CHAPTER ONE

Self hustle

I was born and raised from a simple background. All my parents were subsistence farmers. I never love any thing to do with high end life, apart from the normal life I was offered by them. I was the second last born in a family of ten children. Luckily I was the only child who was the first to study up to A level. Indeed I became a champion by joining university at a tender age of 19 years. All hope and success of our family was pushed to my star. During my study days I was always working hard in order to overcome the challenges I experienced back at home. I believed that the only way I was going to overcome them was to pass all the step I was left with, and that was to pass with flying colours. On March 10th 2011 a new approach to life came to me. This approach was so unique and so beautiful. My analytical knowledge changed drastically. I never used to see things from a normal perspective. At this moment I started to view money as the only source of happiness and a greater way to change the problems we had at home. I started involving myself in different types of chores in order to make my family happy and fully fulfilled.

                Assignment for a living

My first job experience was working as a assignment taker. I used to do for lazy students assignments in order to meet my end meat. Though it was paying well I never got satisfied with the pay check. I can recall in a week I used to make about $ 70 to $100 which to me as a student wasn't a bad money to start with. My greed and appetite for money grew higher and higher every single day. This lead me to look for more and more opportunities for getting more money. All I used to do was to concentrate on the possible ways of getting money. My heart was bleeding for more and more I even forgot the basic reason for my education.

The season for education was moving faster and I was almost coming closer to my long holiday. My thoughts was no longer close to my family. I had one chance to restructure and utilised my long holiday. Under our group for networking we used to have a Facebook group dedicated for jobs search and networking. I got the courage and inbox my friend Fred.

        'Hey Fred need a job' the text was sent. It never took long time before he replied.

       ' Hey Rob, I got an opportunity for you, would you be interested in it'

In my thoughts I knew I was on it and from my last interaction with him, for sure he was a man of a greater chances.

I quickly replied, " how can we meet we discuss it friend" later on he shared his contacts with me.

I saw my world was in for it and I had believed God was creating my ways. I couldn't believe how quick it was to get a job, especially the one that Fred was connecting me to. The following morning I had to pay a visit to Fred. Who was Fred? He was a third year student at our university. He had a charming and accommodative nature. Most students viewed him as one of the most influential person of all time. He had connections and he knew how to play his cards well. I could recall clearly how he made Jack a millionaire at the age of 22 years. So talking to Fred in person was not a easy one. I perceived myself to be lucky and honoured.

He arranged our meeting at one of the top coffee shop in town. Upon arrival

 "Hey Fred long time" I said with joy

" I understand been up and down creating opportunities for my futures" he replied boastful. I could for sure see reasons as to why he was nicknamed man of the moment.

Our conversation never lasted for many hours since he had some stuffs to sort out later on.

" Robert this the best opportunity am giving to you. It will help you and your family" he assured me. From his voice I knew I had hit the biggest jackpot ever. The only opportunity  I was waiting was to meet Abdnir Salim.

Abdnir Salim had a work agency call Africa Diaspora. Africa Diaspora agency was just connecting young professions to jobs opportunities in Middle east and part of northern Africa. Mostly it targeted strong institutions like oil and farms. For me I wanted to kick start my career in any energy company.

            Meeting Abdnir Salim

I met him one week before my long holiday. He was a nice and outspoken Arab, probably around late 30s or early 40s. His office was located at the outcast of Nairobi City. Finding him in his office was like mining a black diamond, however for me I had booked my appointment two weeks earlier. I remember I met him in his office alone.

" Hello Robert" he courteously greeted me.

" I am fine sir and you?" I enquired.

 "I am fine too Robert" he replied. There was silent in the room, my heart wasn't at ease since I knew nothing concerning him.

 " Yes Robert tell me something about yourself and tell me which profession are you looking for" he happily asked

 " I am Robert, I am currently a first year student. I study communication" I anxiously replied.

" Yes go on" he gestured back to me. At this point I had nothing to say but I kept my hope high.

" So what profession are you looking at young man" he enquired

" Am looking at doing any work" I replied in a low voice. He took a pen and a paper writing for the options he has.

" Right now Robert we have jobs in these countries, Saudi Arabia, Qatar,Dubai,Bahrain and Oman. Hope you would be interested" he said while looking at me in the eyes. I looked at him back with a confusing eyes , trying to communicate back. He quickly realised.

" Which part are you not understanding?" he asked.

" I understand. More information on the job specifications" I asked.

" Right now we have connection with oil company ,they pay between $600 to $700 a month. There contract is only two years which is subjected to renewal if you only work well" he explained.

My inner greedy spirit started to develop a high level of wanting to go there and work for the best of my family. The only calculations I was having on my mind was to work for 2 years then come back home and finish my education.

But the biggest question  I had was how could I convinced my dad and mum to accept this? Initially when I was joining campus they told me to finish my education and be a successful person as my uncle. Furthermore, most of my school fees was being channelled from him.

"Robert is the offer good for you" Abdnir Salim interjected my thoughts.

" Yes sir. I am happy with it" I quickly replied.

"So all am going to require from you is your commitment.  Normally we require all the applicants to pay about $500 for registration but I do understand you are a student. I would only take $300 for your full registration.  Is that okey with you?" he asked in a convincing tone.

" Yeah, money is not a problem. Hope you will give me time to search for the money" I said in a strong conviction.

" No problem. How long can you take to get the money" he inquired

" Just give me one month. I will send you the money" I said confidently.

" Thank you for coming Robert. It was pleasure meeting you. Have a nice day"  he said while shaking my right hand firmly.

