The Opportunist Elite By Nyambari C.M. Nyangwine Novel Analysis

Title: The Opportunist Elite

Author: Nyambari C.M. Nyangwine

Setting: Kong’amu (An imaginary Post independence State in Africa)

Published: 2022

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TITLE AND CONTENT

An opportunist person is a person who takes advantages of circumstances for his personal gain. An elite person is a person who holds a specialized knowledge or high level skills. The title is therefore used to refer to the antagonist of the story, Nyaguchiro. He is the opportunist elite because he takes advantages of being elite for his personal gains. Therefore the title reflects the following issues depicted in the story.

The opportunist Elite reflects corruption: He privatizes all the major means of production in Kong’amu to foreign investors and he receives a ten percent of each resource he privatizes. He therefore takes an opportunity of being the director of investment to enrich himself.

The opportunist Elite reflects immorality: after he is appointed as a tutorial assistant to a public university. He takes that advantage to exchange women like clothes.

The Opportunist Elite reflects Betrayal: he betrays his elders who spent their money and blessings to prepare him so as to develop their Kong’amu but he turns against them. When they write a letter he ignores it and he never replies.

The opportunist Elite reflects western culture. Nyaguchiro and his wife, Catherine become westernized. They engage in drinking wine and not local beer, they live in Britain and promise to visit Kong’amu after ten years. They drive range rovers imported from England. they reject and swear not to buy any product from Africa.

The opportunist Elite reflects misuse of funds: Nyaguchiroo uses the funds h exploits from the resources he has privatized to enrich himself. The use of expensive cars imported from abroad reflects misuse of funds. The narrator says “the cars have never been seen in various streets of Kong’amu. “Everyone who saw them was surprised. It was said the two range rover cars were imported from the Great Britain. A certain white man was very sympathetic to the tax payers when he found out that only a few individuals in the country had a lot of money”

The opportunist Elite reflects Ignorance. Ignorance is portrayed by Nyaguchiro asan elite. Instead of developing his home country, he goes to spend in Europe. His ignorance is revealed by a satire when he says “in my view, it could have been meaningful if I were born a dog in Europe than a human being in Kong’amu” this shows the way he is ignorant. He says such words after studying about investment in which they nickname African countries as poor and low thinking countries.

THE PLOT (SUMMARY)

The exposition: The setting, Kong’amu in which the book is set is introduced. The newly born twins are introduced, the elder one is Entakna and the younger one is Nyaguchiro. They are the drivers of actions. Nyaguchiro becomes an antagonistic character, where as Entakana is a protagonist.

The rising in action: things begin to rise when Nyaguchiro graduates; he is employed as a tutorial assistant to a public university. At the university, he becomes a womanizer, exchanging women like underwear. Then after he is appointed as the director of investment. He privatizes all major resources of the country such as valleys, rivers, minerals, tourist destinations and forests. This leads to life hardship to Kongamu’s citizens. He eventually lives in Britain together with his wife, Catherine. When his brother and elders of Kong’amu write a letter to him, he never replies, calling them “useless letters” he betrays his people and his mother’s will.

The climax: Nyaguchiro returns back to Kong’amu, he is appointed as the minister of contracts and investment. When he tries to speak to his people, they ignore his speech. Then the retirement of The Chief Executive officer, Nyaguchiro’s boss contributes to the fall of Nyaguchiro. He struggles to join the political party so as to contest in the elections but the party members cancel his name, claiming that he participated in various scandals in the country. This becomes the fall of Nyaguchiro as he becomes a disrespected person in the country.

Falling in action and resolution: Nyaguchiro dreams that he meets his late mother, asking for forgiveness. He becomes conscious at the end as he says “Everyone in Kong’amu will reap what they sow”. Then Entakana dreams; his mother’s voice is calling him in the dream, advising him to prepare his son, Masongoro to lead their Country. The voice says Masongoro will abolish oppression, corruption, betrayal, exploitation and all illegal practices.

