Alkelbulan Nights:

The Story of Okumu Ogada GorMahia

A Musical Play

Book written by Kevin Kwasa

Co written by Sylvester Mwai Bonke

Music by Andrew Tumbo

A Spellcast Media Production

SCENE 1

A Hero Returns: Ougo Ratego’s no retreat policy

TINDATINDA starts playing. Narrator walks in jovial and upbeat, her mood in concert with the life and flow of this happy song. The steady beat of the djembe will only change to answer the narrator.

Narrator: Hello friends. Sit. Please sit and be merry for today we hear a story. And a good one, yes? (Drum answers) Today you can all be seers into the past. Would you like to come with me? (Drum answers) Would you like to come? (Drum answers more emphatically) Then pack your minds, your eyes your noses and mouths and fly with me to the land called Kanyamwa. Kanyamwa the land of milk, honey and busaaaaaaaaa. Kanyamwa the great! Kanyamwa the mysterious! You know where Kanyamwa is, Don’t you? (Drum answers questioning)

TINDATINDA continues playing till the end.

Narrator: In the cradle of the hills of Kanyamwa a rock fell that could not be uprooted. Its waves became legends, the legends became myths, and things that should always be remembered... have quickly been forgotten.

There in Kanyamwa a son was born. Born into a tradition of great and powerful magic, he was as ordinary as you, and you and you (points to the drum), less ordinary than myself, right? (Drum answers). But when his grandfather lifted him up, he saw a flash, a glint, a look, and a sign. In that child lay a well of potential that only the great can drink from. The old man knew that his own great magic would live on in this young one. And so he was called Okumu Ogada Gor Mahia.

(TINDATINDA II starts, the percussion stops in complete silence. It picks up after a long pause, becoming more laboured and ominous)

Now if you like stories of loveable heroes, thrust into equally heroic battles , rewarded by the hand of a princess and immortalised in a proud line of decendants, maybe you should wait for another show.

Because wherever there is power, there is hunger, and jealousy. Sometimes these appetites run thicker than blood. Brother, sister, cousin, all envious that they were passed over. In their hearts they cried “Why not me”? Gor Mahia was thrust into exile. And so the magic of his family left Kanyamwa with him. There was not enough of Kanyamwa left to defend the dala. It was then that a great band of warriors fell on Kanyamwa. (Band hit!) The Karungu. (Band hit!) Fierce lions of men. Ogada, Gor’s father was among the first to fall. The victors did not give it a second thought. Their ruthless leader OugoRatego danced happy over the body of Ogada, mocking the spirits of Kanyamwa. He had crushed the people like ants and so he danced and danced, to make himself feel safe…

Enter Ougo singing JORITO LWENY.

Ougo: Dancing! Am tired of dancing! Where is my chair? Where is it?

(an attendant brings a stool)

Ougo: (To the attendant) Where are you going? (Mimics attendants far) my feet will not rest themselves. (Presents the floor as an option to the attendant) Whenever you are ready.

(Attendant lies, albeit reluctantly on the floor while Ougo gazes on, derisive and impatient through the attendant’s entire ordeal. His gaze lingers on longer than it should. He then promptly acts as if the now prostate servant is completely non existent. A king doesn’t talk to the help. And his King’s feet will not rest on this lowly runt)

Ougo: (to no-one in particular) I am thirsty! There should be a drink in my hand. It should come a bit faster

(A senior soldier in the army approaches in proper decorum and dignity)

Soldier: Ruoth Karungu, ma rateng’ ti oloyo kata gotieno! I salute you.

Ougo: (Responding with presidential air to a familiar voice) You sound like Olum... but you are not him!

Soldier: No Sibuoch Karungu, I am his last born son. I was sent by…

Ougo: His last born son. He hasn’t been by for a long time. Did I finally offend my old friend and general.

Soldier: No Sibuoch Karungu! He isn’t... (chokes) He isn’t able to walk with the living anymore.

Ougo: Olum is dead. (Brief silence) I cannot hold Kanyamwa. Who is in charge of the most men there now?

Soldier: Ruoth Mang’ang’a, since my father died, I am. And I shall remain forever faithful. (Kneels in allegiance)

Ougo: Stand up warrior. (Lost in thought) And the leopard... Does he still stalk me at nght?

Soldier: We have witnesses saying he is close. He is coming back home.

Ougo: Not so bad Ogalo, your son is not so bad. (Another attendant approaches with a calabash). Put it on the table.

Soldier: (Looking around) There is no table.

Ougo: (Looking at the attendant he is using as a footrest) A TABLE! (Attendant goes on hands and knees making a faux table. Ougo quickly ignores his presence and lets the calabash rest on his “table”) At least the seer was wrong.

Soldier: Seer Ratego?

Ougo: (Chuckling) Some old fool of a man. He told me that he had seen in the smoke that a leopard would come back to its tree and then my calabash would fall. I told him, “Then I will just start drinking straight for the pot!” Still, I cannot hold Kanyamwa without Olum. How far is the cunning leopard? (Attendant shamelessly eavesdropping)

Soldier: We are not entirely sure, Sibuoch Karungu, some say he is already…

Ougo: (Quickly hushing him and pointing towards the attendant) Can I get you something? Get out! (Kicks him square in the behind sending him sprawling and the calabash falling)

Soldier: (Startled) Ratego, the calabash!

Ougo: (Rushed) Idiot seer! Go make the preparations! And get me Mikayi. I want her here for when he comes.

(Citizens enter singing GOR BIRO. A citizen calls out “There he is! He is here, he is here.” Gor Mahia walks in singing K’OGALO as the people escort him fawning over him. Ougo is uneasy and has a difficult time not showing it. Mikayi walks in standing behind Ougo in allthe confusion)

Ougo: (Once the people settle) You finally arrive wuod Ogada!

Gor: You remember my father, thank you. But my own name works just as fine. You were expecting me.

Ougo: No exile walks through my warriors without being expected. We need to speak alone. Everyone leave...(Everyone makes to leave) Except you (Points at Mikayi drawing a poisonous look from her).

(They all disperse while Mikayi reluctantly stands in position)

Ougo: This is my sister Mikayi. She is a fine woman.

(Gor greets her respectfully and with a touch of disdain. She simply ignores)

Gor: She might cost you a few wars herself, as well as your men.

Ougo: (Angrily and sardonically) My men? The Karungu are not men, they are warriors. (Regains composure) How was your exile boy?

Gor: Not as shameful as yours will be!

Ougo: WHAT DID YOU SAY?

Gor: What you do is stealing simple. My home is not something that is easily stolen Ougo Ratego. Some treasures should be left under the earth buried where they belong.

Ougo: I don’t… it doesn’t matter whats left where! Remember I hold Kanyamwa now. Youshould...

Gor: (Defiant) My place is here! Yours is in Karungu! And now especially with your generalsdropping dead like flies, left, right and...

Ougo: When rain falls its chance, but an arranged dance is human will. What did you do to Olum, Gor Mahia?

Gor: You seem tired Ondiek Mang’ang’a. Your spear should make a good walking stick.

Ougo: Close that dirty mouth. Before I do it for you! (Threatens Gor with the spear) What hand do you have in this? (Long pause, no response from Gor) WHAT have you done to my generals?

Gor: (Assuming a false air of respect and fear) Tipo Karungu, ma umo duto, you told me to keep my mouth closed! (Laughs)

Ougo: (Charging) More is what you are going to get...

Gor: (His voice and demeanour changes. Tapping his staff twice, he takes a defensive stance, making Ougo stop in his tracks) Fight after fight after fight. It is always a battle for you. (Gor taps his staff twice once again and starts chanting. Darkness begins to engulf all, whispers of spirits can be heard as he speaks the spell) Kata koth chwe, kata chieng’ rieny, bilo ma ratipo to MUONYI!

Ougo: (Feigned courage) Right now you are outnumbered. (Realising he may have bitten off a bit too much) Not today Gor Mahia. I need you to keep the peace. (Resuming his royal air) You shall assume your father’s post, so long as I get my tribute. And we shall protect Kanyamwa as we can. I couldn’t care less about fairness so it will be a heavy tribute.

Gor: A heavy tribute for a heavy peace.

Ougo: You will marry my sister. (Light fades back in slowly. Mikayi is very apprehensive. Gor looks at her sizing her up and down).

Gor: Fine, but from what I hear I cannot say whether she will marry me.

Ougo: (Irritated and homicidally nostalgic) I would have such a good time cutting out your tongue. Such a good time.

Gor: Ratego-yo! What would I have to lick the soles of your feet then?

Ougo: I await Mikayi’s dowry.

(Ougo leaves. Mikayi makes to follow him but he gives her a bloodcurdling look making her stop in her tracks. Villagers are welcoming their long lost son, who embodies their hopes and who has gathered some fame as well. Mikayi is still apprehensive and not speaking a word)

Friendly Citizen 1: They are leaving? Does that mean we are going to fight them? Did you anger Ratego the ape?

Friendly Citizen 2: Gor Mahia himself is right here. With wuod Ogada here let them come. We will teach them how to cry tears.

Rowdy Citizen 1: (In disbelief)Let them come? I want to see you trying to fight a Karungu monster with your pot or pan.

Friendly Citizen 1: We will fight with you. If I shout I can get you 20 men...

Rowdy Citizen 2: Omera, what 20 men? All you have in your homestead is vegetables!

Friendly Citizen 2: Are they coming back for a fight?

Gor: No need to fight…

Friendly Citizen 2: You see, he has already defeated them! Giniwasekao! (Cheers)

Rowdy Citizen 2: If defeating those thugs is so easy then where has he been all this time? Why didn’t he come earlier?

Rowdy Citizen 1: Are you still Kanyamwa’s son? Who are you? Where did you go? Are you going to marry our tormentor’s sister? (Pointing rudely at Mikayi)

Friendly Citizen 1: (Angry and defensive) He has just got here. Are we rejoicing at a son returning home or shall we interrogate him with question after question just to raise pain and tears.

Rowdy Citizen 1: NO! He must answer!

Rowdy Citizen 2: He must tell us where he was while we suffered Ougo marching on our backs. Where have you been Gor Mahia? Isebedo kure?

(They break into the song ISEBEDO KURE)

Gor: (Bangs staff, lights fluctuate in tandem with the release of his power) SILENCE. (Frightened murmurs wave from the crowd)

What the people want the people will have!

In the forest that dances, where the great marabou stork sleeps, there is a hut made of feathers. The people there know it, they call it Mother. There, I suddenly found myself alone, surrounded by hyenas and wild dogs. They would not let me in.

They wanted blood. I would not let them have mine!

I left. The forest called me. I learnt all the forest had to offer. I followed the river and slept on the roots of great trees. I looked for my answers.

Then one day, I noticed I was being followed. No, hunted! By a great beast, a leopard that lived on the strong branches, a monster of the forest. I could feel its presence. It was close to pouncing. My time was short.

Three more nights passed each morning feeling like swimming further into a fish trap. Then, I saw him. Kwach Marateng, the black leopard. I could hardly tear my eyes off the monster, but when I did, I ran.

(Drum beat starts, sounds of an animal stalking its prey) A voice from the darkness screamed to me (People from the crowd shout these parts) “Run, son of the trees and moon!” And another shouted

“No death, We must find Mother!” My feet didn’t fail me. I ran! Mother why were you too helpless to save me? Why did my brothers turn against me? How could my father die and leave me here? Where is my grandfather’s smile? I refused to die. I wanted to live. But did life want me?

(He heaves, drum beat stops) I fell into darkness. My grandfather’s voice was in my ears, like he was right next to me. I saw it then, right infront of me.

In this dancing forest, right where the marabou stork was asleep, there stood a hut made of feathers. The people there know of it. They call it Mother. It is the house that breathes tears. The teacher of magic. The space between us and the ancestors. And the hyenas and the wild dogs were all gone. Mother welcomed me.

As we speak there is a hut made of feathers, whose doors are made of the black pelt of a great dead leopard.

SCENE 2

In convincing a Laibon…: Who will speak to Anyango Nyaloka?