The moment I stood up. I was relieved and my thoughts were now resolved. The only issue that was bothering me was how I could work my way out to get the money.

Kenya is among the richest country in East and Central Africa. Money is not a problem for the middle class , but the only challenge is that the low income people don't have the privilege of getting more of this valuable asset. In 2011, there was a bit of economic change in terms of how people were creating opportunities, most industries were being shut down due to over taxation ,hence less jobs creation. The government even had advised youths to look for other alternatives opportunities. For me at least I knew I had something to do to sustain myself, that was taking assignments for my fellow students. I was basically thinking on how I could expand it, that is in terms of getting more clients and employing 2 to 3 students. This is when I met Jack. Jack was a computer student who was in third year. He had a very exemplary knowledge on computer programming and he loved what he was doing. Him joining me was going to be of a great advantage to my little company.

"Jack what I am promising you is amazing,  you are going to love the job. If you are good enough you will be able to make $50 to $150 in a week" I convinced him.

" of course I am interested but my question is how will I get the clients?" he asked

" Don't worry about the clients I will get them for you" I assured him.

" I also promise to be good in what am doing Robert, trust me" he affirmed to me. We shook hands and made a deal.

Within the first month we made almost $750 thanks to effort made by my team. I knew I was for sure going to have something good in life.

I paid my first employees , it was a moment of joy for me. I knew I had impact in the society and I have contributed toward the economy of my country.

The following morning I called Abdnir Salim to inform him that I was ready to pay my service charge. Luckily, he was around. My university was not far from Abdnir Salim's office,  it was almost 8 km so I had to walk for at least 45 minutes. I tiptoed there for me to get the first opportunity.

                      A change of plan

When I met Abdnir Salim he looked a changed man. This time round he had many phone calls. I could realised that most of them were from clients like me. He gestured to me to have a seat.

" I don't have a problem with that. But we are going to fix that. Is that okey" he said over the phone.

" It is a delay that we have to sort out as soon as possible" he assured the person he was talking to. He talked for almost 10 minutes then hanged up.

" Yes  Robert now tell me" he said very intensely.

" I have nothing to say sir. I have your money." I said as I hand over the  money to him.

" wow! So fast, you are too faster." He said while picking up the money. There was a smile in his face. I couldn't tell what made him to smile after that intense call, but I guessed my money could have been the reason.

" One thing Robert" he said while looking at me.

"Okey share it with me" I responded.

" There is change in everything. Last time we had conversation we made some promises which I am telling you might make you change your mind or you stick around" he explained

"Ok go on sir" I enquired

" Do you remember the country I promised you?" he asked

" Quite a bit" I replied while looking at him in the eye.

"Kindly mention them to me" he requested

At this point in time I realised there must have been a big problem. But where was the problem? I checked online and noticed that Abdnir Salim company was legit and they have the best reputation in town . From the data I accessed he had taken over 200 workers a broad. I was going to be over 200 workers who have benefited from his network. My heart started to pound hard. But at least I had to give him a lending ears. For sure he had the power  to make things happen. I believed him more than any other person on earth.

                  Reality Check

Abdnir Salim  started the company back in 1998 and since then he has been winning numerous awards. In 2009, he was named the best company to fight unemployment in kenya. So believing his words was very easy. So, I believe changing plan was the best way to go about the best option that would eventually lead to my success. I prefer to keep myself calm until I get the full information that was at least going to give me a head start.

                The bombshell decision

Abdnir Salim  called me away from his office to discuss what was going on.

    ' Robert, I told you there is a change in everything' he said while puffing his cigar. He looked worried and concerned. There was a inner conviction that was coming from him. From the first conversation we had a lot of engagement and I believed in him. The trust I had in him was perfect and no one could change everything

 "So what next sir" I asked him while giving my self an optimistic thought.

 He remained silent for about ten seconds. From the look of the situation I knew he was going to utter a solution to me.

" Well I have a solution. Last week I made a contact to some of our trusted friends in the countries I had told you. There responses aren't bad. So far they have arranged crew ship" he explained with a convincing tone.

" Right now they have agreed to take ten workers with them. And I was proposing you be among the ten workers. Are you interested" he asked .

Though I have never heard anyone using ship to go to Middle East. But since I believed him I had to try my best of luck.

                      CHAPTER TWO

Living below the ship

After finalising on the agreement Abdnir Salim gave me the number of woman who was suppose to pick me up at bus station in mombasa. The lady was called Subra Amina. The initial information I heard from Abdnir was that each year they were coordinating there business together. He even informed me that last year they had the same engagement. So that made me to trust him more.

I left Nairobi at exactly 7:00 PM at night. I knew by the next day in the morning I would be in Mombasa. My journey was perfect since I arrived at exactly 8:00 AM. I never wanted to waste more time on useless activities around the town. But the first thing I was suppose to do was to make a call to Subra Amina.

   " Hello Subra Amina , my name is Robert, I got your number from Abdnir Salim, he told me you had made arrangement for my travel to Middle East" I explained.

She never asked a lot of questions. All she did was to give me direction to the pick up station. Since I knew less about the town. I started my inquiry very early and left to the pick up station. It took me only 40 minutes to arrive there.

           Deplorable conditions at the port

At the port I walked to the lined ship which was yellow in colour. Besides it there was a very old ship that was probably made in 14th century. It was rapped up with a wooden roofs, which some of them were falling. Far away there were old stained ships looking worn out by the rusty body all over. In simple the place was like an old ship vintage. Twenty minutes later I got a call from Subra Amina

  "Hello, Robert where are you?" she asked. I gave her the direction. Luckily she was around.

