Warui and Wambui

Key Events

• Warui, a village elder, and Wambui, an old woman active in the struggle, reflect after Independence Day 1963.
  • They discuss the death of an old woman (mother of Gitogo, a young deaf man shot by the British during the Emergency).
  • Both feel depressed due to the rain and the revelation that Mugo was a traitor. They sense that "something went wrong".
• Mumbi visits them:
  • She reveals that Mugo confessed his betrayal the night before the meeting.
  • Mumbi encourages them to move forward, saying, "We have got to live."
  • Warui and Wambui agree that life must continue despite their disappointment.
• Wambui reflects that Independence feels like a "terrible anti-climax".
  • She wonders if they should have avoided judging Mugo harshly.

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Themes

Betrayal

• Both Warui and Wambui feel like "bereaved children", saddened by the betrayal of Mugo.
• His actions overshadow the Uhuru (freedom) celebrations, leaving them disillusioned.

Community and the Collective

• Warui and Wambui believe the old woman's death reflects her isolation from the community.
  • Mumbi reminds them of the need for unity:
  • Warui: "We have the village to build."
  • Wambui: "And the market tomorrow, and the fields to dig and cultivate."

Suffering and Sacrifice

• Warui recalls Wambui's presence on "the day of the big sacrifice", referring to the sacrifice of rams on Independence Day.
• The idea of sacrifice also applies to Mugo, who sacrifices himself by confessing his betrayal, allowing the village to uncover the truth.

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Symbols

Water (Rain)

• The constant drizzle symbolises the shock and disillusionment of the villagers after Mugo's confession.
• The rain serves as an anti-climax, contrasting the excitement expected from Independence celebrations.
• Wambui feels the rain represents her own disappointment:
  • She is "lost in a solid consciousness of a terrible anti-climax" despite her efforts in the freedom struggle.

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Key Points to Remember

• Characters: Warui, Wambui, and Mumbi represent different responses to betrayal and the aftermath of Independence.
• Themes: Betrayal, community, and sacrifice highlight the complexities of freedom.
• Symbolism: Rain reflects the villagers' uncertainty and the anti-climax of their expectations.