Narrator: The years that followed were ones of plenty. The people got to love Gor, and accept Mikayi as one of the family. Kanyamwa welcomed all her magic back. The dances were dances now, food tasted like food. Yes the drunkards had stories to tell that day. None of this alcoblow business. Donge? For a moment the world smiled on these people, and on Gor Mahia. But soon the great seers began to see visions that would change the people forever. Far away in the soils of the Mara, a friend had the same visions. He sought Gor out fearing what he already knew.That the rock of Mahia had seen the same visions that he had, and that something need be done.

Mikayi enters first seemingly in a hurry. She sings MANO TO DENDA. She is a busy wife with a large house to take care of and an important husband.The workers join their queen in tidying and finishing off with her signature dance. Gor comes in behind her, admiring his diligent wife but a bit irritated that she seems only to have time for the home.

Gor: (Softly calling out) Mikayi?

Mikayi: (Too engrossed in what she is doing) Yes?

Gor: Where are you going so fast? What are you doing?

Mikayi: (Still too engrossed) Hmm? Whats that?

Gor: (Feigning sulking) What are you doing? Your always so busy!

Mikayi: You rule men and I rule the house, I cannot leave it unattended.

Gor: I rule over men, and you rule over the household? I thought I was the one who makes the decisions.

Mikayi: No response, side eye while she continues her duties.

Gor: (Approaching her in a loving manner) You are heartless to leave me alone like this. There is nothing in that chest except emptiness.

Mikayi: Sorry what were you saying?

Gor: I was saying do I have to be made out of clay to get your attention.

Mikayi: I am giving you my attention, but I am busy now, Gor Mahia. Go find something to play with.

Gor: Cold! A stone! Nothing warm at all! I married a hard headed rock.

Mikayi: (Half under her breath) First time I have heard you complaining…

Gor: What was that?

Mikayi: (Half joking) If you call me a stone one more time you will have a stone for breakfast and for lunch too..

Gor: I better get a lot of water to drink that breakfast down then.

Mikayi: Look...a visitor. Someone to give you attention at last.

(Exit Mikayi)

A tune lilts as Olonana and his entourage enter, Olonana singing KITIKITI

Gor: Since when did elephants sing? I thought they are just meant to grow fat and play in mud.

Olonana: Said the hippo who hasn’t walked outside his river for seasons now. I thought you would at least come scare my children

Gor: This hippo is now a married hippo.

Olonana: So a fatter, less happy hippo. I have missed you old friend!

Gor: Lenana, elephant tamer, I see your sense of humour is still intact. You have been having a thirst for my wonderful conversation, haven’t you? And maybe some brew? Come in! And leave the herd behind.

(The “herd” leaves and Olonana is beckoned to sit)

Olonana: (Looks around to make sure no eavesdroppers are present) Have you seen them too?

Gor: (pausing to take in the sight of his long time friend) I have seen a lot of things. (Silence) But I know what you speak of. A sip of beer might calm the nerves.

Olonana: (Chuckles) Yes brother, I will have some beer, but you will not avoid the question. I need to know what you have seen. I can see it in your eyes, hear it in your voice.

Gor: Lenana-yo, you have really missed my stories, and your appetite for beer is as big as the elephants you ride. I know this place...finest brew you ever tasted. (A beer song is sang by the two)

Olonana: (Catching breath) But the last time I went drinking with you I was attacked by three pygmys, and you lost your clothes trying to catch a monkey you thought was your cousin. All because of that witch, if it’s the last thing I will do in this life, it will be to see her again and… (he makes as if strangling an imaginary person)

Gor: But her beer…

Olonana: It was like drinking heaven!

Gor: Perfect, its agreed then!

Olonana: (Still coming out of his fond memories) Ye… sorry what?

Gor: Yes you said it yourself,you would love to see her!

Olonana: The witch… no I didn’t. What are ou trying to… Why would I say..this is one of your games.

Gor: Relax, am sure she won’t do the tongue thing a third time, besides, we are older and out for something else.

Olonana: I fell in the middle of that hole, right in the middle!

Gor: Hence I will jump in as well

Olonana: But… but she is dangerous!

Gor: Are your lips dry for beer? Are your ears thirsty for answers?

Olonana: (Unsettled somewhat) How do I never see you coming. My head warns me, I just never listen.

Gor: (Insisting) I have missed Anyango’s beer, she shall be mad that I have not tried to steal some already. (Picks up staff and leaves) Are you coming?

Olonana: (Following a bit slower) Well yes, but… (sizes his staff then remarks) I think I will carry a bigger weapon, just in case.

Gor: Then carry my wife!

SCENE 3

Touching the back of the soul: The Sorceress and her muse

The scene opens to a sorceress. She has a heavy presence, constantly surrounded by a fog mystic. And she sings a mystic song, THIM LICH OHINGA. As it builds cascades and subsides her movements make it clear that she is in a trance. A light shines in her eyes that can only be described as dangerous, but she herself is indiscriminate. She is Anyango Nyaloka. Today this great sorcerer has guests.

Gor Mahia enters while she is still in the throws of her trance, albeit subsiding. The Laibon is close by in tow.

Gor: (A loud voice to give authority to his words) Sister of the land of our ancestors. Great daughter of the rainmaker whose voice makes even the gods cry.

Anyango: (Trails off) I am busy. (Continues her chant)

Gor: Carrier of storms (she stops barely even present), from whom the depths of the lake flee. Will you sit with me? (Tries to enter)

Anyango: STOP! Stop where you are, you are a stranger here.

Gor: Stranger? STRANGER? You cant call me a st……

Anyango: You are a strange being by any standard, the way you morph into shadow at the back of our souls. Nevertheless, there are more people here than just we. (Whispers a spell unintelligibly)

Olonana: (Looking around, quite shaken by the tone of Anyango’s voice) What is she doing?

Gor: Shhhhh. Wait.

(Ouru comes in to their utter bewilderment and goes to sit)

Gor: (At Ouru) No girl stay away from her. Stay away.

(Ouru comfortably approaches her and stands behind her, playing with her hair)

Olonana: My friend, this is a time wasted, listen, we need your help.

Anyango: (Bored and unimpressed) So does everyone. Ouru, to the left. Gor, why have you brought a petulant child into a den of elders. Who is this?

Gor: Such harsh words Lady of the Lake. You, are you going to treat us like strangers? I know you have missed me. Your banishment cannot be an easy thing either. (Commisserating) Can you really mind the occasional visitor so much? Don’t you think its insulting...

Anyango: Insulting? You shouldn’t talk of insulting here! Every step you take is an insult to me wuod Ogada. Yet you bet your lives and that of the boy on entering this place.

Gor: And then your exile will never end. Instead you should hear us out, while we’re here.

Anyango: (In a low voice just loud enough not to be a whisper to herself) Okay, I will take your bet (Seemingly affected by this tenderness, she changes tact and goes deeper into her shell of passive aggressiveness. She pretends to have fnally noticed Olonana. She gestures with her mouth, while stroking her snake-lace) And, who is the foolish lamb you have allowed to prance in a den of leopards?

Gor: HE is only a child to our ways for… (Spurred on by her “warmth”, he is over exuberant) This foolish lamb right here (slaps Olonana’s back hard, making him stagger forward, closer to Anyango who sizes him up with a deathly look straight from Hades) is the son of your long time friend. Mbatian! He is the current Laibon.

(Olonana bows in his presidential fashion taking great care to seem humble, Gor takes the opportunity to quickly sit while Anyango is distracted)

Anyango: A title he came by through lies and charlatanry. Isn’t he the one who tricked his brother, Sendeyu, out of his birthright. Were Nyakalaga holds a special wrath for your kind.

(Olonana makes to sit down as well)

Anyango: Who welcomed you to sit?

Olonana half stands, half squats awkwardly as Anyango continues sizing him up, and stroking her snake-lace.

Anyango: The sight is strong in him, for one so young and it willl yet grow stronger. (Looks at him questioningly as if wondering what he is up to) Would you sit down you foolish child. You just standing there is making me uneasy.

(After he sits, the girl Ouru approaches them as she touches their faces. Gor hesitates)

Anyango: Don’t worry wuod Ogada, I am not petty enough to steal anything from you. Unlike some of us I don’t use tricks to get what I want.

Olonana: What do you want?

Anyango: the sun and the moon, the fish in the lake and the monsters below it. Can you give it to me Laibon?

Olonana: She is a woman mad!

Anyango: Yes she is. (Very calm and threatening) She is TWO women mad! So go! Away before she comes for you (bursts into laughter then suddenly becomes very seriously afraid) Ouru! Where am I? (The silent girl runs back to Anyango and begins to play with her hair) Everything seemed… dark! Don’t go too far Ouru. (She points at Gor) And watch out for that one. He is a serial husband.

Olonana: (Agreeing) She is two women mad!

Gor: Will you talk for a moment?

Anyango The Desolate: (Startled) Who said that? Oh you are still here? Why are you so far away? (Ominously) Come closer. Sit! Sit Laibon enjoy the fire (She points at no fire and makes as if she is warming herself). I have a feeling it will get colder.

Gor: We can get you back to your people, the Laibon and I.

Anyango: Who said I need you to get me back to my people?

Gor: I have been in exile before, I want to help.

Anyango: Whenever you help it only gets worse for me (Staring into the imaginary fire) You hate me, but I have my charms don’t I? (She smiles a sickly smile and trails off) I have my charms.

Olonana: (To Gor) Maybe we should leave. She cannot help.

Anyango: I am the only one who can help. But if this is all you have to offer (she stands up to leave) then I have other visitors to attend to!

Gor: I can help you Anyango. You can trust me…

Anyango: YOU STOLE FROM ME ONCE! WHAT IS TRUST TO YOU? LEAVE! NOW!

Olonana: (Standing) Lets leave brother!

Gor: IF WE LEAVE NOW, THE SNAKE WILL DESTROY US ALL!

(Everyone stops in their tracks Uleko Ang’o starts here)

Gor: Yes I saw it too. A snake that made deafening noises, that made the ground shake.

Olonana and Anyango: You saw it too?

Gor: That’s why I brought both of you here. I thought you would understand. That scream is burnt into my memory

Olonana: (Recalling a bad dream) It breathed smoke without any fire. Crawling across the ground like it was swimming. I can still hear it scream too. Why didn’t you tell me Gor?

Anyango: Because he knew what it would mean. (She sits once again) This one is interesting Gor. He can see far, further than the eyes.

Gor: What did you see?

Anyango The Seer: (Suddenly solemn and deep voiced) I saw the crawler without a mouth. I would love to jump on its back. The men on it however…

Gor: Skin like new born babies, white as death. Did you see what they were holding? Theirspears...

Olonana: Yes! Their spears spat fire and people fell dead in front of them. They attacked with the sound of thunder. Or the thunder attacked at their word. Everywhere the snake went the trees came down. Everywhere the snake crawled the land melted infront of them.

Anyango The Seer: No the land melted way before the snake arrived. It knocked on the doors of great houses. The Simba of my grandfather was uprooted by it and my cousins just stood there watching.

Gor: What worries me is I could not see the tail. Could you see the tail?

Anyango: I couldn’t see where it ended (The realisation making her cold). I couldn’t see the tip of its tail but the white butterflies kept flying. Onto it, Off of it; ONTO IT, OFF OF IT. Wololo. It was madness this dream. How can a snake have no tail (She starts cackling)

Olonana: I saw the tail. (Both stop to look at him) It was just as big as the head, and full of tree trunks. Huge trees! The snake went on and on for hours before it reached the tail. (An awkward tense silence)

Anyango: Ouru who put off the fire now. Get some more wood! (A tad too nice) Please!

Gor: Why did you adopt that child? Who is she?

Anyango: Nothing like that. She adopted me, she is very strongheaded. That’s what it is!

Olonana: (Snapping back to himself) Lady of the Lake!

Anyango: (Menacingly) Yes? Boy?

Olonana: While we speak the sun sinks back behind the trees.

Anyango: (Takes a sarcastic pause) Oh really? And then what?

Gor: He is right! I think we are not the only ones who have dreamt of this omen.

Anyango: Yet you sit here for hours playing childish games with your lips. I see through your ruse Gor Mahia. You have stolen from me before and you mean to do it again. This is my prophecy. I shall not let you have it.

