In the early years of Kenya's independence, there was a huge outflow of settlers from the country. This was a big show of no-confidence in the Kenyatta-led government. But most importantly, their exit left a huge skill gap in the young economy. Sectors like agriculture and railways became poorly run, with the latter eventually collapsing. If only Mzee had been more diverse, and reserved.
"Oginga sends his compliments."
"Really?" Mzee has an unbelieving face.
"What did he say?"
"He hopes you serve every mwananchi and not forget their sufferings under the white man."
"He wants an office, doesn't he?"
"Oginga has never been honest with his true feelings."
"He wants an office! That kihii!"
You shouldn't say that old man! That's an insult unbecoming of the first Prime Minister!
[Freeze]
What happened? No one is moving. Did this guy get a stroke? No. Everyone is frozen in place as if caught in time.
Is this my fault? I kind of get the feeling that it is.
Some time passes. Not even a sound from the earlier boisterous chatters. A welcome relief really, but I wish to get back to our evening. As for that last comment, I will pretend it didn't even happen.
[Rewind]
"He wants an office, doesn't he?"
"Oginga is never one to be honest with his true feelings."
"He definitely wants an office." Mzee mumbles to himself while sipping a beer in quiet contemplation.
"If he wants an office, I will create one for him! There is no reason to leave the party! Am I not the Prime Minister?!"
Things have changed, haven't they? Though not ideal, at least Mzee is not spewing derogatory words. Is this my superpower?
At the Office
Over a large, executive mahogany desk, two men stare each other down. If looks could kill, one would be dead. I even peed my pants, literally!
"Aside from retaining the party's Deputy Chairman position, I give you the Office of Deputy Prime Minister! Next year, when I become President, you will be Vice-President!"
You can feel Mzee's desperation at the edge of his seat, and wits. The answer seems apparent. This outpouring of promises would elicit a quick, obvious reaction from any man. Any man other than Oginga.