 Subra Amina was a very beautiful woman, with blonde hair. She was probably around mid 40s. She looked mature and very organised. I was wishing to have a conversation with her before leaving.

" Hi Robert" she greeted while holding my hand firmly. From that I knew she was in for real treat. She took her phone and made a call.

 "  Hello Abdnir, am just waiting for other clients to check in" she said while glaring at me. From her conversation I knew she had already made some arrangements that would see us through to our dream countries of work. She pressed the phone and turned to me.

  " Robert, follow me" she instructed while walking to the back end of the old ship. We walked for almost ten minutes  till we approached the ship.

The ship was white in colour, from outside it looked like a cruise ship perhaps I knew at least our journey was going to be fruitful. A few minutes later I was joined by two young men. Tony and Jude. They were a bit smiley on their faces, I guessed they were promised heaven and earth just like me. They quickly walked next to me.

"Hey am Tony" Tony introduced himself to me in calm manner.

 " I am Robert " I replied with a smile.

We quickly entered inside the ship. At the entry door we met a black Indian who never knew English. He gestured the direction of a place that we were supposed to stay during our journey.

We moved to under ground room. The room was not well lit. There were rug of old clothes all over. At the edge of the room was a very small window which had a window glued glass. Opening it wasn't a easy task. After entering I moved to the far corner next to the edge of the window.

The ship took off immediately and all I could see through the window was house moving. As we left so many question start to linger my mind. Where are we going? Why are this people placing us in an unused room? Are we safe?

I turned to Tony. "Hey Tony which country are you going to work" I asked him.

He quickly took out his card and read it to me.

  "Qatar" he replied. All along I had no clue on what was on the card. At the back page there were some written instructions on our employment destinations.

"Just check at the back of your card"  Tony instructed me. I took out my card and I saw it written I am supposed to start my work in Libya. The impulse level within me raised so higher and higher. I started feeling that everything wasn't going in the right direction. I remembered the last information I received from Abdnir. He only gave me a raw information about the job and the place I was suppose to go for the job.

When I looked at the small window I couldn't be able to see anything apart from the darkness. That sparked a conversation between the three of us. And this was the first time I heard the sound of Jude.

   "Hey guys do you think we are safe here" Jude asked worriedly. I could be able to tell from his voice. I kept my self in calm ordeal. I knew if we do something stupid we could be in for a different turn of event.

  " Guys, you have to stay calm. We still don't know what these people are up to" I advised while looking through the window.

           First food and water

I slept for almost twenty minutes then I heard someone knocking the door in an disorderly manner. My heart pounded very hard. I had to woke Tony and Jude up. They woke up while trying to open their eyes. I walked slowly to open the door. The person threw food and water into the room then banged the door close. We looked at each other in a confused way.

   " Are you okey Robert" Tony asked.

"Yeah, I am certainly okey" I responded.  At this moment in time I knew all was not well. We all went to different corner of the room wondering where we were heading to.

 " Do you think these guys are real" Jude asked with a confused eyes. There was silent in the room for a while. None of us had appetite for the food and water.

                 Day Two

I woke up very early. I walked to the edge of the of the room to see through the small room. When I looked keenly I could be able to see sun rise. The scene was so beautiful, at least it relieved my agitation I had. I was wishing for the two colleagues of mine to see and get nourishment. But I could do that since they were deep in a sleep. At this point in time I never had any idea what was happening inside the ship. Out of blues Tony woke up.

    "Hi, Robert" he greeted me while trying to unfold his eyes. The tensed situation was all over.

    " Hey, Tony" I replied while looking so worried. From the look Tony had so many questions that was lingering his mind, but the only problem was, he could not be able to ask Jude and I. From the  far corner Jude was still in a deep sleep. He was snoring like hell. The atmosphere was in a deep dilemma since none of us had any idea where we are.

    " Robert, what made you to look for this job" Tony asked in a soft voice. I didn't know what to answer him. I was aware that all my parents knew I was still in school.

    " Tony, I just want to make money. I come from a poor family, my parents aren't able to afford all the desire of my heart" I replied courageously. Tony looked at me and nodded his head.

    " Is that the main reason why you are here?" he asked. Tony's questions had some weight in them perhaps I guessed he was up to something. But wait, what is it? Never had some answers.

  " Tony why are you here ?" I asked.

" Robert am still a student. I lost my parents in a deadly accident. The day they were supposed to travel back at home. I was to be with them. Since I had exams I told them to begin the journey and I could follow them the next day. I finished my exam earlier that day. At around 11.00 AM,Mr.Ochilo called me to explained to me what happened. He told me the whole story. Their death was even broadcasted live on television and Radio" he told me the story while tears dropping from his eyes.

Jude woke up. He looked confused and tired.

" Hey, guys any news" he asked worriedly.  Jude looked so young probably he was 19 years old. I couldn't believed he was able to handle pressure around. From his reaction to any action could tell more about him.

 " Okey they brought in some food stuffs and water, you can pick them at the far corner" I gestured to him. He stood up and grabbed the food and water. He hungrily started to consume the food. Tony and I stared at him in a confused manner. The food was not well cooked, but at least for hungry Jude it was something to pass by. Time was moving so faster, when I looked at the window I saw it was already dark. I had nothing to say to the two of them. I picked up My cover cloth and coiled my self at my usual corner and slept.

               Day Three

As usual I got woke up by the noise of the person who normally bring for us the food. This time round I had the courage to confront him.

