

It was such a D-day and we wer e as eager as br idegr ooms to take the t r ophy
home. On the other hand people of all walks of life had thr onged into the compound just
to witness the Goliat h of pr esenters who would emerge the champions of the day.
Various pr esenters wer e in their festive attires with ochr e and decor s of allsor ts of
patterns. Several schools had also pr epared t r aditional folk songs and dances inclusive
of ar tifacts such as spears, clubs, head gear s, jingles and shield only to mention but a
few.

It was a bee hive of activities as ever yone moved hither and thither , to and fr o
with hawker s selling this and customers buying that. It was such a r owdy Babylonian
compound that only few would put up with. By then we wer e almost giving in forwe had
waited for so long. Still we had to keep on waiting with all hopes that patience pays. Our
teachers wer e also by us to keep our spir its high. It is to saythat we wer e sailing in the
same boat since together we succeed separated we fall.

As we wer e st ill on the wait the unexpected happened. Atr oupe of scouts passed
by chasing after a young boy said to have stolen an it em fr om one of the hawker s. The
events caught up our attention and in the meantime, wer e also carr ied away by that.
The devil had made wor k for the idle hands . Had it not been for the kind bystander s, the
boy would have kicked the bucket. Since the devil had paid him a cour tesy call, he lear nt
a lesson the har d way!

It was such an or deal that left ever yone wonder ing. What a bizar re exper ience
that was! The scenario was interr upted by thunder ous claps, ululations and applaud
that r end the entire hall. That was a sign that the gr oup that had been pr esenting by
then, was leaving the stage. As quick as lightning, we ar ranged our selves r eady to hit the
highway to the podium. Aft er few minutes after their leaving we wer e usher ed in.

We mar ched into the hall majestically as a r egiment of ar mies on a pr esidential

convoy. That was our golden chance and thus, we wanted to pr ove to them that we wer e
the “Bur ning hills of Mount Suswa .” They wer e to lear n by heart that last is notleast. We
then patterned our selves immaculately in the ar ena. The entire hall was as silent as a
deserted cemeter y if not as speechless as a shadow.

Few minutes befor e adjudicator’s sigh, I felt a litt le bit ner vous and my heart
skipped mightily like an old locomotiveengine that one could feel it s pace.Just on t ime,
pearling of a bellfr om the adjudicator ’s desk set the ball r olling. Fir mly, unifor mly and
har moniously the r ecitation began after a power ful and fabulous intr oduction. Being
the last to per for m, we wanted to leave a mar k inscr ibed on the memor y tablets of the
once lived her oes of the er a. All the audience wer e ears, clapping cheering gladly at
intervals.

I cannot actually describe the event after we had halted. It was all joy dur ing the
peak of the event. Aud ience’ faces beamed with gr eat delight as our teachers chuckled
and hugged us heartily. It was as if we were in the eve of Christmas day! Later , we left the
stage. We felt r elieved and with allvisible signs it was not a wonder that we made the
day.

Aft er what seemed to be a whole year of expectation, the adjudicator called

everyone to or der. It was such a gr eat attention that one could hear a pin dr op. At last a
glorious t r umpet was blared that we emerged the heroes of the day. Our joyhad no
bounds as other par ticipants fr om the pr ior schools tur ned pale. It was all glory and
fames that Little Leaders Kilgoris Aca demy wer e the her oes of the music festivals in the
year 2015!
 SAMPLE 02
At exactly ten-thirty the bell rang. “Everybody, get out!” a voice boomed.We
all rushed to the assembly ground.It got us by surprise because we did not
exactly figure out what the matter was. As quick as lightning, we dashed out of
our classrooms like bullets from Bazooka guns. Patter of feet made all the
audible sound as we raced as deer to the assembly ground.

In a flatter of an eye lid, we all stood erect anticipating for the worst. Our
hearts were beating spasmodically as though wanted to break our ribcages.
Personally, I was a grasshopper since I was completely at sea. “Could the
devil have paid us a courtesy call?” I asked myself, as a cold chill ran down
my spine. I was not used to making mistakes therefore; I never wished that one
day I would find myself in one.

It was a silence that one could hear a pin drop if not earth rotate . After
a short while, the school head teacher accompanied by a staff of teachers
emerged from the staffroom. Their faces showed a sign of commotion. “Good
morning pupils.” The head teacher commenced. “This is unusual assembly due
to unexpected that occurredin the previous day as you were leaving school for
home.” Continued the head teacher, as he grasped his breath.