Gor: Anyango, you claim the prophecy, and it is rightfully yours, indeed. But who will you tell it to? In all of the land you are the one that can see the farthest. That is what the water gave you! You have long been in exile Anyango, a banished witch whose only pardon would be death.

That is also what the water gave you. Don’t be simple, Nyaloka. They will take any bad thing from your mouth as a threat, and anything good as a trick. Tell me…

Anyango The Desolate: Said the fire to the ash…

Olonana: Ash cannot move out of the pit, like a woman crafty can.

Anyango: (Smiles a broad maniacal smile and then breaks into a cackle) The Laibon pleases me, why so short a man can say such big words! A woman crafty? Ha! He! Tho! Tell me more, it won’t help. My mind is made up. (Defensively) Death or a true prophecy Gor Mahia. (Almost desperately but still dignified and proud) With this prophecy I could…No, I shall buy back my acceptance into the society.

Gor: If only you could, you would have left this conversation before our cheeks touched your stools.

Anyango: GorMahia, wuod Ogada! I will not let you take away my salvation. This is my last chance to have something of this world that is not cursed. I shall buy back my acceptance!

Gor: We cannot rewrite the ancestors’ will. I cannot let you do that Anyango. It goes aga…

Anyango: WHY!

Gor: Will if you let me finish my…

Anyango The Witch: NO! YOU WILL NOT TAKE THIS AWAY FROM ME! Not when I finally have a key! Do you pleasure in my suffering? Does it gratify you to extend my torture? They tell marvellous stories of you Gor Mahia, and you haven’t even died yet. They tell these stories of your kindness and heroism. Am I not worthy of this, your kindness?

Olonana: What does she mean?

Gor: (Unperturbed) And it is kindness I give to you now Anyango. For if you were to break your exile, it is only death that would await you. A door that leads to rejection.

Anyango: Why didn’t the water give you this vision of mine? If that is so then it makes no difference. Death awaits me if I stay here. And death awaits me if I go.

Gor: But your people would live in your stead. You will have died a noble death. Or would you rather have the entire anyuola sacrificed. Nyaloka, have you lost love for your people. (Nyaloka remains silent, unable to respond. Gor continues) If a tree falls in the forest , and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?

Anyango The Witch:(Suddenly threatening and picking up her staff) If two wizards, die in a witches’ cave does anyone see them wilt and wither to bones? (Olonana cows behind Gor.)

Gor: (Rushed and slightly shaken, but still holding ground and confidence)Anyango, don’t you see sense if the prophecy came from you. They shall merely hear a curse in its place. The last time you sang, an entire village was drowned.

Anyango The Witch: And they shall drown again if they do not heed me.

Olonana:(whimpering) I don’t think threatening th…

Anyango: SHUT UP YOU CALF! No one cares what you think! Learn to walk before you can talk. The rat does not help itself in the same hole as the elephant.

Olonana: (Tries to hold his own) In all fairness...

Anyango The Witch: Oh Fairness, Fairness! Fairness? Fairness! DO NOT SPEAK TO ME OF FAIRNESS LAIBON! YOU KNOW NOTHING OF ITS SORT BY YOUR BIRTHRIGHT. A BIRTHRIGHT THAT YOU CHEATED TO HAVE! LET ME GIVE YOU A FAIR WARNING NOW. If you cherish the position of your mouth, you would be clever and justified in hiding it from me. (Olonana involuntarily raises hands to cover mouth.)

Gor: Olonana, enough games. I have a prophecy to tell..

Anyango: Okumu Ogada Gor Mahia, before you leave, answer me this. Does the moon exist in a village of blind people?

GorMahia: It does exist, but you would have a hard time proving it does.

Anyango The Seer: (SIMBI NYAIMA plays as she speaks) Your confidence in yourself shall be your own downfall. You may have this prophecy, Gor wuod Ogada nyakwar Ogalo dhoklufund Ng’injo. You may have it, but hear me now. It shall bring you glory. It shall bring you character. Your name shall ring out through the ages and never silence in the hearts of men. But it shall also bring you death. Not once. Not twice. And the third? It SHALL be your own, Kwach! That is my prophecy to you. Now we all know what’s coming. You cannot outrun a wind from the north or the prophecy that is set forth.

(Gor beckons Olonana and they begin to leave as the stage gets darker. Anyango is heard calling after them singing ABIRO YUAGI GOR MAHIA)

Anyango: This is what the water gave me! This is what it will give you. Ouru bears witness. This is what the water gave us all. I warn you this is what the water gave us.

SCENE 4

The heart of darkness tears of light: The sight

The drums are beating to the heart of the people as GorMahia stands before them, bathed in a red light of uncertainty and danger. His eyes are deep set, sent along with his mind to far-away lands in space and times. He clutches his staff for support as well as for emphasis that indeed the words do not come from today but from tomorrow. He offers for them today a glimpse into the future. But first he looks at them with a vacant look of foreboding. As he speaks the words seem to well up from within him as the drum begins to trot then march. He bangs his staff to control the volume of the drums that synchronise the mood of the people. He starts in a low voice while WINJAURU is sang.

Gor: He who has earsShe who sees through the nightHe who drank the nyukaJimuon Pu Roth angumaYou have to see what I seeTo know what I know

Sleep, yes,Is a cousin to death.But in it I saw the lips of light menWhite butterflies coming down the mountain I who drunk the nyukaJimuon Pu Roth anguma

Slipping and sliding down the mountain On their snake,their great beast.

Their monsterCovered in smokeWhere we are meant to be

The blue eyes look past the poisonous cloud As the baby faced men sweepdown the hills

Jimuon Pu Roth anguma As our forefathers try to see As they drink the nyuka

I am heavy todayIn my heart I cannot carryBut my voice can go farther, you!Can you hear me?

Narrator: We hear you shout to the people and to the land, I will tell of your story.

Gor: Then say this, story tellers,The great snakeComing out of the seaSlithering up and down the hillsOur hillsDancing its strange danceInto the womb of our soilShaking graves in the earth, waking the spirits that lie stillWill its fooststep…Will its iron path…Jimuon Pu Roth AngumaWill it crack,Our hills in half?

Narrator: We hear you from tomorrow; all the hearts of the people. It will not crack!

Gor: IT WILL CRACK!Our mother KanyamwaShe will crackFrom the middle ofTo the land next to the greater LakeWhose end cannot be seen.And the butterflies will fly off itLook at their staffsBe careful!Watch out!Don’t touchIt shoots fireAnd spits hotAnd burns through shields, be careful.Wololo!Many on the groundMeans less to those bound.

Narrator: We hear you seer, from today to tomorrow, we will fight! Push them back!

Gor: MOSS, MOSSSlow slowA wise way is patientThe tortoise livesAnd lives much longer than the hareJimuon Pu!The tortoise comes on his own timeSo wait for him,Be patientRoth Anguma!

Migosi shall comeMigosi shall walk tall

Migosi plays and dances with the great snakeMigosi amazes the white butterfliesMigosi will fight them out of our landMigosi will drink the nyuka

Once againHear me distant voiceDo you hear me?You, do you understand me?Answer!

Narrator: We have heard you from tomorrow, we shall tell the people. Wait and be patient!

Gor Mahia: Jimuon Pu Roth AngumaNarrator: Jimuon Roth ADOWO AngumaVillagers and all: Jimuon Roth Alkebulan

SCENE 5

We bend the trees: The leopard’s warning

The scene opens to the shouts of a commander during a Military drill. As Ougo calls out the formation the rank and file attempt to carry it out with the grace of true warriors

Ougo: Opuk, the Tortoise.

Warriors: Hom!

Ougo: You must be faster, stronger! Kidungudungu Maria, the Porcupine!

Warriors: Hom!

Ougo: (Examining the rank closer) Your faces... are like girls’ faces. Is this how you intend to chase monsters back into the abyss?

Warriors: Hom!

Ougo: Omieri, the Sssssssssinake! (The formation goes into a close v-shaped formation assuming the stance of a snake stalking its pray and make a hiss, ideal for penetrating dense forests) YESS! There is power in fear, that is why we use it as our pet. That is why the trees part ways when they see the Karungu. (He lifts his spear and brings it down hard as he says…) Full *sssitop!

Warriors: Hombe!

Ougo: We tell our enemies Hombe to let them know that the sleep they have sought on the battlefield is here, is us. YESSSS! We ARE too strong. We ARE too fast. Only women are prisoners. We will send them to their forefathers to sleep. We only ask one thing! (Pause for effect) A good fight, or a quick death Man to Man, Shield to Shield, Spear to Spear. (He gets a sniffle) Aaaa...Aaaaaa....Atchoooo!

Warriors: Hombe! (The warriors assume a close knit defensive position with those in front kneeling, those behind them crouched ready to pounce and those behind them standing in support).

Ougo: (A bit surprised such a formation exists, he regains his composure) NOT HOMBE! I said, MAN TO MAN. SHIELD TO SHIELD, SPEAR TO SPEAR!

Warriors: (A glorious war cry) MAN TO MAN, SHIELD TO SHIELD, SPEAR TO SPEAR!!

Ougo: (Loudly) MOOOOOOOOON…(softly)goose!

Warriors: Hom!

Ougo: Who are you?

Warriors: KARUNGU, KARUNGU, KARUNGU!

Ougo: And how do we fight?

Warriors: MAN TO MAN, SHIELD TO SHIELD, SPEAR TO SPEAR!

Ougo: Fundamentals! (The men break up into a more orderly formation ready to do their war cry) Shout it out men. Let them know their death as it comes! Let them know the shade of the Karungu!

(The warriors take in all the fighting spirit they can muster and do the war dance JO KARUNGU)

Gor: (From somewhere off stage) Opuk, the tortoise! (The warriors go into formation, but on realising that it was not Ougo who gave the order, assume a defensive position)

Ougo: (Unperturbed) Who goes there? Come out before I have to give you to the rats to eat! Actually, don’t come out, I will enjoy tracking you down more!

Gor: (Entering from the opposite side from where they face clapping) They don’t lie. Your young men are just as well trained as they say!

Ougo: (Nodding his head in despair) That is unfortunate news. There should have been no-one left to say anything in the first place. (Addressing himself to the men, haughty and presidential) Busaa! (The men stand at ease). Take up a spear Mahia, if that is what you have come to do.

Gor: With your Karungu, porcupine, tortoise, sssiinake and mongoose running all over the place that would not be safe for me Ratego. Talk would do both of us some good.

Ougo: Afraid I cannot talk. Sickness comes to me today and I cannot stop sneezing since I made your village a stool to rest my feet. Your people and their magic can be quite irritating you know.

Gor: (laughs bright and coy) Well come back then, we can cure your thirst for blood, and maybe that your big stomach as well.

Ougo: How about a spear in the chest? That would make our throwing practice much more realistic. We could have a few of your family members run around like headless chicken. After all if its family you have more reason to make sure that your potions and chants work right.

Gor: (A bit irritated, quickly remembering his hatred for the leader of the Karungu) I did not know fighting defenceless people makes you stronger?

Ougo: Defenceless? Who cares? (He asks one of his warriors) Do you care? (He asks another) Do you care? And you?(He walks up to another) Do you care? Mahia, they don’t seem to care! Now if you take up that spear, and put that shield on your arm, maybe someone would finally answer.

Gor: I told you Ratego you. Fighting here would do no-one any good. And from our last encounter could you not tell that my words are much stronger than my throwing arm.

Ougo: The number of things that are stronger than your throwing arm are many!

Gor: (Looking for a place to sit) … and even more than yours!

Ougo: (Puffed chest heaving in anger) Challenges to the Karungu on this ground are taken seriously as oath. And I am more than willing…

Gor: (Unable to find a place to sit) Stop, stop, stop! This isn’t the time for games. For a moment put down that warrior’s heart and take up a heart of a patient leader like your father.

Ougo: (Still aggravated) And you dare dig my father’s spirit from the grave to protect yourself!

Gor: I said I can’t do this anymore. There is too little time. I will stake the blood of my father and mother right here AND now if you will heed my words, if you will heed the prophecy.