 " Hey"  I shouted. Tony and Jude woke up so worried. The man never closed the door. He walked inside the room. The man was wearing a black full combat suit. His shoes were as big as those of army.

   " what is it young man?" he asked with a loud voice. I turned around and said to my self it was the right time for me to asked my questions.

   " Sir, I where are you taking us?" I asked. The man smiled a bit.

" I don't know young man, but all I know this ship is moving to Libya. I don't want you to move out of this room because the captain isn't aware that you are here. If you do something stupid  they will just throw you to sharks, and that will be your end" he instructed. The man sound so real and serious, his instructions were on point.

" Sound goods young people" he said while walking out. Our minds was so numbed and no-one had nothing to add on what the man told us. But it was rather good for us to die with the hard reality. Now we had idea where we were going to at least we were still going to remain in Africa.

         Day Four to Fourteen

The routine was the same. The man kept on throwing us the food inside the room. The journey was so tired and tedious. We stayed awake till we formed our own game which was supposed to push us till we reached our destination. Our mind was in idle state and there was no way to keep it open. The only way we could do it was to look for something that could keep us busy. The first game was called African Child. This game was very unique and mind demanding. Tony and Jude were to formulate a formula under which all of us were to come up with a wonderful questions that was to make us think harder and harder. Tony posed a question to me from science field.

   " Robert to you, how many countries were promoted by United Nation to be sovereign States?" He asked . Though the question looked so easy, I wasn't able to answer it and the moment.

  " Can I guess, Tony.....eeh I think they are 6 countries" I doubtfully answered the question.

Tony smiled and turned to me.

" which one and which one Robert?" he asked.  The game became so engaging and more interesting since one tagged question was supposed to be answered by supportive sentiments.

" Monaco, island of Isle, Hong Kong, Taiwan ...eeeh I can't remember any other" I responded quickly. The answers made Tony and Jude to lough at me. Time was moving very fast and the option I had was to keep my self warm. At night the room was very cold and during the day the condition was very favourable and accommodative.

"Robert and Tony do you think we will ever see our parents again" he asked worriedly. The tears from his eyes were pouring profusely and he seemed to be bothered by something else. Tony and I never had something to say to our young brother who was bothered by whole event.

On the fourteenth day we arrived at the busiest port in Libya. The ship hooted and we passed through a small canal for inspection. I stood and stared through the small window. I saw soldiers parading at the bank of the sea. I told Tony and Jude to stay calm and wait for the ship to stop.

               CHAPTER THREE

                Arriving in Libya

After the ship anchored at the harbour. The man who has been giving us food walked down to the room. This time round he was not laughing nor smiling.

" Guys follow me upstairs" he instructed. We followed him upon arriving at the main gate we were welcomed by a old soviet army vehicle . At the entry door there was a huge rope which we were suppose to use to get inside. My heart started to pound harder. I knew there was something wrong with this. Quickly we climbed inside the lorry. Inside we met  young women and men seated. They seemed unhappy and feeble. I quickly rushed to the edge of the lorry. For me I was looking for a place I could be able to see what was going around me. The lorry immediately left the port. We drove through the desert, the first person alighted at the neighbourhood town. What was bothering me was the way these people were organised. They could come and call your name then you were left at the work station. I arrived at my work station before Tony and Jude. Emotion was running too high and I had no option to leave them.

     " Tony na Jude mfike salama. Tutapatana mjaliwa. Kwaheri" I said as I light off the lorry. Outside I met two soldiers who were not smiling nor ready to talk.

  " To the truck!" he instructed me. I quickly climbed to the truck and immediately they ignited the truck and we left.

The journey took us two hours to reach our destination. The place was called wehda, the structures in the surrounding weren't good. The moment I was showed my room I knew olife was not going to be the same.

  Working as a steam controller

My first assignment was to work as a steam controller at largest oil company. The company was called Texl oil company. From my simple analysis I realised that the company was well off because it had a huge large work force. The workforce was between 1000 to 1500 people. I  had no friend so I had to keep myself busy. Each time during lunch time I would be sitting alone trying to keep my ears opened to anyone who will be speaking English. But it wasn't easy to get one. The work hours was running from 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM which was very exhaustive. Lunch break was only for 30 minutes. The serving line during lunch break was very tiring and very boring. Most of the time I spent on line. I only got 10 to 8 minutes of eating time. The food that was preferred to be served by the company was dried pan cake with beans. Though, there was a bit of secret in the company, there seemed to be a streamline of everything. The workers were busy and nobody was willing to talk to anyone.

              Three months working without payment

I worked for the last three months without being paid. I could not tell what was going on since I had no friend nor someone to talk to. When I went back for work I started becoming so curious about everything . I walked around looking for someone who could be able to speak in English.

   I saw a very old Arab man at the far corner. He looked so welcoming and down to earth. I got courage and I said to myself it was high time for me to speak to him. I had to try to convinced him to help me out.

    " Hello, speaking English" I enquired. He turned his head around and looked at me. For a moment he hesitated to reply. But at least I knew he must had the idea of speaking English.

    " Yes, young man. I speak English. Problem?" he asked in Arabic dialect. My whole heart cool down and I felt good within.

  " Yes, problem" I replied. He looked so nice and perhaps I thought he would let me know what was happening. He signalled me to follow him.

  " come with me young man" he said while walking toward the stream boiler. The moment I heard that I quickly followed him. He opened the adjustment door and instructed me to follow him in.

 " Have a seat my friend" he said. I quickly pulled the chair and sat down.

 " What is the problem young man" he asked in a low voice.

