Roots of rage and the relief of schools reopening next week, after a long break

Peter Kimani
By Peter Kimani | Jan 05, 2024
A mother assists her daughter in carrying a school box during a past reopening. [Titus Munala, Standard]

Schools reopen next week, after nearly two and a half months of holidays.

And homes will plunge into quiet lulls after being accustomed to above-average decibels - the sort that the national authority on environment, Nema, would say require soundproofing.

In my household, I was getting used to sudden, sharp blasts of yells that I hear are called "raging," and are often associated with online games. Those who rage are usually on the receiving end, or it could be that they are celebrating an unexpected win. Put simply, one rages when things are going well or badly.

While I'm happy to be rid of such menace, I'm still at a loss over how to raise children away from such online games that elicit episodic raging. When I nudge the lads out of the house, they seem to express rage of a different kind, like plunging into pools and swimming from dawn to high noon, so that the skin peels from exposure to the elements.

That means the rest of the week is spent treating the damaged skin with lotions and layers of sunscreen. And now, of course, is January, when the sun returns from its momentary hibernation to shine and scorch everything, including the raging youngsters.

But not for long. They are growing up and older and one will soon be joining college. And the tiniest task assigned, like locking up the dogs, is still contingent upon the phone being in good working order and the alarm going off - not the sun shining. I feel like raging, but I don't know how!

Share this story
Muthama floors national champion Shaffi in boxing league action in Nakuru
Kenya Defence Forces bantamweight boxer Dennis Muthama has done it again in the third leg of the National Boxing League in Nakuru.
KCB pray for maiden title ahead of new season kicks off against Tusker
KCB is eyeing a fresh chapter as they begin the new season on Friday against Tusker at Nyayo Stadium from 6pm, under newly appointed head coach Robert Matano.
Mourinho appointed at Benfica as he returns to Portugal
Mourinho will soon face reunions against former sides Chelsea and Porto, in the Champions League on September 30 and in the Primeira Liga on October 5 respectively.
World Athletics Championships: Kenya's Emmanuel Wanyonyi cruises into 800m final
Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi underlined his growing reputation on the global stage after powering into the men’s 800 metres final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
World Athletics Championships: Moraa, Odira advance to 800m semis
Mary Moraa kept her title defence hopes alive at the 2025 World Athletics Championships after qualifying for the 800m semi-finals alongside compatriot Lilian Odira
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS