cryptic

"What is this "work" in Nairobi of which you speak?"

- - demands my surreal-babble-buddy in the Bay Area.

"Umm. It's connected to KPTJ (Kenyans for Peace, Truth and Justice). It addresses livelihood and training for grassroots activists. And sustainable movement-building. Along with a crisis safety net. Seeing gaps, connecting resources to needs. But I can't give you specifics."

"Why not?"

"Security. Since the assassinations, we're all being hypervigilant. We assume that everyone's phone is tapped - because most peoples' are. We assume that people are being watched and followed. It's just better to operate under the radar, and not make anything public that doesn't need to go public."

"Are you trying to make yourself sound important?"

"Here's the irony. My personal risk level is mitigated by two factors. One: I'm not important enough to be a target. I'm not producing reports or giving evidence to commissions. I'm not on the ground threatening the interests of the powerful. Two: I'm known in the Kenyan progressive community and hooked up to a range of global artist-activist networks. So I have a degree of visibility and connection that provides safety. Go figure."

"Sigh. To think I knew you back in the days when you performed at Taco Bell for ketchup packets. Did you even tell me you were Kenyan?"

"Yes, I did. I don't think you registered it. We were too busy arguing over US military aggression and Israeli butchery."

"Those were good times. Remember the starlit walks in the Castro hills? That wooden bench with the view out over the city?"

"Bowls of steaming udon at Mifumi. Bass Lake in the summer. That's where I want to die if I can't die in the Indian Ocean."

"Just don't get blood on all my good North Face gear, OK? That stuff was for climbing mountains. "

"Dude, your North Face gear is pretty much worn out. Backpack-to-beat-all-backpacks, cross-trainers, moisture-wicking thermals - all way overdue for replacement. Will you hit the next REI Members sale for me?"

"What am I - your Bay Area personal shopper?"

"You're the only person I trust to pick out technical footgear and sports bras for me. Consider it your contribution to Kenyan democracy."