 " I have not been paid for the last three months" I said. He looked at me in puzzled. He shook his head and turned to me.

  " Which agency are you working for?" he asked. I took the card out and showed him. He stared at me in dismayed.

 " My friend, I am advising you to stop looking for those payments. That agency has been accused with child trafficking and modern slaves. So probably you are one of the two" he explained.  The moment I heard that I stood up and my stomach started to aching.

" My advice to you is for you stay calm. Because if you do something stupid they will kill you and nobody will see you again. After every three months the government normally organise illegal migrants workers raid. So if they come you will save you. But for me I have nothing to help you" he advised. From his sentiment I knew I was on my own and there is nothing I could do about it. That day I left the job wondering what I could do next.

                     Frustrated Nigerian

In my residential house I was surrounded by black migrants workers. Though there was no time to talk I could see the frustration around. To my left there was a Nigerian and my right was Ghanaian. We were never preoccupied by other people's business. I wanted to know how this place was being run. At around 9:30 PM I woke up and slowly opened the door. I walked slowly to the left side neighbour. I knocked the door.

" Hello, opened for me am your neighbour" I whispered at the door. There was a silent around. I thought there was nobody inside, as I tried to squeeze my eyes through a gap on next to the hinge of the door. I saw a black man seated at the far corner. The picture wasn't coming clear but I could be able to see the clothes he was wearing. The clothes was cream in colour.

   "Who is there?" he asked in Nigerian dialect.

" It is me , am your neighbour" I said quickly, hoping he was going to open for me the door to come in.

 " My friend stop disturbing me, you don't know the people you are dealing with. They will make you work and finally kill you. We are all going to die" he said with a lot of tension. From his voice he meant what he was saying and I could tell that. I quickly tiptoed toward my house. As I was walking I heard a sound of truck approaching, the speed of the truck was a bit scary. Before I opened the door the light of the truck reflect on me but I quickly opened the door and slowly closed it behind. I then moved next to the door to witness what was going on outside. Through the small space I saw the two men in military uniform alighted and head to the far east. I couldn't tell what they went to do there, but I guessed they weren't have a good intention at all. I quickly coiled to my rugged clothes to sleep.

               Waking up at 4:00 AM

The following morning, things were not the same the soldiers woke me up very early. I have never been waken up in this manner.

     " Wake up young man, time to work we need to make money" they ordered. Though I had a bit of sleep in my eyes, I quickly woke up and followed their instructions. I blindly moved to the truck ready for work. As we were moving I saw a group of other young men and women carried away by a cream dark soviet army vehicle. They were not heading to our direction. The weather conditions was extreme harsh, the wind was waving highly. Back at the truck I could be able to feel that. The scorching wind was filled with dusts and high level of wind. I realised the danger and covered by face with the cloth I was wearing.  I prayed to God almighty to protect me at this trying time, I could understand that such conditions normally get worse if you have to pass through the desert. I managed to reach the work place safely.

        Looking for friends

At work I knew the only way for me to know where I was, was to create more friendship with people here. First I had to look for the Arab man I met earlier. But wait I never told him my name, he also never told me his! But at least I knew his face and I had some engagement with him so far. I consoled myself to wait for him to get the real story because he happened to know what these people were up to. I worked to around 11:30 AM without seeing him. As I was moving to pick wooden log at the other room, I saw him giving instructions to other workers in Arabic.  I was total not concerned with what he was say but my main mission was to get information on how I would be able to go back home. I slowly walked to where he was because I wanted him to give me attention. He saw me and started to walk away from me.

    " Hey, friend help me I want to go back home" I desperately told him. My voice could indicate that. He furiously looked at me.

 " Young man I can't help you. The agency you are working for is well connected, they have the best spies on this world. If they notice anything fishy on you, they will both kill us. So, I would advise you to stay calm and make sure they don't notice something unusual from you. Protect your life first" he explained.

 " Which country are you coming from?" he asked.

" Kenya" I answered quickly. He looked at me in sympathetic manner.

 " I am so sorry my friend. I will see want I can do to help but am not promising you" he said while looking around.

  " My name is Robert" I said while extending my right hand to him.

 " I am Muhammed" he replied while greeting me firmly. The moment he finished greeting me, his workers came back and he was left with no option but to leave me and walk away. I continued with my work while hoping for the best and this juncture I knew I was a slave and there was nothing I could do. I was hoping someone could come and rescue me but I had nobody in my mind apart from Muhammed who only told me to count on him a little bit.

             CHAPTER FOUR

Visit to Oasis

I had stayed almost four months without bathing, my body was almost adapting to this condition , though I could feel my body demanding his due right, I could not get access to clean water. Temperature that day was above 40 degree, I got information that the company I was working under was going through  one day maintenance. The soldiers came and told me I was going for a real treat in the desert. I never knew the surprise but I was hoping that it was with a good motive. I got into the truck and we left. Desert journey was one of the most boring journey for me because you never knew what could happened. Mostly the pro- government agencies could attack you, and when they attacked they could kill all of you. As we were driving through the desert, I saw a caravan of people walking with camels at the far east. The soldiers I was with seemed not to be bothered with them. We passed and we arrived at the biggest water point in this country. I saw other black people some were happy , others were just trying to be happy.

    "You can join them, enjoy yourself my friend" one soldier utter. I got off the truck and joined them. I jumped inside the water with my entire cloth, I felt good and a bit nourished. The feeling was so nice and I could be able to start feeling good. I took off my upper cloth and bathed with it. Around I could see the soldier parading around the oasis looking at the entire water body. I swum for almost 10 minutes then I walked out. As I was walking a saw a black man with a huge scar on his back, I got curious and I wanted to know what was going on. I pretended to be walking toward the other corner, the reason I was doing this was for the soldier not to notice what was happening.

