The ‘Palace’ Grab

  • Krishan Kalra
  • India
  • Sep 05, 2014

 

 

There have been many horrible stories emanating from Uganda over the decades. Everyone probably knows of how Idi Amin commandeered property and businesses - and even wives - from his countrymen and expats, and then sent the poor blokes packing to UK or India or wherever they could find some refuge. But, this one is from Kenya − supposedly a civilised country, with much British influence, excellent infrastructure and offering some of the loveliest jungle safaris in the world. My friend Nihal Singh (name changed) had gone to Kenya as a kid. His father − a small businessman − pinched pennies and sent him to the US for an engineering degree. After he graduated and returned to Kenya, they set up a construction business. Those were good times; their diligence and honesty paid off and soon the petty shopkeeper and his family were rich. With money came all the good things of life − swanky cars, furniture, clothes, fine eating and finally a beautiful bungalow. Father and son worked hard on the bungalow. There were no limits; it had to be the finest house in Nairobi. Right from the planning stage, the best British architects were engaged, first-rate construction materials were used; there was no compromise on workmanship and they paid painstaking attention to the minutest detail. Furniture and tapestry were brought in from Denmark, sanitary and electrical fittings from Germany, crockery from Britain, crystal from Sweden… the very best in everything was acquired. Finally their dream house became a reality. An auspicious day was chosen for the housewarming. A family puja in the morning was followed by a big reception in the evening. It was a grand setting: manicured rolling lawns, exotic flowers in neatly laid out beds, an azure swimming pool and, in the centre of it all, a gorgeous, dazzling white bungalow. Shimmering in the floodlights, it vied for attention with the diamonds worn by the glitterati.

Everyone was there; from the country’s Vice-President, top ministers and bureaucrats, to leading British residents and the crème-de-la-crème of local society. The finest of wines were served and gourmet food catered by the best hotel in town. It was a glittering affair and the proud Nihal family was toasted by all the guests, wishing them many years of happiness in the new abode. Early the next morning Nihal received a visitor − the ADC to the Vice President of Kenya. Without any polite conversation the officer came to the point. “His Excellency thanks you for the lovely party last night; he likes the house very much and would like to have it. Please move out within one week, with only your personal clothing. You’ll be well compensated.” My friend was speechless. His face went ashen. Still thinking it was some kind of a joke, he tried to humour the ADC. But the guy was already on his feet. “Bye now, please don’t delay your departure,” he said…and he was out. The next few days were tortuous. Nihal conferred with many friends, and each advised him that he should follow the order. With tears in their eyes the family left their labour of love and moved to a hotel. Many lucrative contracts followed.  Nihal became much richer than before. But the heartburn, the anguish, the pain of losing a home - a labour of love − could never be forgotten. The Nihals now live in a simple barrack type house. They don’t have the heart to build another ‘palace’ in Kenya. Of course they own a couple of houses in London and Zurich.

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