Ougo: (Drawn to a different sort of attention by the mention of the prophecy) You are a trickster, whose word is as noble as the dirt on the bottom of a chicken’s feet. Why should I believe you?

Gor: Because you must. Because you know deep down inside a trickster would not walk into the middle of a pride… (pointing to the warriors behind Ougo)… unless the words he had to say were more important than his life. Yes Ratego it IS about the prophecy.

Ougo: (Calms down and realises the matter is sensitive) (To the warriors) Are you daft as well as dumb? Leave us! (Once alone) It is this prophecy you say? It is this prophecy that brought you here?

Gor: (Feeling he finally has the upper hand) What I saw…

Ougo: (Reminding Gor of how the world works) I know what you saw, Ratego’s eyes reach father than you can imagine. I heard what you said, Ougo’s ears hear the wind from the other side of the earth. Yes Gor Mahia, renowned magician, Kwach wang’e tindo mang’ang’a ma lekene boyo to chonge obam, I heard you spout your garbage to the masses. I have heard this prophecy. You want to know what I think of it? What I really think of it? Little girls are scared of thunder, small boys run from snakes, but shadows are not scared of light! Donge? You have a prophecy and I have an army, let us see which has the might. We will soon find out. So you can get out and take your life and your worthless prophecy with you!

Gor: (Standing and being very sarcastic) I guess this will be a very short meeting then.

Ougo: Yes it will. The more people you scare, the more people come to me for protection with tribute, on hands and knees. I don’t believe a word from your trickster mouth! Not from your mouth alone at the very least. Where is a second witness? Why has no other great pair of eyes seen your vision?

Gor: You have enough eyes, but a second pair of eyes you will have as well; by the name of Olonana, the living Laibon, who saw it while sleeping under a Loisijo tree…

Ougo: The muling baby has barely any hair on his chest. His visions may as well be a song by one of my wives, or worse yours.

Gor: (Ignoring the insult) And a third that you WILL in fact heed.

Ougo: Who?

Gor: The Lady of the Lake, Anyango Nyaloka. She herself saw what I saw!

Ougo: (Affected but not caving into emotion) You mean to tell me you saw that witch and lived to stand here.

Gor: That “witch” deserves her respect! Call me trickster as much as you want but if you say witch again as far as she is concerned, Ratego will quickly learn what befell my brother-in-law. (The two size each other up in silence, but Gor wins the psychological match and speaks first concealing his irritation in defference) Got ma rateng ti ma kochung’ e korot to iparoni ‘sssortcurt’. The iron snake will come puffing its smoke and the men with staffs of fire will come with it.

Ougo: So your wise counsel is to let it pass or give it a bed.

Gor: Do what you must but don’t fight it. The bodies of these men you treasure, yes I can tell that they are your pride, but their bodies will bleed on the ground fighting a futile fight…

Ougo: Not an option! We fight, we take, we wrestle demons and excrete death! We…

Gor: YOU are men, and you bleed like the rest of us. You won’t get close enough to wrestle these ones Ratego.

Ougo: All the better! Our spears can do the fighting! Our arrows will dance in the wind.

Gor: The fire from their staffs will move much faster.

Ougo: That’s what our shields are for, hide tough as our willpower.

Gor: The bigger the shield the harder the fall. Don’t think your shield is big enough to protect your head and your legs

Ougo: Our shields have protected us for battle upon battle; from hell to hell.

Gor: Ratego, I am not coming to you as a rival but as a brother. We were born from the womb of this land. Remember that! Don’t throw away the greatest warriors before Migosi comes!

Ougo: (For the first time he takes these words into proper consideration) Wait for Migosi? Not fight? Will my men die in vain? I should ask myself this. You are right! Will there be a better time to take up our spears?

Gor: Yes think on these things, Ougo Ratego, sibuor othorong’ong’o ma jayang opuk.

Ougo: But Gor Mahia in a gamble between the unknown and the Karungu… (Turning away triumphantly to look at his “imminent” victory) my money will forever be on the pride of my warriors, my blood brothers. I have given them fame and renown and they have not failed a battle yet. This pride has spread our great name up to the borders of the Kabaka. We will repel the demons! (Looking back to Gor, fist clenched) We will remove them and remain like we always have. That is the true pride of the Karungu.

Gor: Pride!?!…

Ougo: My mind is set Mahia, that is my final decision!

Gor: I say, pride?!?…

Ougo: THAT… is my decision. It is final! And for extra measure, I will let you live to see the true pride of the Karungu tear down your prophecy! Now leave before I change my mind. (Waits) NOW!

Gor: (Getting up to leave in a state of exasperation) If I cannot change your mind Ougo, you would benefit from some advice!

Ougo: Ha! Advice, what advice great magician!

Gor: Shields!

Ougo: Is that all?

Gor: (In a solemn and deadly serious voice that will shake Ougo to the core) Build bigger shields Jo Karungu!

(Exeunt. Lights out. First Act ends. 15 minute Break).

SCENE 6

The peacock of Kanyamwa: This is my home

(This scene takes place in Gor Mahia’s homestead. Reru, Gor Mahia’s third wife is beating maize in the mortar, wiping sweat off her brow every now and then just to show how fatigued she is. Reru’s past boyfriend, Ogego, still jilted and pained from the fact that she left him for Gor Mahia, walks in extremely drunk).

(When Nyachira, Gor Mahia’s second wife, hears the drunk man coming, she sneaks up guessing what will follow next. She knows the routine. Reru does not notice her presence neither does the drunk. Only the audience does. She is eavesdropping and enjoying every minute, cherishing each piece of information she gets)

Ogego : (enters singing a funny nursery rhyme to the rhythm of the mortar and pestle not noticing Reru’s presence at first) Reru? Wololo! Reru is that you? So this is what they have made you? Your parents sold you off as a slave to this Gor Mahia man mondo giloki jatich dala?Mayiee, ma to tek manadini? And for no bride price even? (painfully and staggering) You mean you left me to come and pound maize in this jajuok’s home? Have you no pride woman? (tries to whisper more dangerously but still extremely drunk) Have you no DIG-NI-TY?

Reru: (vexed and unbothered) OGEGO! WEE TUGO GI PACHA! ANG’O MACHANDI? What has gotten into your head today…Just look at how filthy you are, I could smell you from a mile away. (Asks the audience while pointing the pounding mortar at Ogego) Is this the man I was supposed to marry? The village drunkard? The man who has refused to move out of his mother’s house and to build his Simba? The man whose hobbies include sharing jokes and laughter with flies and speaking to donkeys and straycats at the marketplace? (back to Ogego) Choke! I would be rather sold to Gor Mahia or any other Mahia for that matter, a thousand times over before I marry you. I would have loved you, but you decided you wanted to make busaa your first wife.

Ogego :(Defeated like only a drunkard can be) Rerummmhhh… Your tongue is still sharp and cuts even deeper nowadays. Listen here eh? And listen well. Yes, busaa may slur my speech, may even make me walk funny and may yet even make me speak to things that normally don’t speak back. Surely isn’t the alcohol you partake of Reru, a far more lethalbrew? You drink of the pot of denial, Reru.Thinking that Gor will notice you someday, and maybe even, love you. In reality you are a nobody in this hole that is already full.

Reru: (threatening with her pounding pestle, but a hint of denial since she knows he speaks the truth) Ogego, you drunk fool. Leave here before my husband returns. The last time a boy let his cows stray into his farm, poor little Otieno was sent back to his homestead as a cow himself. I wonder what he would do to a fully grown man he caught tormenting his wife?

Ogego: (walking away) Point of correction. His THIRD wife.And Reru, whether you like it or not you are just a visitor in your alleged “home”. Wealth you may have but that true happiness that one feels when they love deeply and justly, and they are loved in return…that, you will never have.

(Exits)

Reru: ( distraught, continues chasing after Ogego with the pounding pestle) AAII NAAAAAAAAAA! Dok dalau! Go back to your home you drunk fool!

(Nyachira, who was secretly watching,then comes up to Reru, pretending that she only just appeared)

Nyachira: Reru, Reru.Ever hard working, ever industrious. Good girl. Good, good girl. No wonder Gor married…

Reru: What do you want Nyachira?

Nyachira: (feigned woundedness) Can’t I just want to know how my co-wife is fairing? Is it a sin to care? You hurt me, Reru.

Reru: Mmmhhh…this a wonder that will surely last nine days.

Nyachira: Wonder…nine…what?

Reru: You caring about anyone else other than yourself is like rain in Kajiado. What brings you here really, Nyachira? What honey-sweet gossip has brought the snake from her cave?

Nyachira: (sarcarstically) Rattle a snake, Reru and be ready for the venom. After all, I am not the one inviting drunkards and ex-lovers to the…

Reru: Ahah! The enemy of the guilty is frequently their own tongue. Have you now been promoted the bitch of the home, barking and sniffing at all who pass by? Go back to the shadows that you like hiding in and leave me alone!

Ogego: (Staggers in briefly from the opposite side of the stage) Reru I am sorry. You are all I want. I should..n’t say those things. F-f-f-f-f-forgive nyathi. Yaye! Forgive me. You want me to sing for you? Like we used to (Begins to sing mindlessly)

Reru: (Threatening him with the pestle) AIIIINAAAAAAA! (He scampers off)

Nyachira: (Enjoying every humiliation and and stifling a laugh) Reru yaye, you would do well to remember that you are a visitor in this home.And just as you found me here, so shall you leave me here (spits in symbolic curse). Your jilted lover was right you know. You are squeezing yourself into a hole that is already full. Yet you have guts to stand before me and…

Reru: Look at you Nyachira, foolish good for nothing barren as the…

Nyachira: Hahaha…Pooo! Yaye…barren? The rao dares call the anguro fat. How many children do you have you lifeless grave, cheap as dirt,knock-kneed beast. Dok dalau Reru. This is not your home, this shall never be your…

Reru: (Slowly losing her cool) When I last checked, this was Gor Mahia’s home, not yours. (Screaming) And I have had enough of your… (raising the pounding mortar to hit Nyachira who quickly grabs it as well and then they are involved in a shouting match and tussle)…

Reru: LETTT GOOO!

Nyachira: NO! YOU LET GOOO CRAZY WILD ANIMAL!

Reru: SNAKE!

Nyachira: WHO FEEDS ON RATS LIKE…

(Enter Mikayi accompanied by her subjects and servants)

Mikayi: JOWA! WHAT IS ALL THIS RACKET? (She walks in, they are slightly shaken, both dropping the mortar. Children walking with Mikayi run ahead and pick it with the pestle. She shoos them away) Leave me with my co-wives.

Nyachira: (Sarcastically to the audience)In struts the peacock, fluttering her wings forgetting that fools rush where angels fear to tread. (Faces Mikayi) Through which hole did you now enter? Keep to your house Mikayi. Keep your nose in your business.

Mikayi: (Really trying to maintain her temper) Nyachira, ma to dalana! This whole homestead is my house. I walk where I please. I talk however I please. It would serve you well to remember that all this business (gestures at the two of them and the situation at large) is my business. And you Nyachira, have you no shame picking on this young girl? Pick on someone your own size.

Reru: (comically reiterates, a sob in her voice, drawing a glare of slight irritation from Mikayi) Yes. Pick on someone your own size.

Nyachira: Oh I would, and gladly so, but unfortunately, all women married into this home seem to be predisposed to either high levels of idiocy or an unnatural intensity in the witless sector.

Mikayi: (She crosses her hand sneering, preparing for war) Oh is that so Nyachira! (A curious silence) It shocks me each time how you fight for something that was never yours, Nyachira. Such wasted energy. Such wasted effort.

Reru: (Slightly more cheerful that Nyachira is suddenly getting attacked) Yes! Such wasted effort. (Another look of exasperation from Mikayi)

Nyachira: You know,what really shocks ME is how you fight for something that you already lost, Mikayi. Do you go to bed at night asking yourself what it is that you did wrong? That made Gor decide he wanted a second wife? (Sneers) And even a third? What is it that you lack that I possess? I got a piece of that cake too. And mark my words. Soon enough, I will have it all.