    " Hey, what happened to you?" I asked with a low voice.

     " Long story, my friend" he replied.

From his reply I knew the scar had a significant story but he wasn't able to tell me exactly what happened.

    " What happened my friend?" I enquired. He turned around and started telling me his story.

 " On my way here, I met some people they were

His story was so sad that made me tear out. He found himself as a slave when the stranger told him to repay the money. Time was running out we had to leave the place. But before leaving I saw a strange behaviour from the soldiers they were not at ease I guessed there was some intelligent information that they got.

"Hey, we have to leave faster, don't waste time" one soldier said in hurry. I quickly stood up and put on my clothes ready to leave. The place became so chaotic and everyone was moving up and down to their respective trucks. I moved to our truck quickly and alighted in while trying to figure out what was going on.

"Lin down my friend don't raised up your head" the soldier instructed while pushing my head on the floor of the truck. I wasn't able to know what was happening but from my heart I knew everything was not right. The truck quickly moved at a higher speed.

We arrived safely at my residency, a thing which made my heart feel at peace.

                    CHAPTER FIVE

Killing incident

After work I was very exhausted and tired. I walked inside the house and found that the food was already delivered by the soldier. One of my neighbour wasn't in already, that was the Nigerian. My second neighbour who was a Ghanaian was already in but he seemed not to be well. I got courage and said I had to pay him a visit at least to know what was wrong with him. I slowly walked to his house then knocked his door in slow voice.

"Hello are you in there?" I asked while knocking the door slowly and gently. He coughed and never said anything. From his cough I knew there was something wrong.

I opened the door and walked in. The scene I found was so scary and inhumane.  The man was bleeding and his head was tightly covered with a bloody bandage. I gained courage and walked near him.

 " Hey, friend what is going on?" I asked him while touching his chest. He coughed again but this time the cough came out in term of blood stain. The cough was becoming to much. I stood up and closed the door for noone to realise I was inside.

" Hello what happened?" I asked worriedly. He scrolled his hand on the floor and pushed himself to the wall to have a strong sitting posture.

"My friend leave before they come. I know they will not spare your life. This people are dangerous." He struggled while telling me.

" What happened to you my friend?" I asked in a desperate voice.

" I was trying to escape but they found me in the desert, they torture me. Beat me hard on the head and the chest. They then brought me here. I know if they don't find me dead they are going to kill me anyway" he said while looking at me.

I was sympathising with him but I could not help him at this point in time. I heard the sound of a truck approaching . He changed his posture and told me to run away. I quickly stood up and head to my house. In my mind I knew something was going to happen to me in near future. I opened up my door and sat at the far corner waiting for my time. That day I got tired and fell a sleep without taking the food.

A slept till 4:30 AM I got woke up by a sound of a gun shot. The gun sound was in slight sound but at least I could be able to hear it from my end.  My heart was pounding very fast and I couldn't understood what was going on. I quickly stood and walked toward the door to see what was going on. I slowly opened the door and saw two soldiers carrying the body to the truck on a black bag. I quickly saw this and felt like this was the trend of this people, after using you they kill you and leave you dead. I tiptoed to the Nigerian neighbour to understand what was going on. I knocked the door and worriedly enter, I found him up already , he also heard the sound of the gun.

" Hey, friend what is going On?" I asked him in low voice. He crossed his finger on his mouth, gesturing me to say nothing. I kept quiet for a minute, we heard the truck leaving. I knew they were taking the body away from the scene.

" Where do you think they are taking him?" I asked questions anxiously.

The Nigerian guy looked at me in a shocked way.

"They are going to Bury him in desert. His family will never see him again on this world. They normally kill people and take your body to the desert" he said. The mood was not so good but we had to bare it with one another.

" How long have you been working here?" I asked him. He looked at me in a low surprise.

" I was brought here when I was 19 years, my mother was killed back in Nigeria and I knew I was going to have a better life. There was no option for me to stay there. I got an agency that connect me to come here. They paid for me the flight ticket to here in Libya. I have worked here for almost 15 years without payment. But, at least I thank God he has given me life. In your house I have seen 12 young men being killed. Life here is not easy, there are some months we have to work at night, this when the temperature is above 45 degree. So in desert you cannot drive because the government agencies are surveying anyone who is going against the rules and law of heat. I am still here I don't know when they will release me back to my country. But one day God will  make a way" he sadly said.

His story was a sad one. I thought I was having the saddest story of my life but it was just a taste of it. I was there for only three months and almost two weeks but it looks like I had stayed there for over hundred years.

" I would advice you just to leave right now because work time is almost here with us, and the soldiers will be here with us anytime." He advised me. I stood up and left him while seated. On my thought I knew one day I will have to die and I will be buried in the desert. My eyes was widely opened till the soldier came and took me to work.

CHAPTER SIX

Pushing Muhammed for raid

At work I was working while trying to see if I could be able to see Muhammed around. As the time was passing by I could look through if I was able to find him. I never wanted to create any unnecessary attention around. I never knew any Arabic language to ask where I could be able to find him. I thought to my self that if I told him about the death he would be able to look for me any help that could take me back to my country.

As I was heading for lunch I saw him moving to his room. I said to my self it was a perfect time for me to talk to him. I ran to his room then I knocked the door.

