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Just as the feast was about to begin, a piercing cry was heard from a cowshed at
the far end of the compound. Everyone stopped in their tracks. Four men and one
woman quickly ran towards the noise while everyone else waited anxiously for the
news. When the five returned from the cowshed, one of the uncles was carrying
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Asajile, Ngapona’s little brother, in his arms. Asajile was covered in cow dung from
head to toe. He had sneaked into the cowshed, where the cows surrounded him, and
he couldn’t escape. He had been frightened by the unfamiliar gathering he was not

accustomed to. Before the family could process what had happened to Asajile, the
herd of cows charged towards the gathering, forcing everyone to scatter in different
directions as fast as their legs could carry them. It was later learnt that the five
people who had gone to rescue Asajile had forgotten to shut the door of the cowshed,
causing a momentary commotion.

As the cows approached the gathering, laughter once again filled the air as uncles,

aunts, and cousins ran, waving their arms frantically. Even Mwakifule, who had
proudly claimed to be fearless, leapt into a nearby stream, drenching himself from
head to toe. “I just wanted to cool off!” he declared with a grin, making everyone
laugh even harder.

Once the situation had settled, the event continued peacefully. People ate and drank
heartily. A variety of foods were served, including cooked plantains, pilau, jollof rice,
chicken biryani and plain rice. Assorted drinks such as beer, soda, juice, kimpumu
and other types of local brew were also available. To accompany foods and drinks,

various traditional dances were performed. Generally, it was a truly memorable
event, one that could hardly be forgotten.

Despite the mishaps, last year’s family reunion was the most successful and joyous
yet. As the sun set over the lush fields of Kikota, family members continued sitting
together, sharing stories and laughter, confident that their bond would always remain
strong, no matter what had happened. For the young members of the family attending

the gathering for the first time, it was quite an experience. They vowed to keep the
tradition alive for future generations.

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