The 2024 Imarika Youth Conference, held at St. Andrew’s Boys High School in Badassa, was nothing short of extraordinary. With the theme “Contending for the True Faith” (Jude 3), it was a week filled with faith, learning, fun, and unforgettable memories.
The Conference Begins
The conference kicked off with a grand opening ceremony on Tuesday, December 10th, 2024, presided over by our Lord Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel Qampicha Wario. The energy in the air was contagious, and the over 60 youths from Isiolo Parish, including 33 first-timers, were buzzing with excitement.
The games were particularly electrifying, with football matches between teams from each Deanery – Waso, Ngaremara, Laisamis, Chalbi, Uran, and Sagante – showcasing incredible talent. I had the honor of serving as the Sports Cabinet Secretary, managing the matches on two fields. Despite limited kits and jerseys, the spirit of competition was unmatched.
The Football Finale
The championship match was an event for the ages. Under the leadership of Archdeacons Ven. Diid (Waso) and Ven. Kesho (Sagante), their teams faced off in a nail-biting final. After an intense 2-2 draw, penalties decided the victor. Sagante Deanery emerged as the Imarika 2024 Football Champions, taking home a trophy that resembled the World Cup. The celebrations were epic.
Adding to the excitement, Isiolo Parish stole the show in the talent competition. Our own Brian Muthomi was crowned Mr. KAYO 2024, walking away with a branded T-shirt, a hut, and a walking stick—symbols of honor and style.
For many, it was their first opportunity to experience the vibrant cultures of the Rendile and Burji people up close. From traditional attire to cultural displays, it was an eye-opener that textbooks could never match.
Workshops, Bible studies, and games packed the week with activity. The youth explored topics with creatively coded themes such as:
- Kugongewa – Sexual purity
- Mututho – Drug and substance abuse
- My TikTok & X – Social media challenges
- My Rib, My Choice – Relationships and courtship
- Personal hygiene
Departure Drama
By Friday morning, the joy of the week gave way to the bittersweet task of preparing to leave. Our bus was packed, and after a heartfelt prayer led by Teacher Norman, we hit the road. Little did we know, the real adventure was just beginning.
As we approached the school gate, a heated argument erupted between the bus driver and conductor. Two routes lay ahead: a longer but safer road, or a shorter, steeper one. Against the conductor’s advice, the driver chose the shorter path.
The Descent into Chaos
The steep slope we encountered stretched for nearly 500 meters, flanked by a vast valley. Descending felt like sitting on a rollercoaster, with everyone clinging to their seats. But it wasn’t until we began the climb up the other side that things spiraled out of control.
Halfway up the hill, the bus stalled. The driver quickly shifted gears, but the vehicle began to roll backward at a terrifying speed. Shouts of “Bismillahi!” from the driver mingled with cries and prayers from the passengers.
Then, with a sudden jolt, the bus veered into a ditch. Miraculously, no one was hurt.
Survival Mode
The youths, in true Gen Z fashion, bolted out of the bus as if fleeing a zombie apocalypse. They climbed to the top of the hill, snapping selfies, texting friends, and calling parents. My phone buzzed incessantly with worried calls from frantic parents.
I contacted Ven. Maganjo, who was still at St. Andrew’s, for help. He arrived with an RDU police truck from Kargi, but their equipment couldn’t pull us out. The sweltering heat added to our misery as we waited for another truck from Marsabit. Thirst and hunger took their toll, and the nearby baboons seemed to mock us as they swung leisurely through the trees.
The Rescue
After what felt like an eternity, an empty water tanker arrived. Its crane was strong enough to pull our bus out of the ditch. Cheers erupted from the youths as the bus finally climbed the hill. At the top, we met with Ven. Diid and the Administrative Secretary (AS) Canon Kargi for prayers and encouragement before resuming our journey.
The hunger pangs were soon addressed, thanks to swift intervention from the Diocesan Youth Officer (DYO), who provided food and water. This revitalized the team, and we made it safely back to Isiolo.
Lessons in Faith
Looking back, the experience was a true test of patience, determination, and faith. Contending for the true faith, as Jude 3 reminds us, often requires navigating life’s steep hills and slippery slopes. But with God’s grace and unity, we overcame every obstacle.
Rev. James N. Mugwe
Curate & Youth Patron, Isiolo Parish