Mikayi: Dreams come in various forms, some in the form of delusional thinking. Your threats never scared me even in your youth when Gor Mahia was enchanted by your beauty, Nyalego. A thing of beauty is a joy forever, but from the looks you are a faded glory. Your threats didn’t scare me then, they do not scare me now, for in this hospital of love, I just happen to be the night nurse. You both found me here Nyachira, and if it wasn’t for my consent, you wouldn’t even be here in the first place.

Reru: (Even more fanatical and enthusiastic that she isn’t the one being picked on) YES! You wouldn’t even be here in the first place. (Mikayi gives her another look, now slightly shocked)

Nyachira: Men are as old as they feel women as they look,and from your looks…hehehe… You speak of faded glory yet my greatest grandmother, Aidha manoidho yien, looks a thousand times better than you. Gor is not yours Mikayi. Gor was never yours. (Thumping her chest) Gor is marwa. Gor is ours. And soon, GOR will be mine.

Mikayi: Nyachira, MY husband is my honeybee as I am his flower, and we will climb the hills together as we view the beautiful glittering crystalline curtain of dripping diamond droplets fall from the sky, as we fantasize… and as you tantalize.(Addressing both of them) You both fight for something that is not even yours nyiekena. How can the toothless grandfather scramble to eat the roasted cob?

Nyachira: I look at it differently, Mikayi. My love for him is what makes me fight for him. I don’t know about the half wit though (casts a dirty glance at Reru who sticks out her tongue at her). Envy is but a different shade of adoration, a green one. Perhaps you have lost your love for him. (Pretends to be deep in thought and reaching the realisation) Or…Perhaps… has he lost his love for you?

Mikayi: (Almost scoffs but hides it using a half laugh) My co-wife, love is not an item that can be lost and found as one pleases. Love is a seed, planted and growing from the heart into a tree bearing fruit. ( A hinted mockery) Nyachira, I am yet to see your tree bearing fruit. And maybe you missed my point earlier. I asked you both, why you fight for something that is not even yours. PERHAPS I shouldn’t have minced my words. (Emphasises each word) I do not need to fight for what is already mine.

Reru: (Overly excited almost losing breath) Yes! I do not need to fight for…(Mikayi gives here a sharp glare cutting her mid sentence…but she still rushingly whispers through the sentence comically) what-is-already-mine!

DOK DALAU starts at this point, with Gor sneaking up on his three wives as they are lost in the competitive song.

Gor Mahia: (applauding) The peacock yet flutters her wings. The secretary bird yet stamps her feet in pride.

Nyachira: (interupting and ignoring the compliment to Mikayi) Chuora, I have made your favorite meal, a meal deserving of a chief, a ruoth like yourself, my husband.

Reru: (scoffing) That poison is what you call a meal. Gor, if you would like to sleep with thunder in your belly, then you would be wise in eating her food tonight.

Nyachira: It may be poison, but at least my mother taught me how to cook it.

Reru: What are you trying to say, Nyachira? Speak openly not in riddles.

Nyachira: All I am saying is that perhaps you should go back to your…

Reru: MAYBE YOU SHOULD GO…

Nyachira: WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING?

Reru: I AM NOT SHOUTING. YOU ARE THE ONE SHOUTING.

Nyachira and Reru are now having a shouting match, possible improvisation allowed or might as well be scripted, while Mikayi and Gor Mahia watch, slightly dumbstruck.

Mikayi: (With authority and shocked judgment) SILENCE! (Contrastedly soft spoken) You shall eat my food tonight, wuod Ogada.

(A brief silence in anticipation of gor’s remark)

Gor Mahia: Mikayi has spoken.

(Reru and Nyachira exit still mumbling and grumbling arguments to each other)

Mikayi: Your mind. Your thoughts are very far. (Puts her hand on his heart symbolically)Your body may be here, (Touches his forehead, and he shies away as if trying to hide something from her) but your spirit and your mind are far far away.

Gor Mahia: I am one of the greatest wizards in luoland. I have the power to invoke the elements at whim. I inherited bilo ma ratipo from my grandfather, the great wizard Ogalo Ng’injo. I can even change into whatever I please. And yet, I cannot even hide a simple thought from my wife. Mikayi, you worry me at times.

Mikayi: Then that is a good thing, for as long as you worry, then I know you shall come back to me alive. Let us go eat.

(Exeunt)

SCENE 7

The scene opens on a celebratory mood, AVANA VA WANGA is sang, displaying the Wanga subjects as well as the British soldiers accompanying Hobley, the British Imperialist. The place is the kingdom of the Nabongo Mumia, a great warrior with many servants and a sizeable following.

Narrator: Nabongo Mumia is currently engaged in what he does before any big ceremony. Scared that people would realise how much he doesn’t know, he makes sure that before every big event he holds a ceremony where he is a judge. He listens to the bigger squabbles and acts as defence and plaintiff’s lawyers as well as judge which leads to some ridiculous consequences. The people, will not laugh at the emperor’s new clothes

Nabongo: (To the “clerk”) Call out the neeeext case!

Clerk: Crow. Let us see who will get the ear of Mumia [Ok who is next? Come-on!!].

(Chorus of people say “Omukhundu Omukhundu” trying to get the clerk’s attention)

Nabongo: Yu there.

Villager 1: Omukhundu this man…

(A villager comes forward along with another who looks completely dishevelled and out of sorts)

Nabongo: Yes quickly how long do you want to keep my guest waitng? (Speaks to Hobley) You see we have a system! I sort there problems and they follow suit. Good eh?

Hobley: (Somewhat interested) Reminds me of something back home.

Nabongo: I don’t think so. This is my brand of rules. Completely ORIGINAL! Thought it would make the occasions much better. (To the villager) Ey! Come on! Don’t just stand there with that your mouth open!

Villager 1: I am here for my brother. He was taken two nights ago (Nabongo repeats a bit taken aback “Takeeeeeen! Two nights ago”). Yes! TAKEN! (Exaggerating) I am sure actually it was for three nights! They took him to make him tell where he hid some skins.

Nabongo: And where is he now?

Villager 1: He is here! (Lifts his brother up, looking dishevelled and distraught) Look what they did to him!

Nabongo: And his skins?

Villager 1: He is wearing them right now! (Mumia bursts into solitary laughter. The court takes the cue and laughs along with Mumia)

Nabongo: (Suddenly snapping out of his laughter he addresses the second man as if he expects an honest answer) EHEEEEEEEE? So? Can you tell this grateful assembly of your brothers and sisters what happened to you? (Brother mumbles) I cannot hear you? What are you saying (Brother mumbles even more unintelligibly) Oooh. Okay. (Turns to his advisor) What is he saying?

Villager 1: (Tries to salvage the situation) Omukhundu they took the hide from its place and have convinced him to take this one instead.

Nabongo: Theeeeeeeey?? Can you tell us right now who they are? Can you? Hmm?

Villager 1: That man over there!

Thief: (Stands up completely appalled) No Omukhundu, this is the one I had before. I got it from my own hard work. I bought this one from the fool of a man, how can he offer it and me not take it .Nabongo how? Didn’t my clansmen see me. All three? Makokha, Akhuno, Samia, they saw me. WOI he is a LIAR!

Nabongo: (As if they have stumbled on some big point) Ahhhh, then he has witnesses and you have no-one. Will they come and say the same?

Thief: Yes he is a LIAR. (Revels in his triumph)

Villager 1: But look at his nose! Isn’t it pointed like the one of a thief.

Thief: (Indignant) WHATT!!! My father had the same nose!

(Nabongo examines his nose and in it starts to find fault)

Nabongo: Look its true. Look (He tells the clerk) just as crooked as ever. Go see! He must also have bumps on is head!

Thief: (Doesn’t believe clerk is coming towards him to check) WHAT! Don’t touch me! Of course my nose is crooked! Yes! They beat me with sticks. (Shows Mumia his under arm)Even on my buttocks (Is about to show but Mumia stops him)

Nabongo: No I believe you. However…that your crooked nose betrays your heart. By the way, do not think Nabongo does not have an idea, or a clue. I have dealt with people with crooked noses. So be careful of the next thing you say. I will not abide a thief or a crook infront of my guests honour.

Thief: (Trying to go slower) But Omukhundu. Omukhundu how? How could I?

Nabongo: YOU TELL ME!!! Show me you are not the thief. Where is this other hide then?

(Silence)

Nabongo: Okay! I will decide in this matter then!(The rest kneel) I find that this man although he may not have been there has a nose so long it can smeeeeeell your dinner from hours away. This we know is a sign that you have itchy hands. (Everyone nods appreciatively) On the other hand, the man’s brother was not there to help family from

being robbed. Not there to help his brother in his time of need? Very serious! I say, now look at the results. We must always protect the family. And as Nabongo Mumia I will be the protector of everyone’s family. So I order you (points at Villager 1) to give to him ( points at Thief) 2 cows. One will be milked for me every month so that I know this tricky fellow with a long nose does not go back to his busy hands. And for good measure you… (points at Thief and pauses for effect) will come here every sundown and let the man you most probably stole from sit on you like a chair. Hard labour! That will teach your crooked ways better.

(The crowd agrees somewhat unenthusiastically)

Hobley: Jokingly and so it is ordered dated this dash day of dash nineteen dash,

Nabongo: (Laughs heartily and then stops to look at the people gathered) Well? GO! GET OUT! No more today. We shall adjourn till tomorrow. (A number of the group exit the stage and Nabongo turns back to Hobley). How did you like that? Power!! Tasty eh?

Hobley: (Unfazed) mmm… Yes.

Nabongo: Now Hobley, listen here. Nothing waits in the south but a rough land. I can get you the jewels of the area. I’m the one who has kept them hidden

Hobley: Oh? What jewels?

Nabongo: A large one to the west. Easy plunder I say.

Hobley: (No response)

Nabongo: Hobley, my friend, there is nothing for you in Kanyamwa. You have everything you need here. Would you rather go foolishly sight-seeing instead?

Hobley: It would not hurt to make a slight detour, you know.

Nabongo: I did not want to tell you this, Hobley. But this Gor Mahia, he is a strange man with strange ways. They say he is a wizard. They say he appears in many forms. Animals. Old women. Mammoths. Birds of the air. They say he blows fire from his mouth. They say he can sing rain. They say…

Hobley: They sure do say a lot of things. Do you believe in them? Do you believe he is a wizard?

Nabongo: Pfft! I believe that if you stay here, then you will reach the Baganda Kingdom much faster. I believe that with my help we can build an empire like … like…

like one of those Romans that you like speaking about so much. I believe in what I can see Hobley, not rumour that I hear. And right now, I can see that you have already made up your mind to go to Kanyamwa. It may all be rumour, but I also believe that people tend to all agree on one thing. He is a strange man. And strange men are often dangerous men.

Hobley: You are a wise man Mumia. You see things that other men can’t normally see. I will heed your caution. But I must speak to this envoy from Kanyamwa. Arrange a meeting.

Nabongo: This Gor must be a truly powerful wizard. And his magic lies in the manipulation of weaknesses. Especially those of men. (He is lost in thought) The meeting shall be arranged, Hobley. The girl is always the beginning and end by the way. Baganda are only a beginning... (He walks away leaving Hobley pacing up and down)

Hobley: Did you say the girl? (To self) Did he say the girl? So this is where I end up? This is where I find myself, after thousands of miles travelling. Who called this the dark continent? A corner of the world truly.But dark? Nothing dark here, except maybe what we don’t know. And what I don’t know is very little now. Dark? Maybe I should be more weary of what I don’t understand. This Gor Mahia person, I know too little about him. Or is he really as good a trickster as I thought he was. I wonder what the Chaps would say. They are probably kicking a ball around somewhere. I wonder what they would think of this Mahia of Africa. I bet they would say I don’t get paid enough.

Female Gor: (Entering from his blind spot) Does that mean we should pay you some

more.

Hobley: (A bit startled) What is it with people in this damn country. Can you not announce yourself before walking into anywhere. (Starts noticing she is quite attractive) Who are you, girl?

Female Gor: I tried to announce myself but you were busy talking to yourself. I have no money but for a serious “odiero”like you I can pay you in joy. Can I pay you in a riddle?

Hobley: I beg your pardon?

Female Gor: Yes! When people see me they run. I fly but have no wings and everywhere I want to land will turn red. Who am I?

Hobley: (Generally irritated and getting impatient, but still checking her out) Who are you, girl?

Female Gor: A girl? (Laughs sublimely) Wrong try again!

Hobley: I really don’t get paid enough. I am leaving girl. Tell the chief that I will find Gor Mahia on my own (Doesn’t leave but keeps staring at her)

Female Gor: Very good, you must enjoy looking then, because you will be looking for a long while.

Hobley: He can’t be hard to find girl! I have struck thrugh jungles thoroughly morecomplex than this. And I have...

Female Gor: Alright sir, but if you opened your eyes and ears you would know that the minute you leave you will be lost. (Giving him eyes) It might make you feel better and not talk to yourself anymore. In my culture, when people start talking to themselves it is a sign that the problems of the world have become too great for them.Why not answer my riddle mister sir?

Hobley: Why not have someone drive a stake through my eye. (Leaving) Why should I answer anything of a pre-pubescent child?

Female Gor: (Over-exaggerating her stupidity) Pre pube… I dunno what that is sir but I will ask Gor Mahia when I see him.

Hobley: (Finally catching up) So (laughs) he sends a girl to talk to me. You are the envoy?

Female Gor: I only know what I know mister sir. A riddle can be as good as payment, and a messenger can be as good as the person sending it.

Hobley: That, child, depends on the messenger. If he sent you here he is either cowardly or clever. Now show me which. What is your message?

Female Gor: He thinks the same about you coming to Nabongo Mumia and not to the Kabaka who seems to be stronger. But what do I know. I am only a girl.

Hobley: (Really checking her out now) Then meeting him will be very interesting indeed.

Female Gor: (Pouting) Not if you cannot even answer a simple riddle. And by the way if your eyes go any further I might have to make you go crazy.

Hobley: (More to himself than to her) If my eyes go any further I just might go crazy all by myself.

(Clears his throat) You are enough of a riddle on your own.

Female Gor: Mister Sir! You better stop looking at me like that or you will miss the message. (Hobley doesn’t hear) Mister sir? Stay where you are! Stop looking at me like that. (No response) Mister sir?

(She sings a song, WEE GA RANGA, to get Hobbley to stop looking at her. The other beautiful and female envoys sent along also join in getting Hobley flustered and confused)

Hobley: Sorry! I do not know what you are saying!

Female Gor: You are hopeless mister sir (Starts leaving)

Hobley: Well you aren’t much of a messenger. You still haven’t given me the message. I do not even know how I am to trust you.

Female Gor: And you have not answered my riddle. The message is this: Another three moons are climbing up the river of time to us before you shall meet the true Gor Mahia. The spirits will commute then between our day and their day and the ancestors will walk our land. When this dark moon comes to visit its children, enter Kanyamwa from the smallest river. Cross it where it splits into two and climb the hill into the dark forest. There will be three stars to guide you. Follow them to the top of the hill. Remember to the top.

Hobley: Wait!! I don’t know who you are! How do I believe you or trust your information?

Female Gor: (Turns back channelling the real Gor for this moment. Her voice becomes Gor’s as both she and Gor say these words, darkness and ominous music with witchery rife in the air) I am Gor Mahia. Remember three moons from now. To the top of the hill. Wait for me there (Leaves)

Scene closes with Hobley confused and shaken.

SCENE 8

The spirits of the midnight march: The first meeting

The scene opens on adense forest. Night has fallen and the crickets sing as the nocturnal hosts seem to be plotting scheming and wailing for good measure. This part of the bush is particularly ominous. In fact it was chosen by Gor Mahia for that particular purpose. It is a place where the spirits must pass. It is a place for sombre reflection and great power. For this is a gate between the present and the afterlife. It is a place where the spirits commute. For Kanyamwa it represents something even larger. This is where Kanyamwa might be able to turn the British around finally. The British have their own reasons and ideas either way. This is the beginning of the final stand and Gor’s real fighting chance.

In comes Hobley bravely cutting through the brush

Hobley: The cunning git probably thought that the crown’s envoy would be scared to come alone! It’s a fine pickle I have got into

A small boy (the spirit of young Gor) runs past him laughing joyously and startling him. Hobley grabs at his composure and calls after the boy.

Hobley: Hell? Wait… hello! What in heavens is going on here! (Declaring himself quite sternly to no one) I shall not be made a fool of! If this is your plan to take me to the madhouse you have not reckoned the power of the queen’s emissaries.

Gor: (Coming up from behind) Madhouse? That sounds like somewhere they put people like my friend Mumia

Hobley: (Startled but maintaining his stiff upper lip) You are the great magician I have been hearing about. Allow me introduce myself. I am the envoy of Quee…

Gor: No need for introductions, I know more about you than I need to know. Except who this “Queen” is. A medicine man of some sort?

Hobley: Nothing of the sort. HER Majesty is a great leader…

Gor: Well she is welcome here anytime, although I wanted to talk to you instead.

Hobley: (Already aware of the power-play in his constant interruptions) She thanks you although if I may speak for her, there is nothing much here for her to come see except some bushes and flowers.

Gor: Yet you stand here with me under the cold fire of the moon, during the march of the spirits of midnight.

Hobley: I stand here because you asked to meet me. (Silence) And so you have. If there is nothing more…

Gor: Where is your great iron snake that spits smoke?

Hobley: What?

Gor: (Smiling and guiding Hobley with gestures to look around) This place is a special place. My grandfather told me that this is a place where the waters of the after-life mix with those of the present day. Nights like these are a commute for the spirits to come into the world, and sometimes for us to walk in there’s. Isn’t this something you were interested in.The so called “magic” of Kanyamwa.

Hobley: Sir, the only magic I believe in is science and religion! I will admit I have been curious. You have a…. strained reputation among the people around you.

Gor: Yes? You think I have a reputation?

Hobley: All I have heard is rumours. Rumours that you can disappear into thin air and turn into animals.

Gor: (Leaning on his staff) Impressive rumours!

Hobley: Where I come from they would hang a man for that!

Gor: (Feigning great fear and surprise) Wololo, I think then where you come from should stay where it is and I will stay right here.

Hobley: They are but rumours; I now see they are completely unfounded as well. I must leave to attend to other matters.

Gor: (Says a strange chant and taps his staff)

(Hobley turns to leave and sees and is met by the sight of an old stooped man walking slowly. He has an aura of magic around him and the ambient music tells of the same. He is in fact a rain merchant that can buy and sell rain)

Gor: (Apparently happy to see the old man) Jaduong! Where are your children to help carry you today? (Jaduong mumbles unintelligibly) Do me one favour Jaduong. (Jaduong mumbles and nods no) Just one. It costs neither of us a bargain. Just play your instrument, the thunder, for my friend. (To Hobley) Rain merchants love that. (Jaduong continues leaving seemingly unmoved by the request)

Hobley: Rain Merchant? So much for you magic people of Kanyamwa, the next time I hear a …

(Suddenly there is a large peel of thunder and the Jaduong shakes himself and laughs a dead laugh)

Gor: Thank You Jaduong (Jaduong leaves) Sorry I couldn’t hear you. That is a Rain merchant, I wanted you to meet him.

Hobley: Don’t talk nonsense.

Gor: I have called a few other friends from the other side (A group of ladies come in dressed in flowing material. They hesitate at Hobley and at the sight of Gor run away) Spirits of the forest, I have bothered them one time too many when I was younger, but have you seen how beautiful they are. (The air is filling with weird sweeping noises, cackles and giggles and animal calls) A Death merchant comes. Would you like to see one? (A deep buzz begins to be heard like the humming of a thousand men. Its rising getting closer) What do you want to see Hobley? What you will see here will change your eyes forever! For THIS is the witching hour.

(They sing WACH EN JUOK. The chorus plays the part of the various spirits Gor is invoking. Fireblowing men, Beautiful nymphs, Wizards and witches all teasing Hobley as the song goes on)

Hobley: (Still somewhat composed, stiff upper lip ever maintained) Enough! (Hum) No! In the name of the Queen of England you will stop. Is this masquerade meant to be a threat?

Gor: (Using his newly acquired superior bargaining power) No threat Hobley. Just a question. What do you want here in Kanyamwa?

Hobley: What I want here is beyond the likes of you to understand.

Gor: Hobliyo, would I meet with you if I did not understand. Isn’t all this because of our mother the lake?

Hobley: (Stifling his amazement) Well done! I guess you know what you want to know.

Gor: That is all I know, but why is the lake important enough to make you carry your giant snake all this way, blue-eyed demon? That I don’t know.

Hobley: We are not demons. We are merely merchants and friends bringing good news. Come listen to our preachers, there is a lot you can learn.

Gor: My friends carry chickens to my house not sharp iron! Nor do my teachers.

Hobley: The fact of the matter is that there are rivers bigger than you can imagine and wonders that you cannot believe. Towering houses taller than the tallest tree. And they depend on your lake. We have signed treaties with them. They are now friends with the whole world. We are their friends and we can make them your friends to.

Gor: What we have to give is what am afraid of. We will not give it easily Hobley, know that!

Hobley: (Losing his diplomacy at this thinly veiled refusal) Look at my boots, Gor Mahia! This hide is much stronger than your skin, and I step on it all day. THAT is a threat.

Gor: We have our land, it will protect us because we know it well and it knows us. I am not afraid

Hobley: And we have the machine gun that can uproot you from this land like stray hairs You talked of the great steel snake. Ha! You don’t even know what it can do.

Gor: After the things you have seen here do you want to start war Hobli-yo?

Hobley: Ask yourself the same question. Bullets, my friend, cut through spirits as well as skin. This is as far an inchas I will give you. Cease or you will be exterminated. That is what comes next.

Gor: You would go so far? You would brave angering the spirits of our ancestors?

Hobley: I WILL DO WHAT MY COUNTRY ASKS OF ME. Long live the Queen!

Gor: SO WILL I! (They both square up but Gor has been fighting too many egos. He is clearly losing here.)

Hobley: You interest me Gor. I give you this one chance. Despite the fact that you somehow tipped of Ougo Ratego and his goons, and turned them to hate us before they could ever hear us. Think upon my offer for peace, but know that time is short. And soon the Karungu will fall. After such violence against our people this same bargain will.not.be.easily.STRUCK!

Gor: (Leaving albeit defiantly) The Karungu are stronger than you think Hobley you. Much stronger.

Hobley: Good, they will make for good practice and preparation of my men.

Gor: And your men good practice for the magic of Kanyamwa!

(Gor Exits)

Hobley: (Still facing as if watching Gor leave) You can come out now dear. He is gone.

Reru: (Comes in timid and weary but aching to hold Hobley. She begins to run to him then stops midway) What am I doing?

Hobley: You have already done more than you have to. So why are you so afraid?

Reru: (Nodding an apprehensive even terrified nod to no-one but herself) No, no, no. I can’t do this anymore. It feels wrong. I must go, I’m sorry. (She turns and heads out)

Hobley: Go where? After I have taught you so much? Go then.

Reru: (Stops hurt) DON’T… Don’t say that! Don’t be cruel. My loyalty lies with my people.

Hobley: (Finally turning to face her and walking purposefully towards her) Because they have done so much for you!

Reru: Please. You don’t understand!

Hobley: I do not? No? Then why have you stopped flying little bird. (Grabbing her by the arm) Why are you still here?

Reru: I’m going, this is too much for me.

Hobley: (Righteous indignation) Then leave! Go on then! Back to your dirt and disease little bird!

Reru: (Slaps him) THAT is my home you are talking about.

Hobley: (Laughs) Look how brave you have become little bird! How can I leave you here?

Reru: You always say “How can I leave...” Nyef! (Exasperated) We both know you will never come for me. You are too busy with your guns, and your men and your orders from this chief so far away. I think you lover her more than you love me.

Hobley: I love my country…

Reru: And I love mine.

Hobley: What if I told you I didn’t come here for Gor Mahia? (She stops) (Pause for effect) What if I told you that I came to pass a message to his little bird? (Silence) Could you give that message to the little bird?

Reru: Don’t you play with me. Do you know what you are asking?

Hobley: I do. but in all fairness you asked me first. In every look you gave since we first met. All I ask now is that you be here, at sunset, 3 days from now. Will you? (Silence) Reru?

Reru: Shhh! Don’t say anything more. I think you should leave right now. Who knows who is listening.

Hobley: Keep your promise little bird. (Begins to exit the stage) I will keep mine.

(Hobley exits leaving Reru alone)

Reru: (Sombre and wary) I will keep my promise, my love.

(Reru exits. Lights off)

(The room is filled with the sound of coughs and moans and muttering as the narrator chimes in)

Narrator: The ancestors had been aggravated. Their wrath as swift as it was, walked past the door of Hobley and landed in the lap of the little bird. Reru’s illness was agonising. She did not last long. And her love disappeared into the ether like a deleted sms, or an Mpesa withdrawal,

happy as long as it was present but soon used up and only remembered as history. Who knows what games fate plays? Gor Mahia and Hobley, for whatever reason fate had chosen to bring these two together again. More and more Anyango’s prophecy began to take shape.

(The scene opens on a clearly mourning Hobley looking distraught and gazing far into nowhere. Enter Gor Mahia)

Hobley: Stay away from me.

Gor: You took her in life but she is ours, return her body. Return her to me. Let me bury her according to our ways.

Hobley: Yes you who were too weak to save her. You didn’t come when I called but you come to beg now.

Gor: Listen…

Hobley: Oh am done listening to you! Not this second, hour, day, week or month. No, not this year,nor decade,nor century. You can count on that Gor Mahia!

Gor: She is of Kanyamwa…

Hobley: Then come take her from the guards, but know that we are not at the bargaining table.

Gor: (He begins to break down) Hobli-yo, Let me bury her. Let me bury my wife.

Hobley: No. Anything else? Then get out! She will remain mine till the end. Not ours. Can you bring her back? Well can you?

Gor: (Timid and tired) No….. (Mikayi rushes in to Gor’s side seeing him about to collapse with Nyachira following close behind.

Hobley: No! With all your power you cannot. (Not himself) Our God brought his son back from the dead. Can yours not do this for you? Not even your magic? No? Nothing? (Even more out of himself) Try to keep it down though. I hear your kind tend to have very noisy funerals with men crying all over the place like women… (He knows this is going too far) and little girls?

(Hobley exits and Gor sings RERU’S FUNERAL MARCH)

Nyachira: (very smugly) Good riddance! After all, did she not make the soup herself. Let her drink it. Let her lick it off her lips. Did she not insult Gor Mahia? Let her now feel his wrath and power. Foolish girl.Serves her right. Skipping from one home to another like a hare on…

Mikayi: (Slaps Nyachira, cutting her statement. leaving the latter dumbfounded and speechless. In a deadly whisper) Do not speak ill of the dead, you fool. And do not speak ill of my husband either.

Gor Mahia would never use his power to bewitch one he once loved. Do you not see him hurt? If I could, I would take Reru’s place if that would stop his tears.

Gor: (shocking them both since they did not know he was listening) Mikayi, Were Nyakalaga still has plans for me. And all happens for a reason. Were also knows that your death would result in mine.

SCENE 9

The second Death: The weight of a crown.

The scene opens on a celebration. It is an auspicious occasion with Gor at the centre, still sombre from the first death, and weary of Anyango Nyaloka’s prophecies. The whole area is ceremony as they are all decked out in full splendour awaiting some sort of ceremony. Gor is on an elevated dais, Mikayi is sat next to him and to his right there is an empty seat. Gor Mahia is resolute. Looking far into the distance as Mikayi intermittently stands to straighten Gor’s head dress and other accoutrements. She is nervous and restless. She feels something dangerous is on its way.

(In comes a servant)

Mikayi: Bring some water. Are you thirsty husband? Bring him something to drink. Have the visitors come?

Servant: They have not been seen.

Mikayi: Go find out. Just check. (Servant leaves) I want this to be done with husband, quickly.

Gor: (As if coming out of a trance) They are here wife, this will be done with but not today. There is so much more to come wife! There is so much more to come! I wish it wouldn’t.

Mikayi: That is why I am here, chuora. I will stay next to you always

Gor: Some places you cannot go Mikayi. Some places you should not go.

Mikayi: There is no place that your heart can hide from mine.

Gor: (Smiling at her bravery) No there isn’t, chiega.

Mikayi: What is wrong? Tell me! (Whispering loudly) Is this because of Anyango Nyaloka? Didshe say...

Gor: Sshh! Here comes the Queen’s man. (Stands up to receive his guests)

(In walks Hobley with a small but well outfitted entourage singing RULE BRITTANIA)

Gor: (Cordial in an obviously strained manner) You are finally here. Lateness is not usually your portion.

Hobley: (Cold but diplomatic) Yes honourable chief of Kanyamwa. My apologies We were attending to certain (clears throat) urgent preparations. Am glad that you made a wise choice. We have the relevant papers here (extends his hand and a member of his entourage hands him a sheaf of papers). Her majesty is glad to have a friend on the continent and this treaty is your appointment as HER Paramount Chief, your grace.

Gor: But her messenger seems…. wary. Am sure the papers are fine. Come. Bed ka! Sit, sit! Have something to drink. We bring our minds together that way here

Hobley: Yes your grace.

Gor: We shall do it in here, the crowd is scaring your men.

Hobley: Yes your grace.

Gor: You aren’t an envoy, Hobli-yo. You are a well-trained soldier. A few days ago you were…

Hobley: No need to bring that up, your Grace. Not on such an auspicious occasion.

Gor: (Looks deeply into Hobley) Yes. Auspicious. No more of this your grace. What’s your procedure? Will you not drink first.

Hobley: Thank you your grace but we must sign this while still sober that is the law around here… (Hesitates and clears his throat) pardon. I mean that is the law. We should do it with a clear mind. You call your witnesses and I will call mine.

Gor: My witnesses are here1, and yours. Bring your words and we shall be done.

Hobley: Why the woman. Where is her brother. Shouldn’t HE be a witness?

Gor: He was attending to some (clears his throat to mock Hobley) preparations that were aurgent. They will be more than enough

(They sign and exchange papers. And shake hands as people leave with the papers and ululations begin. They slowly die down)

Hobley: (Taking out his pipe) Keep those papers safe. You can always show them should someone come by and question your authority.

Gor: My authority comes from the people singing outside, not from any papers, not even from the stature of my birth. It comes from who I am. It is given to me.

1Author’s note: Choose any other person here but one of the witnesses must be Mikayi. One of Hobley’s should be an priest or missionary

Hobley: (Restraining his indignation) Indeed, by the singing people. Where is that man who leads the Karungu? Your brother-in-law?

Gor: One snake rears its head, what is the other snake to do? After all, all that a snake knows is to fight, for food and for survival.

Hobley: (Rhetorical) Why does this place fight at every turn? (To Gor) You need to bring him in. This will not bode well, and we might need his stabilising force in the area.

Gor: Don’t play games with me Hobley. I know exactly what it means now. It means more blood on the ground. You just want more.

Hobley: I don’t want anything. The empire has its needs and you have agreed to help! (Sitting back) You fear death don’t you?

Gor: Why should I be afraid of death Hobli-yo?

Hobley: Because you do not know for sure what happens? For a mind of your calibre must surely have had its doubts. You fear death Gor, you fear it and the oblivion within it.

Gor: Let me ask you this, Hobley?

Hobley: Yes?

Gor: Are we afraid of birth?

Hobley: Well, I wouldn’t say so but…

Gor: So we would agree that we do not fear birth even though we have no clue as to what happens before?

Hobley: Well yes, but you see…

Gor: Thank you Hobley, in other words, we should not be afraid of what we do not know. Like before birth. Or even, maybe, after death. I do not fear death, Hobley, for in the unknown beyond, the concept of fear may not even exist. I do not fear death. Not once. Not Now. Not ever. For death does not disturb the dead, And in death even death dies, And just as we must live to die, so must we die to live. I am a river, finding my way back to the Lolwe, I am Omieri the python, swallowing its own tail. The earth is not an inheritance of our fathers, nor one for our sons.”

Hobley: I wonder what the people of Karungu would have to say about that last part. Well you are in charge now.

Gor: (Slightly shaken) Hobley speak openly. You have not been a man of veiled threats so far.

Hobley: Well Gor Mahia, let’s just say this. “Whatever happens, we have got, the maxim gun and you have not.” Ha! So many people have to die Gor Mahia, before you can accept the inevitable. So many people…(Pauses slightly) So be it. (Hobley puts his pipe in his mouth and approaches Gor Mahia to a nose to nose distance, as band plays build up music and goes suddenly silent, and in a menacing whisper says) The lake will run red with Karungu blood GorMahia. The very earth will be soaked in it. And all that blood will be on your hands. (Hobley walks off.)

Gor: I hope they made bigger shields.

(Stage goes darker. The owl, Tula nyangor, starts hooting, a leitmotif of death The battle of the Karungu is played out. BUNDE MUOCH KARUNGU is sang at this point. Shouts are heard from backstage, and moans. Gor Mahia, still in his ceremonial garb is haunted by their screams as men [the dancers] run onto the stage and are immediately felled by the bullets. They fall to the ground around the newly crowned paramount chief. He cannot take this onslaught on his mind. As song comes to an end, The Daughters of Death threaten Gor Mahia with DANCE OF THE DEAD I, but he is victorious)

(Warrior 1: To the Lake Run to the lake

Warrior 2: Don’t run, hold Your Ground!

Warrior 3: They are all dead!

Warrior 1: To the lake it BURNS.

Warrior 2: We have been lead to our deaths. Fight men.

Warrior 3: THESE WERE NEVER BABIES! THESE WE’RE DEMONS!)

Narrator: A dirge to Ougo, TU LU LU.

( As the war comes to an end Gor looks round him at the dead bodies at his feet)

Gor: (Grievously in pain) The second death. It is too great Anyango. It is too great!

(Once done Mikayi’s Shouts come from backstage. She is looking for her husband who has been conspicuously missing from the feast)

Mikayi: Husband? What is wrong? (He looks unsteady from the vision he has just hard and grabs on to her hand to steady himself)

Gor: Why are you not at the celebration. Why are you here? The guests…

Mikayi: It is already over. Have you been here the entire time? Did you see something? (Gor looks desparately at her and then his eyes drop, unable to face the grief of his wife that is about to come) What is it? I have never asked you of anything chuora. But I ask you this. I beg. Chuora. Tula

nyangor is singing her dirge once again. I cannot bear not knowing. Use your sight. Tell me what has happened to my brother.

Gor: My love, I cannot bear to tell you what has happened. I will show you instead what my mind sees.

*(“OUGO WAYUAGI” is then sang as the utter destruction of the battle is now shown to the audience, carnage and death all over, and the DANCE OF THE DEAD II is done at this point, where Gor Mahia beseechs the dead to rise and go back home. Once the dance of the dead is done Gor finishes with one last soliloquy)

“There are things hidden in the dark recess of the Alkebulan night. Death and happiness, light and magic, it is all magic maybe. Maybe that’s just the name we give to things that neither you nor I can experience until we know them; until we know where they are hidden. Those are beautiful things: things that you understood when you had the innocence of a child and no bar to feel the earth vibrating through you. That is what I know, and maybe, in our secret places, that’s how we all feel. Maybe that is what waits for us when we finally die. Maybe, just maybe, that is the feeling that never ends.”

SCENE 10

Mysterious sounds surround this pivotal scene. The owl’s hoot intertwined with the soft whistling of an ominous wind. It all sounds faintly like a distant warning that the events about to take place do not bode well for our hero or the people.

Characters:

Anyango Nyaloka

Otuoma Jakabwayi

Onyony Ja Gem

Kagose Wuod Odemba

Oyamo Odidi

Ouru, the blind servant

Narrator: The river that is life and time stops for no one. All good wizards know this. All brilliant wizards have known this from before there were ancestors to look to; from before the coming of the snake and its merchants of death, from before one could talk to one’s kin on a plastic tablet, kin miles away in lands that seem like dreams. It moves for its own purpose, and their ends can only flow along with it. Somewhere in Kanyamwa, 5 greats sit down to a feast. Not of beef, or fish. Today they feast on a strange meal. They will drink it down with vengeance. Watch them prepare for the feast! Here they are.