Actually, I came to realize clearly that an empty mind is the devil’s

workshop. The devil had made work forthe idle hands. A group of standard
six boys had acted the goat by stirring a quarrel that led to a fatal fight between
them and the pupils from a neighbouring school. Had they known what fate had
in store for the m, they would not have turned the headteacher’s coat. That
was such an ordeal to recall.

The headteacher was therefore, sorry to mention to us that we had lost one
of pupils who were involved in suchchaos. I could not believe my ears. I pinched
myself to find out whether it was a comedy or a real tragedy. Crie s of pains and
agony rend the entire school compound. Everyone was as bitter as a gal.
What a sad day that was!
The other boys, the victims of the matter were frog marched before the entire
assembly. The scenario was as uglyas sin. They learnt by heart that
experience is the best teacher.

Nevertheless, it was a fact that was to be handled by the long hand of the
government. The police officers had arrived earlier before our gathering so as to
investigate the case. We all stared at them with great wonder as they load those
boys in their van. It was a puzzle of confusion but we could not continue
crying over the spilt milk. Our headteacher also accompanied them so as to
put down the event in black and white .

After a short briefing from the teacher on duty, we were then released to
resume our classes. Hardly had we entered our classrooms when one of the
parents stormed in the compound. It was all fun. Actually, that was one ofthe
Seven Wonde rs of the World. The old man ran up and down rolling and
prowling on the ground. The deceasedwas his blood son, an apple of his eye.
What a pity! However, we could not help because the boy had already travelled
to the land of no return.

We then entered our classrooms and resumed our lessons. We hardly

settled down. It was hard to imagine thatall the pieces of advice sang to us daily
have been falling on deaf ears. Our faces were darkened with sorrow that was
beyond description. For the crooks, that ordeal served as an example because it is
well known that example is better than precepts. It was such a gloomy day
and by heart we learnt that devil makes work for idle hands.

Days rolled by and there arose the most heart breaking moment when the
cortege of mourners led the scene.
It was a hue and cry as the bereaved family members pay their last respect to
the gone young lad. The comedyresulted into a real tragedy. Down the grave the
boy was lain to rest in eternal peace. It was such a bizarre experience to
forget!
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The podium was beautifully arranged and all the hosts and guests had taken their
seats. Soon, the out-going candidates em erged fit ted in their cerem onial gowns………….

The long awaited day had finally footed in. with the agility of a cobr a,all the pupils
spr ang fr om their beds. In a flatter of an eyelid, pr eparation for the D-day commenced.
Aft er a shor t moment of vital br iefing we disper sed to our r espective ar eas ofduty. We
wor ked with one faith bearing in mind that united we stand separated we fall. Indeed,
that was when I r ealized that many hand make a light wor k!

It was a bee hive of activities. Mor eover, the wind howled and bir ds sang mer rily
adding zest to the br and new day. Good heavens! The school was just another par adise
on earth. We did not leave any stone untur ned. Aft er all had been set under lock and
key, we quickly hit the shower . The water was cool enough thus we emerged as fr esh as
daisy. Our faces beamed with gr eat delight as we anticipated for a br ighter and a mor e
colour ful day.

In ajiffy, we visited our immaculately ar ranged dor mitories wher e we clad to

kill. We looked spick and span in our dignified scarlet r ed unifor ms. Our teachers
wer e also as lovely as Ve nus in their ceremonial r aiment. It was not until wedr
essed in our gowns that other pupilsbelieved that we wer e stepping out. It was our
pr ayer day. Ther e befor e, they wer ecompletely at sea!

The podium was beautifully ar ranged and allthe hosts and guests had taken their
seats. Soon the out-going candidates emerged fit ted in their ceremonial gowns. That was
a vivid sign that the occasion had kicked off. In a swift co-or dination the master of
ceremonies set the ballr olling. The other pupils had also taken their seats after pr
esenting the it ems of their choices.

The eventful activity that had kept many in wait finally r olled in. there ar ose thunder
ous applaud and ululations fr om the joyous cr owd. The candidates mar ched r hythmically
swaying their hips sideways in tune with well-orchestr ated music.
Childless par ents by then built the castle in the air with empty wishes. Ever yone was as
keen as mastered. We enjoyed the music to the hilt as earth shook under our heavy
steps.

