THE SCHOOL FOR VULGAR LANGUAGE

Has someone ever said something and you look at them and wonder how such a word could have come out of their mouth, but then deep inside you tell yourself people were brought up differently and there are those with no limits when talking.

For those who use matatus I know you may have heard how matatu touts and conductors talk and some of the things they say to people are just too crude.  This public service vehicle crews are infamous for their uncouth language. They seem to have mastered the art of using abusive language to the fullest and one may wonder whether they have their own school where they learn such abusive words that they use on their customers.  At times when you find a disciplined matatu tout you wonder whether really he is a tout for real.

They are known to talk to their customers in a vulgar language not minding of their age, religion, and their moral background.  Actually it is good not to argue with a tout or a matatu conductor because you will end up being ashamed or even look stupid. 

There are very weird things they will at times do and when you try telling them that what they are dong is wrong all you get is insults with no remorse at all.  For example a matatu can make a u-turn anywhere and you have not reached your intended destination, the next thing you hear is “Gari Mwisho” (Matatu is not going further).  If you refuse to alight and stay put, then sorry for you because these guys don’t really care; they will drive you back to where they are going and mind you, you might be forced to pay again.

Another very notorious thing with them is that, more especially to their female customers, if not careful they may end up touching them inappropriately as they lure them to board their respective matatus.  Many perverts have taken advantage of this to exploit their twisted fantasies. They are the ones who decides when the matatu is full, when you try saying the matatu is full they will tell you “nunua yako” (buy yours).

It is advisable that before boarding a matatu, if there is no sign board showing the fare then ask how much they charge before you board the matatu because the touts change their mind depending on how much money you have. You might even be overcharged as the rest of the passengers are paying a different sum.  Also remember to ask for your change in time lest you be told “nimekurudishia” (I have already given it to you) while he knows very well he hasn’t, in this case he insists and even starts abusing you and since you wouldn’t want to continue arguing you just let go.

Their language is one that you wouldn’t even dare repeat to someone because it is so shameful. To them everything is normal and with no shame or fear they even shout it to the elderly, is it that our society is so rotten?