SUMMARIZATION OF CHAPTERS

Chapter 1

An imaginary county, Kong’amu which represents any of the African countries is introduced. The newly born twins are also introduced. The elder one is Entakana and the Younger one is Nyaguchiro. Nyaguchiro is treated as the antagonistic character and he is the real “Opportunist Elite”. They are the sons of Mama Msagane. Their father died though he did not marry their mother. When Entakana was born, there was a rain followed by the sunshine; which symbolizes hopes but when Nyaguchiro was conceived, there were flashes of lighting, followed by thunder claps that stuck here and there.

Some villagers said the birth of Nyaguchiro was the beginning of problems. Therefore, the birth of Nyaguchiro symbolizes problems in Kong’amu. An old man, Omoraguri says, the baby who was born was a strange one and he has brought misfortune in Kong’amu. They said their ancestors were angry, they were cursed. Then pastors, sheiks, and historians made a research on the matter but they failed to find the solution to the problem. Colonial masters are introduced, they mock the baby, calling it “a baboon” sir Richard Short Bottom tells his fellow white man, Mr. Pinkybell to give him more information about the strange baboon that has been born in Kong’amu village. Mama Msagane says, “Entakana is a symbol, Nyaguchiro is a mark”.

This means Entakana will be a real patriotic child as compared to Nyaguchiro. The author also talks of independence. Kong’amu was under colonialism but now it is free. Entakana and Nyaguchiro join schools, Mama Msagane is sick, before she dies, she gives words of wisdom to her sons. She says she will not die forever. She tells them that once they are given power, they should not loot the national wealth and betray the citizens.

She also insists of education, saying that education is everything and everything is education. She keeps telling them that they should not loose their dignity because of money. She also reminds them about their real father. Their real father is Mzee Irihiti Iriragiri and not Mzee Irisangeni Nyaitonge. When she says she will condemn anyone who will betray their country and treat Kong’amu as a shithole, Nyaguchiro screams “mama! mama! do not threaten us. The chapter ends with lighting and thunderous explosions and Mama Msagane eventually dies.

Chapter 2

The death of Mama Msagane shocked everyone, including pastors, sheikhs, pagans, witches, historians and even drunkards. Elders say the woman spent all her time to fight against colonialism. She fought against whites until they surrendered. Thy nicknamed her “The Black rock” therefore citizens of Kong’amu should imitate her effort so as to keep building Kong’amu. During the funeral, a choir from a certain primary school is invited to recite an epic poem.

Then followed by a traditional prayer lead by Mzee Irikangi Iritune. The prayer ends with “oh our almighty God! Rest her soul in peace; let her ideas and wisdom spread to everyday person in Kong’amu. Then an epitaph about Mama Msagane is read by youths. It says, she was not married but she was raped by the village warrior Irihiti Iriragiri. Then she decided to live with Mzee Irisangani so as to maintain respect in the village. She also hates corruption. The epitaph ends with “oh help us the almighty God! Thank you!

Chapter 3

The chapter begins with Nyaguchiro’s prosperity in education. He wins a prize for becoming the best performer in the form four national examinations. That is not enough; he becomes the second person in Kong’amu to take a photo with the president. The first person was their mother, Mama Msagane. Then he joins university to pursue a degree in commerce and capital investment.

Entakana joins the army in which he is taught patriotism, nationalism, unity and solidarity. The author narrates the way Africans countries are nicknamed as civil war countries. Underdeveloped countries, third world countries, tribalist countries, etc.

Nyaguchiro is portrayed as a non patriotic as he says “it would be better if I live in western world countries than the third world countries. It would be meaningful if I were born a dog in Europe than a human being in Kong’amu. Entakana has a tendency of writing a letter to Nyaguchiro but Nyaguchiro never replies, claiming that they bring misfortune.

He does not want to be reminded about the will of their mother because it rejects corruption. After Nyaguchiro completes his bachelor he becomes a tutorial assistant in a public university where he exchanges women like underwear. He says “once I undress a woman, I do not go back to her regardless her beauty”. He was incompetent but those who criticize him were sentenced. He is a westernized person who always thinks of Europe.

Nyaguchiro eventually receives a letter from Entakana, which includes a poem. The article explains about the problems faced by youths in their country such as lack of employment. The poor people suffer from poverty, women engage in prostitution so as to get money for their survival. It also talks of fake democracy which is nothing but creation of violence which causes corruption, political assassinations and deaths.

After reading the letter, Nyaguchiro says his brother is sick, claiming that Entakana is sending meaningless letter to him. Entakana eventually decides to visit Nyaguchiro. He reminds Nyaguchiro of their mother’s will but Nyaguchiro ignores him. Catherine is introduced to Entakana as Nyaguchiro’s future wife. She comes from a rich family. Her father is a big shot in town while her mother is an accountant general in Kong’amu. Then Catherine kisses Nyaguchiro in front of Entakana. Entakana decides to leave the place. Catherine reveals that she is a prostitute as she tells her future husband that she is a sex specialist, she practiced different styles from black Americas, Europeans, Africans and even Chinese. The chapter ends with a talk about their marriage. Catherine says, her father wants only a fifty cent as a bride price from Nyaguchiro.

Chapter 4

Entakana took a three month leave and went to Kong’amu. He explains about Nyaguchiro’s behavior. The villagers pass information to each other including birds and wind. Mzee Gekorara laments, he says why Nyaguchiro does not want to touch the soil of Kong’amu.

Mama Imkungu Goko, a respected woman explains the way they spent money to buy clothes for Nyaguchiro but now he turns against them. Also Mzee Kurugumba complains of Father Johnson. He claims to be religious but he is involved in various scandals such as rape and other forms of evils. He also deceives people of Kong’amu that it was a will of God that Africans Must be colonized; therefore, they should not fight for independence.

Then elders decide to write a long letter to Nyaguchiro, blaming him for betrayal: in the end of their letter they write “Nyaguchiro be committed bring positive changes to the village. Nyaguchiro ignores the letter. Then we are told that Nyaguchiro is appointed to be the director of investment. After being appointed, he privatizes resources such as the valley called Remerera. The narrator tells us that they now live in Britain with Catherine; enjoying the wealth exploited from resources. They do not have a plan to return back to Africa. They enjoy life by drinking Isabella’s Islay wine.

Catherine blames Nyaguchiro of cheating. He sleeps with different women there in Britain. Catherine tells her husband that he should respect her father. He says “my father is your God” then Nyaguchiro delivers a speech in front of different heads of states. The speech is about privatization. He is praised for delivering a good speech about privatizing resources such as canals, minerals, national parks and valleys. Catherine also praises her husband for such a speech. They plan to visit different countries in abroad and not Africa. They say they should not return to Kong’amu until after ten years.

Chapter 5

The villagers forget about Nyaguchiro. Seven years have passed since they wrote a letter and he was in the United Kingdom. Entakana complains, he says the resources such as Goga Gold mine and other mines such as copper and iron have been privatized. Also national parks such as Gwitonga have been privatized. When women go to fetch firewood, they are chased and oppressed; sometimes they are charged of being guilt. Entakana says. His young brother, Nyaguchiro has been privatized by investors as he sells everything to them.

The narrator talks of chairperson of Gusuli village who is very corrupt. He receives bribe from openly despite the slogan in his office “corruption is the enemy to justice” he still receives bribe. The narrator talks of oppression done by militia to people of Kong’amu, they are beaten, killed, tortured and women are raped; being accused of invading the Goga mines. Suffering increases as the results of privatization of resources.

Then it is announced that Nyaguchiro will arrive and he will talk to villagers. The chairman orders the three groups of youths to prepare a poem to be recited during Nyaguchiro’s speech. Unfortunately each of the groups composes a song which criticizes Nyaguchiro. This makes the chairman to ban all the planned entertainments. When Nyaguchiro tries to speak to villagers, they ignore his speech. He becomes furious; he says anyone who will go against privatization will be arrested by militia. When Nyaguchiro leaves, Entakana speaks to people. He blames Nyaguchiro for selling the country.

Chapter 6

Nyaguchiro is phoned by The Chief Executive officer, telling Nyaguchiro to visit him on Sunday. Nyaguchiro is afraid of the call because when the officer calls somebody, there must be something. Nyaguchiro says, if there is something bad. He will expose his corruption because the chief himself is corrupt. Nyaguchiro is always thinking of the call; something which makes him to forget about Catherine. Catherine blames him as she says “when I wanted you during night, your bolt couldn’t stand up right” then a conflict between them occurs. She says, marrying Nyaguchiro was a mistake.

Then the very Sunday arrives, The Chief Executive officer talks to Nyaguchiro, he tells him about appointing the members of parliament. He eventually appoints Nyaguchiro to be a member of parliament and the minister of contracts and investment. The title of director of investment has been deleted. It does not exist. Catherine is appointed as the minister of foreign affair. The next day, the appointed ministers attend the swearing ceremony. Nyaguchiro speaks, he promises to solve problems in the country and reduce corruption and mismanagement of resources. Then Nyaguchiro opens an account, telling citizens to contribute to the account for the national development. The account is opened by the name of Nyaguchiro, called DEVELOPMENT VISION. Then things appear to go wrong to Nyaguchiro.

The investors blame Nyaguchiro for delivering a speech which is against foreign investors. Investors tell him “your rubbish cannot be entertained” After Nyaguchiro’s speech, protestors come with posters. The posters are against investors as they are written in capital letters, LEAVE OUR COUNTRY, YOU GREAT BLOODY BRUTES, YOU ARE REAL DEMONS. Nyaguchiro returns home, he plans to contest for the position of members of parliament. The elders welcome him and he is treated as a brave man. Then we are told that The Chief Executive officer retires. Nyaguchiro is cancelled by the party members; he is accused of being corrupt and involvement in various scandals. His failures make him to say “I will sick blessings from my mother. Nyaguchiro eventually becomes a disrespected man in their village. His rivals write in media to mock him.

“A PIMP SEEKS PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACY CORRUPT! CORRUPT! CORRUPT!

NYAGUCHIRO THE CORRUPT!”

Many prophets take advantages of visiting him, praying for him and make fake prophecies.

Chapter 7

Nyaguchiro talks to his dead mother in a dream, asking for forgiveness. He is in confusion. Catherine complains of her husband’s dreams. She says she is tires of the childish dreams. In the end, Nyaguchiro realizes that he has failed. He says “everyone in Kong’amu will reap what they saw. Then Entakana is called by their mother in a dream. The mother tells him to prepare his son, Masongoro to lead Kong’amu. He will abolish

all the evils such as corruptions, oppressions and any kind of illegal practices. Then Entakana advises his son accordingly.

THEMES/THEMATIC ANALYSIS

1. Misuse of funds

Those leaders who are given power to lead others tend to misuse the given funds. It is revealed by Nyaguchiro who orders two Land Rovers from The Great Britain. Nyaguchiro uses the funds he exploits from the resources he has privatized to enrich himself. The use of expensive cars imported from abroad reflects misuse of funds.

The narrator says “the cars have never been seen in various streets of Kong’amu. “Everyone who saw them was surprised. It was said the two range rover cars were imported from Great Britain. a certain white man was very sympathetic to the tax payers when he found out that only a few individuals in the country had a lot of money” Also the Chief Executive officer lives in a very expensive palace in the world. It was designed in America, the materials also come from America and the contractors come from China.

2. Corruption

Participating in a dishonest or selfish behavior is revealed by the writer as follows.

The chairman of a small village. Mzee Gonto Goyoka is very corrupt. When he gets a landslide victory, he bribes the voters and the campaigners. Also he is accused of stealing the villge’s natural resources and properties. Apart from that, he receives bribe openly.

Nyaguchiro represent corrupt elites. When he privatizes a resource in Kong’amu, he receives a ten percent from the foreign investors. Nyaguchiro say “the valley assisted me very much, but as I have privatized it, until now I benefit from the ten percent deal from the white investor” (P84).

3. Ignorance

Ignorance is portrayed by Nyaguchiro as an elite. Instead of developing his home country, he goes to spend money in Europe. His ignorance is revealed by a satire when he says “in my view, it could have been meaningful if I were born a dog in Europe than a human being in Kong’amu” this shows the way he is ignorant. He says such words after studying about investment in which they nickname African countries as poor and low thinking countries.

Also ignorance is revealed by those officials including Nyaguchiro who exchange resources with small gifts from western colonizers such as Paracetamol, chocolates, biscuits, construction of classes, laptops and cellular phones

4. Oppression

Treating people in a cruelty or harsh way is revealed in the book.

Raping of women. Mama Msagane was raped by Mzee Irihiti Iriragiri and eventually impregnated her. Also when a woman is caught in privatized gold mines or in forest fetching firewood, they are raped.

Nyaguchiro threatens to arrest and oppress people who will go against privatization. He insists in his speech. “I will direct the militia, home guards, the police, the army and all security forces to deal with those people who go against the correct policy of privatization. Please arrest them”

Mzee Gonto Goyoka is Oppressive to his people. He treats the villagers in a cruelty and harsh way. He bans the “meet-meet song” which was composed by children. Also when the drunkards are found singing the song, they are beaten and arrested by militia.

Nyaguchiro executes those people who want to take his position at the university; though they are more intelligent than him. the narrator says “Those who questioned his competence, were silenced, surprisingly, colleagues who got similar passes were not appointed to such a position”

5. Western culture

Nyaguchiro and his wife, Catherine become westernized. They engage in drinking wine and not local beer, they live in Britain and promise to visit Kong’amu after ten years. They drive range rovers imported from England and eventually bring their children to study in abroad. They are portrayed as culturally alienated. it is revealed when Catherine says say “I cannot use products made in Africa” they say all their shopping will be done in Paris, London, Zurich, New York, And Dubai. Catherine mentions of modern perfumes such as Baccarat, Shalini, Majesty, Annick and many others.

6. Immorality

After he is appointed as a tutorial assistant to a public university. He takes that advantage to exchange women like clothes. He says once he undresses a woman, he does not come back to her again regardless her beauty. The author narrates that, Nyaguchiro exchanges women like underwear. Immorality is also revealed by Father Johnson, who pretends to preach about God but he rapes women in the village. He sleeps with people’s wives and has love affair with four married women living at Segese Village.

7. Betrayal

Showing lack of loyalty or breach of trust is portrayed as follows.

He betrays his elders in Kong’amu. Who spent their money and blessings to prepare him so as to develop their Kong’amu but he turns against them. When they write a letter he ignores it and he never replies.

Nyaguchiro betrays his mother’s will. The will of their mother warns about corruption and privatization but Nyaguchiro ignores the will and eventually practice all king of evils such as corruption and privatization of resources found in Kong’amu.

Nyaguchiro betrays African culture. They say they will never use products made in Africa and their shopping will be done in abroad. They drink wine and not local beer.

8. Poverty

The writer reveals poverty of people in Kong’amu. Mama Msagane is a poor woman, despite her efforts to fight against colonialism in Kong’amu. She leaves their sons with no house or any other material thing. That’s why the villagers decide to help her to bring the two sons to school so that they can become elites and come to liberate Kong’amu. Mama Msagane says “I Live in this hut with full of bedbugs that are dangerous to your health but Grace does not follow those who wait”

Poverty is also revealed by women in Kong’amu. Entakana says, their women engage in prostitution so as to get money for their survival. Nyaguchiro treat his people as beggars but he does not help them. He calls them so because he knows that they are very poor.

9. Protest

Showing disapproval or dissatisfaction is revealed in the book as follows.

Mama Msagane protests against corruption. He says he will curse any of her sons who will participate in corruption or mismanagement of resources.

Mama Msagane also protests against same sex marriage. He says same sex marriage and lesbian is a shame to African traditions (P25)

Nyaguchiro and His wife protest against African traditions and customs. They prefer to live in Europe. They reject to use products made in Africa, they promise to make shopping in abroad such as Europe, Asia and America.

Opposition party members protest against Nyaguchiro’s speech, saying that it is just a blah blah! It aims to fool people.

Entakana protest against privatization. Saying Entakana is a traitor who sold Kong’amu. He has been privatized by investors.

10. African Traditions and customs.

The writer portrays some African traditions and customs as follows.

A tradition of witchcraft. Witchcraft is revealed in the book. The writer reveals witchcraft in Kong’amu. It is performed in the night by using the hyenas. The hyenas are believed to have magical power, unlike other animals. Apart from that, there are many witchdoctors. (p4)

Traditional beliefs: People in Kong’amu believe in ancestors. When Entakana is born, villagers said their ancestors were angry, that’s why there was thunderstorms and lighting.

Local beer; many villagers engage in drinking local beer. There are people called drunkards by the writer. When they sang a meet-meet song, they were caught and arrested by the village chairman.

Dressing style. The writer mentions of Khanga as a tradition dress for African women.

11. Roles and position of Women: (Feminist Criticism).

The writer portrays women as follows.

As leaders of the family: Mama Msagane plays the roles of both, a mother and a leader; she is the leader of the family and at the same time she is the mother. It is revealed when he gives words of wisdom to his sons as a will.

As revolutionary. Mama Msagane is called a hero by people in Kong’amu. She played her role as a freedom fighter. She therefore participated in anti-colonial struggles. The villagers say during struggle for independence she was as fierce as a lion and as clever as a wolf.

Oppressed: women are caught and oppressed by Militia. When they are caught in a privatized forests carrying firewood or in a privatized mines, they are treated as thieves. Some of them are raped. Mama Msagane was also raped by Mzee Irihiti Iriragiti.

As bad advisors: Catherine advises Nyaguchiro not to return back to Kong’amu, until after ten years. She is therefore the source of misleading Nyaguchiro.

As objects of sex. In his letter. Entakana explains the way women suffer from poverty such that they engage in selling their bodies to men. They do all this for survival. Also Nyaguchiro exchange women like underpants. He says when he undresses a woman; he does not come back to her again.

Women as Leaders and Advisors

Mama Msagane

Mama Msagane represents the positive role of women in society. Although she is a single mother, she successfully raises her two sons and instills important moral values in them.

Before her death, she advises them to:

Respect their country.
Avoid corruption.
Protect national resources.
Use education for the benefit of society.

She serves as both:

A caring mother.
A wise family leader.

Her character demonstrates that women can provide effective leadership and guidance even without holding official positions.

Women as Freedom Fighters

Mama Msagane as a Revolutionary Woman

Mama Msagane is remembered as a courageous woman who participated in the struggle against colonialism. The people of Kong’amu highly respect her because of her contribution to freedom and justice.

She is portrayed as:

Courageous.
Patriotic.
Determined.
Responsible.

Her role challenges the belief that only men can contribute to social and political change.

Women as Victims of Oppression

The novel illustrates how women experience different forms of injustice.

Mama Msagane

Mama Msagane suffers after being abused by Mzee Irihiti Iriragiri. Her experience highlights how women can become victims of male dominance and abuse of power.

Ordinary Women in Kong’amu

Women who enter privatized forests to collect firewood are treated unfairly. Some are arrested, abused, and humiliated by authorities.

This shows that poor women suffer the most when leaders introduce unjust policies.

Women as Victims of Poverty

The novel shows that poverty has a significant impact on women’s lives.

Because of economic hardship, some women engage in activities they would not normally choose. Entakana explains that some women are forced into prostitution simply to survive.

The author links poverty to the growth of social problems within society.

Women as Objects of Sexual Desire

The author criticizes men who treat women as objects rather than human beings.

Nyaguchiro views women as temporary sources of pleasure. He frequently changes relationships without considering the feelings or dignity of the women involved.

His behavior exposes the problem of objectifying women.

Women as Negative Influences

Catherine

Catherine is portrayed as a negative influence on Nyaguchiro. She encourages him to remain abroad and continue enjoying a luxurious foreign lifestyle instead of returning to serve Kong’amu.

She represents individuals who value wealth and comfort above national responsibility.

12. Conflict

The writer has revealed different conflicts in the book as follows.

Entakana versus Nyaguchiro: This conflict takes place when Entakana reminds Nyaguchiro of their mother’s will. Entakana wants Nyaguchiro to be patriotic to their nation and their people. But Nyaguchiro denies his brother’s advices; Telling him to stop sending him useless letters. Even when Entakana tries to visit Nyaguchiro, a conflict arises.

Nyaguchiro versus his political rivals: When Nyaguchiro joins a political party in Kong’amu so as to contest in Parliamental election. His party members cancelled his name. Claiming that he has been involved in various scandals.

Nyaguchiro versus Catherine: they are always in conflict. Catherine blames Nyaguchiro for sleep and with different women in Britain. He also blames Nyaguchiro for not being closed to her at night. She says Nyaguchiro’s Bold do not stand up” he is always thinking of his positions and not love.

Nyaguchiro versus Kong’amu’s Elders: Elders decide to write a later to lament about Nyaguchiro’s betrayal. They want him to change and work for people of Kong’amu. Nyaguchiro receives the letter but he does not reply to shoe disobedience to elders.

Nyaguchiro versus his mother. When their mother tries to give them some words of wisdom. Nyaguchiro ignores the will of their mother. When their mother says “I condemn the one who will betray Kong’amu” Nyaguchiro says “mother! Don’t threaten us”. This shows that he goes against his mother’s will.

Mzee Kurugumba versus Father Johnson: the conflict takes place when Mzee Kurugumba accuses Father Johnson for being Hypocrite. He preaches about God but he practices evils. He is accused of raping and involvement of various scandals.

The Ruling Party and the Opposition party: When Nyaguchiro delivers a speech as the minister of investment; members from opposition party say, it is just a blah blah! They just want to fool people of Kong’amu but corruption still exists.

Mzee Gonto Goyoka versus villagers: when children of a small village compose a song to mock Mzee Goyoka, the song is banned and when the drunkards try to sing the song. They are beaten by militia and send into prison.

Other themes

Hypocrisy e.g. Fake pastors
Classes e.g. Leaders and their subordinates
Exploitation e.g. Leaders exploit their subordinates

EFFECTIVE USE OF TECHNIQUES

1. The use of flashbacks

The writer has employed different flashbacks to convey his intentions to the readers as follows.

Flashback is used to show anti-colonialism struggle. Mama Msagane is mentioned in a flashback that she played her role in liberating Kong’amus people from colonialism. She was in front line to fight against colonialism.
Flashback is used to show oppression: Mama Msagane was raped by Mzee Irihiti Iriragiri and she was impregnated on the same day.

2. The use of Symbolism

Different symbols have been used to send messages as follows.

The clubs symbolize western culture. They are called white clubs by the villagers.

The cock symbolizes truth and faithfulness. When Mama Msagane is giving some words of wisdom to his sons, the cock comes closer to Nyaguchiro and Nyaguchiro is shocked. It is used to reveal the truth about who will be the traitor in future.

The flood, lighting and thunderstorms appeared during the birth of Nyaguchiro symbolize problems and evils. It is revealed when Nyaguchiro grows up and he becomes immoral and evil.

The rain and sunshine appeared during the birth of Entakana Symbolizes hopes and patriotism. It is revealed when he grows up; he becomes a patriotic and non-corrupt person.

The Hyena symbolizes African traditions. It is an animal used by witchcrafts in Africa,. It is believed to have spiritual power as compared to other animals.

The bedbugs symbolize people, such as leaders who exploit others. that’s why Mama Msagane says “they are dangerous to your health”

3. The use of dialogue

In the last chapter, there is a dialogue between Entakana and his mother. They talk to each other, though Entakana is dreaming. The dialogue is used to advise Entakana to prepare his son to lead Kong’amu. In a dialogue, the voice from Mama Msagane says. “Masongoro is the prospective candidate,

He will lead by vision. He will take Kong’amu from the darkness to Light”

4. The use of Juxtaposition

The twins are used by the writer side by side in order to show contrast. While Entakana is wise, non-corrupt and patriotic, Nyaguchiro is corrupt, unpatriotic and traitor. This juxtaposition is used to show deferent behavior of people in the society. It is also used to show that, not all people who were born to lead others.

5. The use of poem

When Entakana writes a letter to Nyaguchiro, he includes a poem in the letter titled as “THE AFRICAN YOUTHS AND MISFORTUNE” in the poem, he laments on unemployment and selfishness of leaders who extend their terms and they do not want to retire.