In due honour and r espect the entire gathering stood er ect as we ascended up the
dais. Bubbles of joy bur st on our par ents who could har dly settle on their seats. Beams
of flash lights fr om camer as blinded us as tear s of joy be welled our eyes. What a wonder
ful day it was! Our faces shone br illiant ly as we chuckled happily with one another.

Finally, mar ching pr ocession halted. We then took our well pr eser ved seats
and sat as comfor table as coins. The pr ogr amme was the continued. Aft er shor t
moments of speeches the main guest, Bishop Nduati, was usher ed in so as to leadus to
the thr one of the Most High. In one accord we both chor used and pr ayed earnestly for
God to gr ant us knowledge and wisdom to face the Goliat h of exam anticipated.

For a while the hall was as silent as a deserted cemeter y. We wer e all ears as the
servant of God gave us facts and figur es.He also r eminded us that examiners ar e as t r
icky as apes therefor e we should squar e up to exam boldly as lions. Our par ents by
then wer e carr ied away that they could not help applauding and cheering deafeningly.
We had to keep our powder dr y forsuccess.

Aft er sometime, a sudden silence took better par t of the gathering as though devil
had paid a cour tesy call. It was vividly clear that ever yone was as hungr y as a wolf.
Being as wise as Solomon, the master of ceremonies wound up by giving his special gr at
it ude to all and the or der of feasting. That was the climax of the whole event. We all
munched the delicacies to ourlast mor sels. This pr oved the fact that the pr oof of pudding
is in the eating.

It was a fantasticday. It was all laughter and joy. Aft er meals, we took t ime with our
par ents and siblings. We postur ed for photos to help st ick the occasion in our memor
ies. It was by then getting dar k and therefor e, our headteacher had to dr aw the line for
many activities. Such ar e the t imes he would whack and smack anyone who tur ns his
coat by acting the goat if not going bananas.

At last all the guests, our par ents and siblings cleared the compound at their own
pleasur e. Aft er a shor t per iod of fixingthings in or der, we later r etired to our bed for we
wer e dead beat. In a jiffy,in the ar ms of Mor pheus we wer e!
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“Lo and behold, long awaited day has finally come.” I said to myself as I sat
on my bed broadly smiling. It was on Monday 21st August last year. We had
planned to have an education trip to Lake Nakuru National Park. Indeed itwas
tried and sealed true.
When the cock crew, everyone rose up as if was electrified to do so.
Immediately, preparations began since all pupils were alive and kicking.
Thunders of hoofs could be heard along the dormitory pavement. It was a race to
the frogs’ kingdom to launch case against dirt. Soon we all locked spick and span
in our raiment.

We made sure that all the basic needs were under lock and key. Some packed
meals; such as a bunch of bananas,a batch of bread, soda and a dozen of bottled
water was packed for our use in the park. Pupils were also prepared with their
cameras, notebooks, pens and a little pocket money for their own upkeep.

Aclang of bell was heard. We hurriedly assembled ourselves in the hall for
instructions before the journey commenced. “Good morning pupils.” Said Mr.
Olbutyo. He gave us vital briefings as he kept on repeating again andagain. He
also urged us to abide by all instruction sand to refrain from bad company.

No sooner had he summarized than a toot of a horn was heard at our

school gate. The appearance of well known ‘Soweto’ bus made us applaud
thunderously. Everyone was as glad as a fly. We boarded the bus and
comfortably took our seats. Actually, we sat as comfortable as coins. However,
some pupils were completely at sea since they had never travelled by a bus and
that was their golden chance once in a blue moon. Prefects and a staff ofteachers
loaded the entire luggage in the boot.

It was at exactly nine o’clock in the morning when the journey kicked off.
The joy we had was beyond the limit.Other pupils chuckled happily for they were
as playful as kittens in the bus. Gradually, it dawned and the sky was as clear as
crystal. By then we had approached the out skirts of Kericho town. We were then
perplexed by vast field oftea plantations. That was when we realized that, seeing
is believing.
 When we arrived in the town we pulled our bus. We were led to Marsh
Park Hotel for our breakfast. Our tour patron reminded us on the rules as he
kept the lead. We were all ears because we never wanted to turn his coat. It was
such a fantastic day that proves the dictum, all that starts well ends well. Our
faces beamed with great delight as sweet aroma of delicacies pervaded the
vicinity.

Once again after the mouth watering breakfast we left Kericho for Nakuru.
On the way, the large Mau Forest caught our sight. It was all fun seeing trees
racing in the opposite direction. We sang merrily and narrated charmingstories to
one another. In a jiffy , we touched down at Nakuru town. We then drove directly
into the park after necessary requirement was met at the entrance. We were swift
because time wasted can never be recovered.

In the park we could see a pride of lions, a herd of deer, a nest of snakes as
well as a herd of buffaloes and elephants. We thrilled with joy watching a
cheetah chase after its prey. It was a great moment of fun that wouldcontinually
linger in our minds. We took photos at various scenes within the park. Gradually,
silence seized themoment in the bus. Everyone yawned lazily and felt uneasy. We
felt as hungry as wolves.

We found a parking bay and settled for our lunch. Due to hunger most
pupils were hyenas in the feast . It wassuch a finger licking delicacy that we
munched to our last morsels. Finally after that we left the park and visited
bakery industry. That was where every pupil was as sober as a judge. The place
seemed busy and therefore, the devil made work for the idle hands. One of the
pupils decided to hide a loaf under his pullover. My glance at him made him
smell a rat but he pleaded with me to keep it dark.

Since time was against us, we decided to visit the nearest supermarket where
we bought few items and snacks.
We expressed in ink. In all the fact remained that experience is the best teacher
and travelling is part of learning. All inall we safely arrived back to our destinies
safe and sound proving that, east-west home is best.

took several photos once again and then decided to start our journey back. We
learned a lot that could not be
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The mor ning was quite pleasant. I was therefor e as sure as death that it would
end well.I quickly hit the shower that made me r egain my co mposure and vitality. The
water in it self was as cool as cucu mber but r ather left me as clean as a new pin. I
then t r ied my new outfit that pr oved me gorgeous. Aft er a shor t per iod of self -pr
eparation it seemed as true as gospel that the ball was just about to be set r olling.

My face beamed with joy as ripples of tears welled my eyes. Har dly had I
heard rattling of dishes and tinkle of glasses when sweet ar oma of r oyal delicacy
beckoned me. We then settled down for our br eakfast after which we exchanged final
wishes of luck. It was all joy unto me that once in a blue moon I would visit Nairobi,
Ke nya’s major capital city. A few ofmy fr iends who had also ar rived to see me off wer e
lost of words as their built castle in the air . I felt a litt le bit sad abandoning them but I
did not want to for get that opportunity knocks once at every man’s door.

Without fur ther ado, we utter ed a shor t pr ayer to the Almight y after which we
majestically made our way out. Since the bust stop was just a stone throw distance ,
we wer e just escorted an inch. The mor ning was fantastic as the environment echoed
bleating of sheep, br aying of donkeys, and sounds of lovely childr en on their nor mal
plays. My uncle led the way to the bus stop as he br iefed me about the lifestyle in the
town. I was ears and learnt by heart all that he told me.

We plodded our hoofs down the path and at last at the bus stop we wer e. It was
such a coincident that I met one of my allies who was also among the pilgrimage to
Nairobi. Ther e wer e several passengers who wer e alighting and boar ding vehiclesto
various destinations. Our deep conver sation was cut shor t by a shar p hooting of a
horn. No sooner had we peered through the dusty road that the driver halted. We
wer e usher ed into the bus as my uncle made sur e that our luggage was well kept in the
boot.

It was not until we all paid our fare that the bus took off. We buckled our seat
belts and sat comfor tably in a position to view allthe scenes that wayside. The dr iver
played a series of soft countr y music and for some t ime we wer e carried away by the
music. Indeed we enjoyed the beats to the hilt. It was a memor able exper ience passing
by small centres and towns. Onthe way I could see ranges of hills, a forest of trees, a
convoy of cars as crowds of people moved hither and thither.
 Aft er several hour s of a continuous t r avel we stopped at the filling station in
Nakur u town. The dr iver gave us a thirty- minute br eak as the bus was being serviced.
My uncle led me to one of the cafes ar ound wher e we took some r efreshments. Once
again our jour ney co mmenced. At fir st I thought that the jour ney would not be that
long. I felt as tired as to mbstone . Ifelt dizzy and finally got lost in the slu mber and
dream lands. I was woken up by a tap on my shoulder that we had already r eached
our destination.

