Automation is so cool!

Friday nights at the club were for banter, bold claims, and an unspoken competition of who had the best network. It was where the city’s finest mix of tech bros, media hotshots, and wannabe tycoons gathered over sizzling mbuzi choma and overpriced cocktails. The air was always thick with exaggerated success stories. Everyone at the table had someone to name-drop—a cousin who worked at Microsoft, a friend who once shook hands with a governor, or a former classmate now flying private to Dubai. One guy was claiming he almost bought land in Karen, another swore he had a cousin in the Cabinet. “Almost”, “cousin”—common words with liars.

But Daniel? Daniel didn’t play in the minor leagues. He didn’t name-drop. He simply knew people. And, somehow, they all seemed to know him back. Dan never bragged, never exaggerated—he knew people. Big people. And not in the "I know someone who knows someone" kind of way. No, Daniel had receipts.

"Ati you met Lupita?" Leilani, the lawyer with a sharp tongue, challenged, swirling her glass of Malbec like a judge about to deliver a ruling. "Where?"

Daniel smirked, wiping his hands on a serviette, and leaning back like a man who had all the time in the world.

"Eish, that one was random. I was at Wilson, waiting for a delayed flight to Kisumu. Next thing I know, she sits next to me at Java. Ordered masala tea. We ended up talking about sunsets, about Hollywood, and how she misses ugali while out the country. Sweet girl."

The table erupted in laughter. "Sunsets, Dan? Now you’re lying!" Kevin, (Kevo), the wannabe billionaire architect, shot back.

Daniel just shrugged. "Si you ask her?" (Liars way of saying ‘si ni mi nakushow’) He slid his phone onto the table, screen up. Lupita Nyong’o. Last seen: online. The group leaned in. Silence. Coincidence? A lucky name match?

Before they could process it, Noreen, the keen accountant, went in for the kill. "Okay, hotshot, tell us how you know the President."

Daniel leaned back chuckling, and clasping his hands behind his head. "Ah, William? (he thinks he is on a first name basis with the president) That’s a long story, jaber. Let’s just say back in the day, I helped his driver fix a puncture near State House. Next thing I know, I’m inside, sipping chai with one of his advisors. Things just went from there." He smiled, proudly, watching their skepticism grow.

Leilani snorted. "Nonsense. Ukidai kazi State House si ungeomba tu, bro. If you know the President, prove it."

Daniel’s phone buzzed. A new message. He picked it up, chuckled, and turned the screen towards them. "Long time no see, Daniel. Let’s catch up soon." Sent from a contact simply saved as P.O.K.. The table froze. Eyes widened. Silence, then a collective intake of breath. No way.

Kevo cleared his throat. "Okay, for real—who are you?"

Daniel smirked, taking a slow sip of his drink.

"Me? Just a guy who listens more than he talks."

Before they could press him, a man in a crisp navy suit walked up to the table. No introduction, no hesitation. He placed a small envelope in front of Daniel. "Kama kawaida, bro," he said in a low voice before disappearing into the crowd.

The table stared. Daniel didn’t flinch. He pocketed the envelope and stood up, adjusting his jacket.

"Alright, guys, let me call it a night. I need to step out. Duty calls."

Leilani spoke first. "Wait—duty? Duty manade, Dan?"

Daniel smiled. "Let’s just say…I know a guy." Ambiguous people, can never help you in this life.

And with that, he walked off into the night with his guy, to go on envelope duty on a Friday night.

Automation is amazing. I wrote this story one time in my first year when I thought this newsletter would never make it a year. But here it is on its due date in your inbox. I, still as impatient as back then. It, still as patient and timeless as it was on that boring Monday in the library. As it sneaks its way into your inbox I am probably fast asleep, binge watching classic Tom and Jerry episodes, or catching up on documentaries about cat life. God bless technology, and God bless Brainwave Musings.

✍🏽Reagan.