" Hello, Muhammed are you in there?" I asked while knocking the door hard.

He quickly open the door. "Hey it is you, get in quickly" he instructed.  I quickly moved in and closed the door.

" What is wrong with you?" He asked. I looked at him while breathing hard. He realised that I was not ok.

" Calm down take my food and eat" he gave me the food. I took it up, I ate it very quickly. His food was so special and delicious than the food we were given at the kitchen.

"   Yesterday they killed one of us. They took the body to the desert. I guess I am the next victim here" I said worriedly. He looked at me and stood up and move to the door and looked through if there was anyone around.

" My friend I heard that the government is going to conduct raid anytime. I am yet to confirm this but I would advice you to stay a way from trouble. Keep your mother shut. I want you to go back to work and stay calm. They will come for you, I mean the government" he said while opening the door for me. I walked out and head to my work area.

      Meeting Selina Muhammad

As I was working a lady came to patrol the work place. She was dressing a navy brown top dress and brown trouser, you couldn't tell whether she was a white lady or Arab lady but all I was guessing that she was one of the top manager at the company. She was to where I was carrying the logs for steam.

" Hello, how are you?" she cautiously greeted me. " I am fine boss" I replied while creating a fake smile.

" How is the work, do you have any challenge working here?" she asked two question at one. " The work is good boss and I love what am doing" I said pretending. She smile at me and decided to leave. I wanted to tell her the story but I never had any courage to tell him because I knew it could have created problems.

As I left the work the soldier picked at me angrily. They never smiled as usual I knew there was something wrong with them. This time round the told me to aboard the from seat of the truck and seat in the middle. I quickly followed there instructions. We left the place with quite strange speed. As we approach the desert they diverted the road and head deeper into the desert. My heart started to pound harder and harder. Then they stopped the engine.

" Out quickly!" he ordered as I was trying to lift my foot out. The other soldier slapped me harder at the check, I almost lost my jaw. I scroll on the sand.

"Stop there or I will shoot you in the head" he said while pulling out the gun and triggered it. I knew this was my last time to die.

One of the soldier pulled me up with my shirt.

" What did you said to the lady?" he asked. I couldn't utter any word because my mind was quite exhausted and I could not do anything.

" Forgive me I never said anything bad. She asked me how the work was and I told him the work was perfectly good. There was nothing else I said" I replied in pain. They talked in Arabic and walked to the back of the truck. They came with a black sheet and water. They blind folded me and started to pour water on my mouth I drunk a lot in a painful manner, the pain was intense and quite hard.

" Tell us what you told the lady or we will kill you!" they threaten. For me I knew nothing they wanted from me. Not at all. One of the soldier told the other one to leave me.

" Just leave him alone. He has nothing to say" he said while telling me to move to the truck. I painfully walked to the truck but this time round I moved to the back of the truck.

I was quickly driven home but I was in the pain. The moment I arrived home, I painfully opened the door and walked in. The good news was I was still alive but I knew next time I will be dead and no one will ever knew where I went to.

               CHAPTER SEVEN

Coughing blood

That night I never had my sleep my all body was aching and paining me. I could recall the torture I went through in the hands of the soldiers. I got heat within my body and I felt very sick. I coughed stain blood out just like my neighbour Ghanaian. I knew I was going to die any time. I needed hot water but I cloud not find any. I never wanted to die without my neighbour knowing so I knocked hard the wall for the Nigerian neighbour.

" Hey , help me am dying" I said in pain, I wanted him to help me out but he was just a harmless person like me. I knocked once twice and the third one he heard me.

" what's up My friend are you okey?, is everything okey?" he asked. I could not be able to talk loud but at least he could hear my  voice.

 " Friend, I got tortured by the soldiers and am in pain, help me please" I said in a low voice. My body was in a feeble state and I could not be able to carry my self up to my neighbour's house but I knew he would come to where I am and find out what was happening.

   " My friend I can't make that side soldiers are outside they might see me and cause problem" he pleaded with me. I slowly scroll my self to the door and I closed it and quickly watch through the small space and I saw touch being lit all over. My thought quickly run to the action which took place next door. I wanted to protect my self from any harm that could be averted to me. God I am the next person to be harm by these soldiers? Are they coming for me? Was the action planned by the agency? All those questions were lingering through my mind and I wanted to prepare my self for the worse action.

I pretended not to be sick so I quickly slept on my rugs waiting to go to work in the morning. The sleep was not coming by but at least I could feel a little better because I could put my head down.

I slept until 4:30 PM since my body was adopted to waking at this time, I found my self waking up without any difficulty. The weather was a little bit colder than expected so I just put my body to rest a bit before I would go for work. But how could I work? How could I be able to manage carrying the heavy logs? These were the thoughts I had then and I knew I could not be able to manage carrying the log till night.

                 Working with difficulty

I arrived at work very tired and uneasy , I felt like everything was not moving and all my body wasn't working properly. Luckily Muhammed saw me and walked next to me.

" Hello are you sick?" he asked with a concerned voice. I looked at him in a weak posture. He quickly came and tap me at the shoulder. I sat down a bit.

" Yes sir am sick, they tortured me yesterday. I have been bleeding hard" I explained. He quickly walked upstairs to his office and came back with tablets of pain killers.

" This is what I can offer you for now. I don't have any other medicines just take them and relax" he advised.

I took the medicines and swallow them without water. I had no time to get water and I was suppose to be working without relaxing.

After taking the medicines I got a little better and I kept the rest for other emergency. I never knew if the soldiers saw me with him or not but I was sure they were thinking Muhammed was one of the top manager in the company.

