The Art of Taking Muratina

He had defied the laid down stipulations and he had to be kicked out. The process of kicking him out was not easy. He was drunk and yet he insisted he was not, but he was.

He threw tantrums and diplomatic debate ensured, eventually he defied diplomacy and force was used. He was taken “up up” by a group of men and locked out of the house.The day was a Sunday. The occasion was taking of traditional brew otherwise known as Muratina.It was a meeting of about ten men. The brew had been prepared using highest laid down standards. We had all contributed equally except the host who was exempted.

Contributions were both in cash and goods. Cash was to buy honey from the best honey harvester in the village. Money was also to take care for meat and its preparation. Muratina is a strong drink which can manage a TKO (Technical Knock Out) if it finds an empty stomach. An empty stomach involves a stomach filled with petty foods like rice. Muratina needs to find meat and ugali.

Preparation of Muratina is not a job that can be given to your average upstart. It needs an expert. Experts are those who have learnt the art by staying close to their grandfathers over time and learnt each and every step of preparing this wonderful brew.

We were of the same age and few of us knew how to go about preparing the brew, we agreed on the budget and settled for the day which was to be two weeks away. The host was to plapare.

All efforts were directed to this day. There was no taking chance. Sugarcane was bought and crushed according to the customs.

Sugarcane and honey were in order. We even bought our own container. We didn't intend to have any altercations with the host's parents.It had to be a smooth, concealed process. Concealed because at our age we were not supposed to be taking Muratina. Nonetheless being curious as we were we went on with our plans.

The best Muratina is the one that is prepared for at least seven days. This particular brew is dangerous if badly prepared but awesome when all the rules are followed.

It need lots of heat to help in fermentation. Using a particular formula that I don't intend to let on, Miratina, water, honey and sugar are all put in a container and placed near a fire place.

If there is no wood to sustain a continuous fireplace 24/7 then it is advisable to allow the container to be in sunshine during day time.

The day was finally here and we were ready. We had searched and found traditional drinking cow horns for taking the brew.

We had agreed like men of yore that the the purpose of the horn was to be honored. Horn was used to get rid of jokers.

Unlike the ordinary glass, you cannot put down a horn. You have to hold your beer. Once you inadvertently put it down those around you will know you are drunk.

We agreed on this important rule and stated taking this wonderful brew.

We settled for what we hoped to be an eventful evening. A well prepared Muratina tastes like juice. It is sweet. If well prepared a glass and half is enough to attract uncontrollable chatter as serious inebriation takes effect. By the third glass you ought to be drunk.

Our friend had underestimated the potent nature of this brew and he kept his horn down by the second round, he poured the brew on his partner and all hell broke loose. He refused to leave.

He said it was a mistake but we knew it was not. He was finally forced out. After a few minutes a second person put down his horn and the eviction began....