It stood taller by a mile than any other trees around. It's stature and stamina proudly screamed the words, 'King of the forest.' It had a huge trunk almost the size of a large two bedroomed house. It was an evergreen tree - which i was told that ,no drought had ever managed to tarnish its green leaves! It was a home to thousands of birds which were of different species. There were monkeys swinging from branch to branch. The tree was simply a forest of its own - very densely populated with leaves and branches. Its fruits resembled figs - only sweeter. There were different varieties of potatoes growing on the ground underneath it. I remembered seeing the white , red and brown skinned potatoes. The strangest part of this tree were its massive breasts. They were dangling like giant melons on the enormous tree trunk! They were exactly like real human breasts! They produced gallons of milk especially during the rainy seasons.

Many stories were told to me concerning this tree. The locals called it ' Kiumo tree'. It was said to be an ancient shrine. They said that every time their ancestors worshipped under this tree, it had rained cats and dogs. They went on to tell me that at night, the whole tree would be covered with light and the sounds of singing women, playing children, working men and grazing animals could be heard. No one ever grew the potatoes under the tree but even during drought, these potatoes had always grown. The native people told me that during certain nights, the smell of frying chips could emanate from this tree. This sweet aroma could travel for miles causing salivation in every home. They strongly believed in their gods which they claimed were living in the tree trunk. For many generations, this tree still stood strong and full of youth and vitality. It had witnessed many heroes and heroines live and die. It had witnessed many secrets of the land since time imemorable. None of its branches had ever broken. Ancient it was but certainly not in appearance!

It all happened when i was still there- an event which sent many locals helter skelter with fear. It had been a rainy night - very heavy rain. In the stillness of the night, all that could be heard were the chirping crickets. Thick darkness that could be felt had enveloped this night. That was so because, the huge and dark rain clouds had covered the stars and the moon,thus hindering them from shining. There was a very loud cracking sound at the middle of the night. This was followed almost immediately with the loudest thud i have ever heard. The earth shook as if it had been hit by a high magnitude earthquake. I woke up with a start and very frightened. I ran to where grandma was sleeping and found her up. I had goose bumps all over from fright.

A branch from this tree had broken. I saw many locals crying saying it was a sign that their gods were upset with them. I was a little girl of about 6, but the words i told them still ring in my mind." Maybe it's a time for a new beginning with the true God! Jesus died on the cross for me and you to be saved forever!" I said with so much boldness and strangely a lot of them ceased crying as grandma and i led them to Christ!