MBS Conflict Resolution Services

Kagio town is where I learned that the ability to change hearts and mind- or what they call Persuasion-is one the most important skills that can get you almost anything you want in the world.

Kagio town is the crosswords of Kirinyaga. Its about 7 Kilometers South of Baricho. It is to Kirinyaga county what Indiana is to America: the ultimate crossroads.

Kagio is a historical town. When the scramble for Africa took shape and Britain descended on Kenya, the governor in charge of the whole country was based in what today is known as Machakos. His representative in the modern day Central Kenya was based in Kagio. It is while at Kagio that Captain Hall designated Murang’a as Fort Hall. In fact, Murang’a and Nyeri beberu officials had to report to-you guessed it right-Kagio.

And it’s Kagio where I first met Mûrimi. I was moonlighting as a conductor for the matatu christened Mkulima Shambani Baricho.

Kagio town was the ultimate base where matatus plying Kagio-Baricho route made a killing.

Mûrimi had earned the nickname “Makanju” which stemmed from the day he called out students from Lower Baricho Primary school for stealing mangoes belonging to the Public Works office just outside of Baricho

“Macio nî ma Kanjû…” (don’t take those mangoes, they belong to Kanju)

Mûrimi was the conductor for the Matatu christened Tonyia Inji Kenda. Word was prevalent that his matatu would get all the passengers and some even waiting hours on end just to board the matatu.

The matatu was an old, grey Datsun with a capacity of 12 passengers in the main cabin and 2 in the front cabin.

I observed Murimi at work, because as they say, if you can’t beat them, join in.

One day, students at the popular St. Agnes girls were reporting back to school. My Matatu had 12 passengers and only needed 2 more and we would be on our way to Baricho. On that day it was open bidding as opposed to the traditional organized manner where matatus would line up on first come, first served basis

Murimi’s vehicle had 6 passengers. Then came a woman and her daughter who was dressed in the traditional St. Agnes girls regalia: oversized black shoes, long white socks, and the colorful pink and white stripped dress.

I thought this was it.

“Ino irenda eri tuthie…” (this matatu only needs 2 more passengers) I let her know

I expected her to make the obvious choice..

Out of nowhere Murimi joined in

“Uboro waku auntie. Mumite Nairobi kana? (How are you auntie….)

The lady: iii tumite Nairobi

Murimi: iya. Niwangenia muno ni kwaria kihaha. Ithue thumiu nirobi (ah, you made me smile, here we have a different pronounciation of Nairobi)

Then he turned to the daughter who was at this time clutching to mom’s hand

“Unarufi Shule? Ufanye bidii ununue gari uniletee hapa, Sawa..”

The daughter laughed. The mom laughed too. This was not going the way I expected. Why are they giving Murimi the attention while my matatu needed 2 passengers!

Then Murimi went for the Jugular

“Gakari ni karia.. karenda atandatu. Tondu umunogu ni gathabari uka ngube giti baria mbere. Na umuthi turamaiga bau cukuru (this is the car. Needs 6 more passengers. I see you are tired. We shall make sure to drop you right outside the school)

I stood there, transfixed. Murimi headed to his matatu and had a conversation with the passenger who had taken one of the seats in the front cabin. The passenger stepped out.

It was an easy decision. The lady opted to go with Murimi’s matatu even though it had more seats to be filled

With acuity of hindsight, persuasion worked for Murimi. He is how:

1. Murimi checked on the subjects: The 200 year old Aristotlian theory teaches us that people are moved to action by how another person makes them feel. Murimi made the two feel cared for.

2. Murimi added light humor and also tapped to the power of diminished impact: “gakari” which sounds nicer. Studies show that whoever masters metaphor can create any mental picture which in turn compliments the story… see Murimi’s juxtaposition of Nairofi vs Nirobi

3. Murimi acted on his promise of seating the mom and the daughter in the front cabin. His actions matched his words and as a result earned credibility.

4. Murimi assuaged the mom’s fear of trekking from Baricho town to the school, which is a walk of about a kilometer.

5. In the time Murimi spent talking with the passengers, he was fully present and had their attention.

Have a persuasive day.



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