At lunch break I went to Muhammed office again to see if I could be able to find him or not. Luckily he was in. As usual I knocked the door and quickly entered inside hoping to find good information that could take me back home.

" Hey sir any information?" I asked curiously. He quickly pulled the chair for me.

" Have a seat my friend" he said calmly. I got seated.

" Not yet my friend, but I don't want this people to know that I want to help you out because they will kill all of us. I have one request which will help you. You see when you are working, work hard and avoid talking too much, because they are monitoring your moves. Once they realised that you are up to something, they won't hesitate to kill you. And nobody back in your country  will know you will be gone just like that." He advised. I knew Muhammed was upto something good for me and he was ready to risk his life for me to leave his country. I worked hard and finally managed to    finished up at breaking time.

                    CHAPTER EIGHT

Six Months of working

After working for six months I got used to my work and I loved everything about it apart from the fact that I was not being paid anything. I arrived at work early. As I was heading to the truck, one of the soldier dropped a small picture. He never noticed so I picked it up. When I looked at it keenly, a saw a beautiful woman with a curl hair, she looked so familiar, I remembered I met her but I couldn't quite recall where.

 " Here sir" I gave the picture to him. The soldier angrily looked at me. Then he harshly picked the picture from me. I knew he was tracing the lady but I couldn't judge. At this point in time is when I remembered that the lady was Selina Muhammad. But why were they having his photo? Is she a police? Was I wrong not to tell her how I was treated? Did I miss my chance to be helped? Those were the questions that were going through my mind. But I cared less since I never wanted to pressure my self so much on the things that were least of my concern.

The weather was a bit favourable though there was wind we managed to traverse through it. At working things were moving on swiftly and no-one was not in the mood including me. At around 10: 00 AM I saw Muhammed running towards me. He was happy and a bit cheerful. When I saw him I knew he had a very good information to pass to me.

"Hey, Robert the soldiers are coming. Stay calm don't utter any word" he said while breathing profusely. Before he finished telling me the full information. I heard a gun shots everywhere and everyone was running.

Muhammed went down flat and I also went down. He advised not to run because that was the last opportunity I had.

" Don't panic they won't harm you" he said, the gun was shot for almost ten minutes. Muhammed and I stayed on the ground until there were no more gun fire. One soldier came and grabbed me on the back of my cloth. At this time my memory was not working. I could hear Muhammed shouting in Arabic dialect and pleading with the soldier not to hurt me.

" I will come for you, just go" Muhammed said in deep sound. He was really concerned about me. Finally, all the illegal migrants workers were taken to Old soviet army lorry.

We were driven to Capital Tripoli. The journey took us almost two hours. Upon arriving I was taken to men cell. I found that the cell was better than the place I was taken. Here the government was giving me free food and other services. I could be able to see at  least medical doctor for treat.

Muhammed visit

I never expected this, Muhammed followed me till Tripoli to check on me. Upon seeing him my tears started to drop out, I was so happy to see him, he has been with me through think and thin.

" Hey friend, I hope the government treat you well" he said.

" Yes, it is better than the place I was. I thank you for this" I said with joy.

" No need to thank me" he replied. There was a silent in the cell, he looked at me.

" Here is a hundred dollars, I know in couples of days the government will deport you back to your country, use it to travel home. But remember love you country and don't try to travel to another country. You hear me" he advised. When I saw the money I was overjoyed and I realised Muhammed was a good person. I took the money and thanked him so much . He then left waving at me. I knew I will never see him again.

                   Interrogation before deportation

After staying in a cell for 3 days. I was hopeful that Libya government would take me to our embassy. They never did that. One soldier came to my cell. He was weary an army combat with a red cap. He looked so friendly.

" Are you Robert?" he asked. I thought I was going to be taken back to my country.

" Yes sir" I said while looking at him.

" Follow me please" he instructed. He opened the door of the cell and I followed him out. At corridor of the cell we walked a few meter to the right the he begun to ask me questions.

" Tell me why you are in Libya illegally" he probed me. At first I thought he was just asking but later on I realised he was serious with his question.

" Are you a terrorist?" he continued asking .when I had the word terrorist I began to defend my self.

" No sir I am not a terrorist, I was a student when I was brought here by the agency, which I never knew would land me here" I defended my self.

" Do you have anything that proof that?" he continued to interrogate me. I felt strong heat on my all body and I started sensing I was in a big trouble with Libya government. I took out the card and gave him. He looked at him and looked at me again.

" I don't need a card. I need papers" he said. I did not know how to reply to his question but I still continued to argue with him.

" But sir...." before I completed my statement he cut me short.

" I need papers young man. Don't talk to much" he said harshly. At this point I knew I was on my own and the Libyan government couldn't understand me. We walked for almost 15 minutes then we arrived at interrogation headquarter. There I met another two soldiers who wore the same clothes as the soldier who took me there.  They spoke in Arabic and told me to sit at the far corner of their room.

" Young have  a seat there" one of them instructed me. I sat there for couple of minutes. The room was too cold and very filthy.

One of the soldier told me to stand up. I stood up and finally knew I was out of trouble.

" Young man we are deporting you back to you country but as a terrorist. This is the favour Libya government can do for you." He said while giving documents to sign. I did not want to know what I was signing since I knew once I am in my country everything will be okey.  I quickly signed the document and immediately I finished it, they blind folded me. I wanted to shout but I knew there would be no one to help me. Later on I heard them talking in Arabic I was not interested in what they were saying but I knew at least I was safe in their hands.