In a small village nestled among rolling hills in western Kenya, there lived a boy named Wekesa. Unlike the other boys in the village who spent their days herding cattle or playing ajua under the big fig tree, Wekesa often wandered off alone.
He had a curious mind and asked questions that made elders shift uncomfortably in their stools. “Why must we all do things the same way?” he once asked, when his father told him to become a carpenter like his uncles. “ Because that’s how it’s always been, ” came the answer.But Wekesa wasn’t satisfied.
One day, while walking by the river, he found a small, scrappy goat stuck in a thorn bush. Unlike the village goats that always followed the herd, this one had strayed too far. Most would have left it—”a foolish goat,” they’d say. But Wekesa freed it, bandaged its wounds, and took it home. He named it *Zinzi, meaning *hope.
Zinzi never followed the herd. While the other goats walked in line, Zinzi climbed trees, stood on termite mounds, and even chased chickens. The villagers laughed. “Your goat has no sense,” they mocked. But Wekesa saw something different. “She’s not confused,” he’d reply. “She just sees the world differently.”
“The one who walks alone is likely to find places no one has ever been.”
— Albert Einstein
Years passed. Wekesa, inspired by Zinzi’s boldness, chose not to become a carpenter. He studied agriculture instead, using new methods that none in the village had tried—rotational grazing, composting, drought-resistant crops.
The elders scoffed. “Those are mzungu tricks,” they’d say. But when the drought hit, most farms dried up. Wekesa’s land thrived. Slowly, villagers began asking him questions. Even the chief asked for his help.
Moral Lesson:
Sometimes, the ones who walk alone are not lost—they are simply brave enough to find a new path. In a world that rewards conformity, choosing your own way may seem foolish at first, but it may become the very thing that saves you—and others. Don’t fear being different. Fear never discovering who you truly are.
“Do not follow the crowd blindly, for even the crowd can walk off a cliff with confidence.”
— African Proverb (adapted)
Reflection Prompt
- Have you ever done something totaly different from how things are usually done? How was the experience?
- What’s one unique trait or quiet instinct you’ve often ignored because others didn’t understand it—could it actually be your hidden strength?”
Your comments are golden.
About the Author
Odhiambo John Omondi—also known as Casmils or Yaye—is the founder of ILeadGrowth, a certified Maxwell Leadership facilitator, and a passionate growth coach. From mentoring naturally to leading intentionally, he now empowers individuals and teams through coaching, training, and speaking. His mission is simple: to help you grow on purpose and lead well—starting with yourself.
