The Kibanda They Tried to Destroy

When people talk about evil, many imagine criminals, robbers, or people who openly cause harm. But sometimes evil wears a smile. Sometimes it comes disguised as a neighbor, a friend, or even a customer.

This is my story.

Like many young people around the world, I had a dream. It was not a huge dream. I was not building a mansion. I was not driving a luxury car. I simply wanted to survive with dignity.

With the little money I had, I opened a small kibanda selling groceries. It was modest, but it represented hope. Every shelf I arranged carried a piece of my future. Every tomato, onion, and packet on display symbolized hard work and determination.

When I opened, many people came with smiles and congratulations.

"Wow, this is great!"

"We are proud of you."

"You are doing well."

Others asked about my prices. Some promised they would return to buy from me. Their words filled me with hope. Day one ended well. Day two was even better. I believed I was finally building something meaningful.

But after a few days, reality revealed a different side of people.

Some customers began asking for goods on credit.

"Don't worry," they would say. "I will pay you tomorrow."

Others promised to clear their debts at the end of the week.

Wanting to be kind and trusting, I agreed.

Tomorrow became next week.

Next week became next month.

Whenever I politely asked for payment, the same people who had smiled at me suddenly became angry.

"You think you are rich now?"

"You are bragging."

"Why are you disturbing us over small amounts of money?"

Their harsh words hurt more than the unpaid debts.

As if that was not enough, other people chose a different path. At night, they stole from me. Whenever I covered my kibanda with a gunia to protect my goods, I would return the next morning to find it missing. Small items disappeared. Things I had worked hard to buy vanished without explanation.

I often sat alone asking myself:

Why are some people so wicked?

Why would someone try to destroy a young person's effort?

Why would anyone celebrate your success during the day but secretly work against it at night?

Then I realized something important.

The world is full of dream builders, but it is also full of dream killers.

Some people cannot create, so they criticize.

Some cannot build, so they destroy.

Some cannot work hard, so they take advantage of those who do.

Yet history has always shown that those who build eventually leave a legacy, while those who destroy leave only regret.

To every young person struggling to start a business, a project, a career, or a dream: do not be discouraged by people who mock your efforts. Every successful entrepreneur started somewhere. Every great company began as a small idea. Every giant tree was once a tiny seed.

And to those who discourage, exploit, steal from, or mock hardworking young people, this is a warning:

You may slow someone's progress, but you cannot stop a destiny built on determination. The pain you cause today may become the story that inspires millions tomorrow.

Instead of demanding endless credit from struggling businesses, support them.

Instead of speaking harsh words, offer encouragement.

Instead of stealing, protect what others are building.

The future of every nation depends on young people who dare to dream and work honestly.

My kibanda may be small, but it taught me a lesson bigger than any classroom ever could: not everyone who smiles at you wants to see you succeed. Yet despite the obstacles, keep building.

Because one day, the very dream people laughed at will become the success they never expected.

And when that day comes, let your success speak louder than their negativity.

Never become a dream killer. The world needs more people who water seeds, not people who uproot them. Every honest effort deserves encouragement, respect, and support.