It was at thr ee o’clock in the evening that we touched down in Nairobi. I was
perplexed and mes merized at the sight ofhuge buildings and sky cr aper s. It was
another wor ld all together and that was when I vividly r ealized that experience is the
best teacher. For the fir st t ime my eyes caught the sight of zebr a cr ossings, t r affic
lights flyover s, large billboar ds and vast shops of all sor ts. The town was such cr owded
that a needle could har dly touch the gr ound should it be fallen. Uncle Peter offloaded our
entire luggage and for a while we took some r est at a near by shed by the shops.

Our peace was interr upted by a sudden movement of the mob that was chasing
after a young lad. Though fast he t r ied fleeing, he could not escape the wr ath of the angr y
mob. Hefty blows and s macks rained on him in abundance . Wer e it not for the men
in blue who ar rived in t ime the boy could have kicked the bucket. However he learnt
a lesson the hard way. It was an or deal that he would not for get. What a bizarre exper
ience that was! We then took a taxi to my uncle abode that was at ‘Ka wangwar e’ estate.

On our ar rival we wer e welco me with open arms. We happily exchanged

pleasantries and soon we embarked on a mouth water ing four o’clock tea. Ther eafter
my cousins took me to a massive r esting r oom wher e I took some r est since I was dead
beat. The curtains of the day were drawn and the r est of the exper iences would foot in
the following days. All that starts well ends well. I thanked God for His jour ney mer
cies.
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THE
CRUSHIN
G BY THE
JAWS OF
DEATH

The sun rose beautifully and peacefully from the horizon spreading its
rays over the Kerio valley. Birds sang melodious songs in their nests to welcome
another bright and perhaps a better day. The village of Kasanga woke up that
morning from their slumber and dreamlands. They thought the day would be like
any other, which was never to be.

Unaware of what fate had in store for them, the young and the energetic
herdsmen drove their herds to greenand luxurious meadows of the valley. They
were armed to the teeth with AK-47 rifles as possession of firearms in marginalized
region was part and parcel of people’s lives.

The mooing of cows, bellowing of bulls and bleating of sheep filled the
air to capacity. This was a joy in itself which animals cherished in the air and added
zest to the morning. At ten o’clock in the morning, the unexpected happened.Sound
of guns engulfed the valley and brought a profound confusion to every creature that
resided there. It was pellucid that death had opened its massive jaws for the herds’
boys. Screams, yells, weeping and wailing abounded as the gravity and magnitude of
attack downed on the valley.

The livestock was seen from far being driven across River Kerio, a move
that made adrenaline to pump hard in villagers’ blood for animals were their blood
and flesh. They armed themselves and went to their rescue though rather late,but it
did not mean anything to them since where there is a will there is a way. Women
sobbed uncontrollably, as the after of their sons could not be pre-determined at the
moment.
 They arrived to the fight scene and were shocked to their bone
marrow by the sight that met their eyes. The scene was deadly and grisly. The
boys had been shot dead and their limbs mutilated. Some had their eyes gorged
from their sockets. The alarmed men stood there with their hands akimbo and
their mouths agape. Anyway, what could they have done? They conceded with
the dictum that goes, spilt milk can never be gathered.

The deceased were carried home amid sunken hearted and troubled souls.
Upon reaching their homes, cries of agony pierced the atmosphere as people
mourned the loss of the loved ones. Some restored to suicide as they feared dyingof
starvation. Sincerely, it was a bizarre experience.

It was almost dusk and the day’s luminary was setting in the western sky.
The sun rays were by then red an indication that it was of a deadly and grisly event
that had befallen the hamlet. Everyone in the Kasang village hardly atethat night.
Children tried to have naps but to no avail. Their stomachs were tormenting them,
but where could they get something to eat with the animals gone.

The following day the final and sad moment came. The dead boys were
lain to their eternal places by the grief stricken villagers. Some of them were the only
sons and children in their families. The coffins were finally lowered into the graves.
It was a big bang and blow to some families in which the parents had lived beyond
the child-bearing age. Whata spine chilling day!