The man is taken aback, and for a second, his eyes open wide, incredulous at the immensity of the rewards. Conflict weighs over him as his eyes dance confusedly in their sockets. But only for a while and they soon return to their sharp focus. His mind seems made up.
"If I am to take up the mantle of Kenya's Deputy Premier, I will need certain assurances from you."
His clear, brusque voice fills the room and sweeps away Mzee's logic. As expected of Kenya's first Deputy Prime Minister.
"First, as envisaged leaders of independent Kenya, we give precedence to the issue of land distribution. Our people's land has been unjustly taken! Before anything else, we should urgently work towards a timely and fair resolution to this problem."
Mzee shifts uncomfortably in his seat.
"Second, we address the release of all political detainees and renumerate all freedom fighters!"
He then continues softly.
"As a former detainee yourself, you surely empathize with political prisoners. I presume you recall several of them protecting you while in there? Certainly, you wish to see them out of prison and properly compensated?"
I can confirm beyond any doubt that such thoughts never crossed this old man's mind!
"Finally, for all atrocities committed against our people, we should get a clear apology from the colonial government. Preferably, this should be done before or during Independence Day next year. Also, an official promise not to interfere in our nation's affairs going forward!"
Did he notice? Was it not intentional? Nevertheless, he hit a nerve and Mzee flinched! The man who had his every overture ignored and still kept it together was now seething with fury.
But Mzee is not the fighting type. I would already have leapt over and delivered a passionate rungu to the irksome man's forehead. Look! There is a conveniently placed weapon right there!
Oginga (oblivious?) fixes his gaze at Mzee.
The old man adjusts himself again. A cursory glance at his rungu… is all the appalling weapon's going to get in this discourse.
"Are you done?"
Oginga gives a nod. It is good to play well with others. Despite his sharp tongue, I can't help but agree wholeheartedly with his political sentiments.
And then the rungu lands squarely on his face. He takes it with disbelief; eyes wide open with his cheeks inflated from the impact. I can't believe it too!
A tooth flies out. I guess he finally circumcised the guy. Who knew Mzee could be so impulsive when his Presidency is put in jeopardy? Aren't your ambitions far above the nation's best interests?
Unfortunately, it is a mindset that perpetuated to nearly all post-independence leaders. But most important, this is my fault, right?
[Rewind]