Where is our hero to answer to this council of the damnable? Look and listen, friends. The council is convened. There is quorum. But like any commission of inquiry, the outcome of investigations has already been determined long before this meeting.

Onyony Jagem: (Looking Anyango in the eyes) My friends, seeing you all here is a terrible sign. I know death is near.

Otuoma and Kaguon: (Together) Where is Gor Mahia?

Kagose: I have seen many things in my life but never a chameleon such as Gor, glad to change colour and never hesitant.

Anyango: (with a knowing look) Oh! Has he done something that we should know? Before you say anything, you men must remember to salute our forefathers…

Otuoma: … and mothers

Anyango: (Unflinching) By convening the council properly.

They all agree and stand. In unison they perform the opening ritual, a strange but beautifully mysterious ritual. They sing MA GOTIEND MASICHE.

Anyango: Moss… moss… slowly. The night has just began. And I don’t care to turn another night runner into stone. It gets boring. Am sure Odidi would like to get some food to his rats. Yes Odidi I know you have a lot of words fighting in your mouth

Odidi: He has not listened to…

Onyony: (Laughs) It doesn’t seem that people like us do much listening. Maybe we should have brought some brew and he would have come carrying it

Anyango: A summons is a summons. When the council calls we call for quorum.

Odidi: The fool! Does he want to test whether we can…? (Stops with the words half in his mouth)

(A brief profoundly knowing silence)

Onyony: Half-finished sentences are a curse to the tongue and the heart, especially here.

Odidi: If someone stole my prophecy, took my birth right, snatched my powers and then made a fool of me, I would not be much of a man (or a woman, or whatever she is) if I just licked my wounds like a wounded thuon.

Anyango begins humming as if to drown out her growing anger.

Onyony: Thuonde don’t fly rat man.

Odidi: No, you don’t either, do you? From what I hear cocks like you don’t even put up a fight. (He looks away to some distant memory) from what I hear thuonde such as yourself let your magic be sipped away through a straw. Sssssssoooop. Just like that. I wonder (turning his head to Onyony) can you even heal a fart now. It must be hard to sit for a beer with that weight on you. Finish him

And you Otuoma, Mas Jaganda. How is your son? Your brother in law has so much love for him that he confused his mind to show this. The whispers whisper that now when boys wrestle, he wrestles for a different reason. End him.

Migori MaJa Turi is sitting here acting like he doesn’t need his powers. As if he only let them be borrowed. Don’t you know the same straw that fell on your friend, Onyony’s beer?

And Nyaloka the sweet…

Anyango:(interrupts) I don’t need to hear what happened to me. I was there.

Odidi: Hein! Still bitter? A seer’s behind can tell how angry you are. You know, the way the bush is talking I would have thought everyone was there.

Kagose: You didn’t do any better idiot. And you have been had more times than the bush can speak of.

Odidi: But I am ready to do something about it, even though I am only a mere rat keeper.

Onyony: Speak plainly…. Rat keeper. Anyango has a tendency to take away tongues when she gets impatient.

Odidi: Mmmmmh, I remember what she did to Ougo. Poor young man, cried for hours

Kagose: Then she got tired of his crying, and gave him an oversize one.

(Burst into a roar of laughter. Anyango glares at them while her attendant looks worried)

Odidi: (composing himself) The day has come to end him for good. We can take our prophecy back. Take our powers out of the hands of that… that… that madman. Get back a little pride. If that still means anything to you. Does that mean anything? Anything at all??

Onyony: So we should make the sun set before its time? Easy to say. But who will do it?

Kagose: Accidents happen you know.

Odidi: All the time Ma Ja Turi. All the time.

Otuoma: It’s so hot in here. The door! Can it be opened!

Onyony: It would have to be something powerful if it were to work. Are we ready to put all of ourselves into this one act? Do we have a choice? Because I now we can all see it. This is as certain as the sunrise and sunset. He will die. Our souls once gone will have to answer for it, to every ancestor that has gone before us. What will Were Nyakalaga, The Owner say, I don’t know.

Odidi: Dispatching kin to the next world is no laughing matter. But if a tree falls in the forest when no one is around, does it make a sound?

Otuoma: I cannot listen to this. I know something must be done but should I be one to kill my kin. The air in here is too thick. I can’t breathe.

Onyony: I will do it,it’s my time!

Odidi: Am the only one brave enough to skin the leopard!

Kagose: I must get my powers back. Let me go!

Otuoma: I won’t! Ouru open the door!

Anyango: SILENCE! It shall be Odidi. It always has been his lot. It’s my time manadi! Mschew! Oyamo, you got the spell ready didn’t you? I heard you from where I was going into the secret place. The forbidden place. What did they tell you? (Oyamo makes to speak) I don’t need to know, it is you who will do it. No more games. Tongues are not the only things I can shrink. Ouru bring my staff. Quickly! And water from the pot. You will need some of our powers, won’t you?!

Otuoma: (standing up in defiance) I-will-NOT-be tricked-again. My powers I am not giving to anybody!

Anyango: Sit down, Goat. Do you think one who cries rivers needs your permission to take what she wants?!? You are grass I step on. I already took what we need from you.

(Ouru comes back with Anyango’s staff and a calabash of water)

Anyango: Give the calabash to Otuoma before he turns to rock. As for the rest of you, when you brought your staff’s in they responded to the wishes of mine. You have all you need Odidi. Go! Do what you must, do it well. (Gets up to leave) What does Were Nyakalaga say? (Chuckles) The Owner Were Nyakalaga? Look, he has already tipped the pot. The pot falls. The pot will break. (Breaks into a cackle) The pot will break!

Narrator: the end came like the strike of lightning. Sudden, merciless and unavoidable the hero was sent to shake hands with his fathers, fore fathers and ever watchful ancestors.

Kanyamwa cried red tears, for alimb had been torn. She cried because those truths spoken from Anyango’s tongue had finally come to pass. 3 deaths had she prophesied. Do you remember, friends? Three books had been declared closed. Ratego was no more and Gor’s beloved was lost to Kaya the Answerer. Three deaths and then…. The unknown.

Be stable Kanyamwa, be strong! The first wife has not let her tears flow yet. Her walk is true as the pot on her head. Let not the water spill from her head. Be solid to support her feet, or break the pot.

Mikayi: What are you doing, my love. Don’t lie here. Breathe. Change into something. Gor…. Gor? Gor! Gor please, anything. Just be alive. Breathe. (The others approach) GET AWAY! Get away, let him gather himself, give him some room. What are you doing sleeping there? Wake up you!

Where were you all? Hee? Where were you when they killed him? Don’t just stand there. Tell me! TELL ME! Oh Gor! (Breaks into incomprehensible babble) What have you done, Nyachira? Why weren’t you there to protect my husband? Look what they did to him! Come back, love, please change into something that is here, with me! Reru, you witch! You betrayer! Why can’t you leave him here with us! Why??? GET AWAY!!! Or I will see you all dead. I will kill everyone of you.

Old Woman: Ling’ nyamama. Ling’. Gor has gone to be with his ancestors.

Mikayi: I said STAY AWAY!! (Emotion overtakes her. A pindrop silence envelopes before she lets out a heavy wail from the depths of her sorrow)

Nyachira:(Moves in closer) Mikayi… we… Gor is… (Mikayi beckons her closer and together they weep for Gor in GOR MAHIA’S LAMENT)

(From behind them, Gor’s basket shakes and out of it comes the child Gor. He is the ghost of Gor Mahia, a piece of his spirit still left in this world. He is here to pass a message to the world, and to the people who cannot see him. He is here to remind them that the magic cannot leave Kanyamwa. None can see him, except for Mikayi)

Ghost of Gor:

“There are things hidden in the dark recess of the Alkebulan night. Death and happiness, light and magic, it is all magic maybe. Maybe that’s just the name we give to things that neither you nor I can experience until we know them; until we know where they are hidden. Those are beautiful things: things that you understood when you had the innocence of a child and no bar to feel the earth vibrating through you. That is what I know, and maybe, in our secret places, that’s how we all feel. Maybe that is what waits for us when we finally die. Maybe, just maybe, that is the feeling that never ends.”

(Once the child’s agenda is completed the song TERO BURU plays. A song to honor his death. It is interrupted by Anyango Nyaloka who enters midway through the song)

Nyachira: You! Why are you here? Must you laugh at our misfortune?

Anyango: (Looking surprised) Laugh?

Nyachira: He came to see you, didn’t he? Gor told me he had some trouble. Not to do with that white demon.

Mikayi: He is dead now. My husband is dead. Does any of it matter?

Nyachira: He had something on his mind. What did he tell you?

Anyango: Tell? Me?

Nyachira: STOP DOING THAT! What did he want to know? Why couldn’t he tell Mikayi? Why couldn’t he tell me?

Anyango: I don’t have time for cockroaches like you, second wife.

Mikayi: How about some like me? He came back looking sad. Like his shoulders carried a tree trunk. I have never seen him so disturbed.

Anyango: Oh? Me I thought you had just said it doesn’t matter? Have you changed your mind? Do you want to look into my eyes and see the terror Gor saw.

Mikayi: (Backing away) I am NOT afraid of you witch! You won’t scare me away.

Anyango: I won’t scare you? Really?

Nyachira: You make everything mad. All of you do. You cant do whatever you want, you can’t just…

Anyango:I have done whatever I wanted in the past and I will continue to do whatever I want. (Approaching Gor’s corpse, she leans next to his lifeless body) I am not Kaya the Answerer so asking won’t do you any good widow. Nye nyenyenye all day long. Why don’t you just ask me the one question you want to know? (She goes into a trance like chant)

Mikayi: You were never friends.

Anyango: (Stops her chant for a moment) So what?

Mikayi: He was your enemy and you were his. Was it you that killed Gor? Was it you that dirtied the spirits of your people with the blood of an innocent man?

Anyango: (Bursts into an eerie, insane bout of laughter. As soon as she composes herself) No I wasn’t child. His death had long been in the stars, like his father’s, and his fore fathers before him.

Mikayi: That isn’t an answer.

Anyango: A storm has no reason to answer the mud on my feet..

Nyachira: You could have stopped it couldn’t you?

Anyango: No I couldn’t. Or maybe I could, either way it did not happen that way.

Nyachira: (In a loud,angry whisper) Liar!!

Anyango: First wife, if your younger wishes to have her tongue and body parted, tell her I will gratefully do it.

So many fools you left me with, Gor. What did you think? Did you imagine that he was yours Mikayi? Did your dreams tell you that he would be yours forever? He was not a plaything. Is that what you thought?

Mikayi: (Resigned silence)

Anyango: Okumu Gor Mahia wuod Ogada nyakwar Ogalo dhoklufund Ng’injo, listen to these children bicker as if you were a dog tied to their leash. Gor was not yours Jo-Kanyamwa. Gor was not of the white babies. Gor was not even of his own. Okumu Ogada Gor Mahia was MARWA, (thumps her chest) and will always be. I come here not to mourn my adversary, but to mourn a man whose greatness shall never die. Will my tears melt away all the anger? Will my grief witness your courtesy? I respected him in life. I shall mourn him in death. For even God rumbles in sadness today for a man so great. The earth is not an inheritance of our fathers, nor one for our sons.

(Tero Buru continues with the three of them singing together as a trio)

Anyango: His body will be missed but the Simba where he stays now is more glorious than ever. I will leave now. There is nothing left for me here. Follow the words of your chief. Generations will say whether or not he was innocent. Even this blind child here can see that, although she sees more than most. Come Ouru!

(She leaves in haste. Blind Ouru trails behind her)

Mikayi: Wait… wait! Will I see him again?

Ouru: (Stops and turns to answer Mikayi, and the audience. Pause for effect) Why ask the question? Haven’t you seen him already? Walking right in front of you?

Mikayi: (Too shocked at Ouru speaking...hesitant and afraid) Who are you?

Ouru: I am Ouru, the blind who sees everything. But in another body they know my name as the holder of the answers, the one who speaks to the seers. Kaya, they call me. We shall see each other soon, first wife. Look to your husband

…for now.