6. The use of situational irony

the situational irony is used to depict betrayal. What the people of Kong’amu expected from Nyaguchiro becomes contrary to what is happening. They educate him, expecting that, once he graduates, he will bring changes to Kong’amu, but he turns against them. This juxtaposition is used to show betrayal. Nyaguchiro betrays his people.

7. Effective use of Figures of Speech

The writer has not only to colour his work but also to convey different messages.

The use of metaphor. When Catherine says “My father is your God” is used to show that Catherine disobeys both The God and her husband. It is used to portray her as a disdain person.

The use of synecdoche. Mama Msagane says “control your tongue” this synecdoche is use to caution their children to behave well when they become leaders. They should not be harsh or offensive to others.

The use of metonym. Different names to substitute African countries have been listed by the writer such as underdeveloped countries, low thinking countries, witchcraft countries, third world countries, tribalist countries, witchcraft countries, alcoholic countries and many others.(P45) These names have been used by colonizers to fool Africans so as to hate their continent and countries.

The use of similes: Different similes have been used in the book. When the narrator says “her shapely legs looked like a bottle of tusker beer”, it is used to describe Catherine’s beauty. Also a simile “She was as fierce as a lion” is used to portray Mama Msagane that she was a very courageous woman. Also a simile “the birth of Nyaguchiro spread faster like a tornado in the ocean” this is used to show that he was born with bad signs such as thunderstorms, lighting and flood. Also a simile “we are still sleeping like a parrot fish” by Entakana is used to show that the leaders are irresponsive in making changes in Kong’amu. A simile “girls are temporary like cosmetics” by Catherine is used to show that Catherine protests against Nyaguchiro’s tendency of sleeping with different girls.

The use of satire. A satire is used to mock Nyaguchiro when he says, “it could have been meaningful if I were born a dog in Europe than a human being in Kong’amu” this satire is used to show Nyaguchiro’s ignorance. He prefers to live to colonial master’s countries than to his home place.

The use of paradox. Entakana says, he sent articles to Nyaguchiro so as “to educate the educated person who is not educated” (P 62). This is used to show that, Nyaguchiro is a university graduate but he is still illiterate and ignorant.

The use of sarcasm: Nyaguchiro uses sarcastic words to mock his people in the village. He says “the village also stinks, and is full of dirt” “The village is occupied by Beggars” This is used to show the way he betrays and despise his own people who brought him to school. Sarcasm is used by White colonizers in Kong’amu. Sir Richard Short bottom tells his fellow white man, Mr. Pinky Bell “please furnish me with more information about a strange baboon that has been born in Kong’amu village”. Therefore Nyaguchiro is called “a strange baboon” this sarcasm is used to show the way white colonizers assign Africans as animals. Sarcasm is “these monkeys have let us down” it is used to show disappointment of white colonizers after Kong’amu’s struggle for independence.

The use of irony. The cursed son, Nyaguchiro is called “The blessed son” by the villagers. It is opposite from the reality. He is the real cursed son who later exploits the resources of Kong’amu. Another irony is used by Mama Msagane, speaking the proverbs in a reverse way such as “where there is a will there is no way, patience is not the key to success”. These are uses to challenge her sons and test their cleverness. These are used to give them advices in a challenging way. Also Nyaguchiro’s ignorance is revealed as he fails to understand them.

The use of personification: “Kong’amu was humiliated and sabotaged by puppets” Says Entakana to show the way resources of Kong’amu were misused and sold to colonizers by incompetent leaders, including Nyaguchiro.

The use of hyperbole. A hyperbole is used when Entakana says “Nyaguchiro has been privatized by investors” this is used to show that not only resources but Nyaguchiro’s mind has been set to accept anything from investors.

CHARACTER ANALYSIS

1. Nyaguchiro (The Antagonist)

He is the real opportunist elite. The son of Mama Msagane and Entakana’s young brother. The villagers bring him to school, preparing him as elite who will come to liberate Kong’amu but he turns against them. He marries a disdain and a westernize woman from rich family. He engages in sleeping with different women in Africa and Europe. When he is appointed as the director of investment, he privatizes everything in the village including forests, valleys, farms, minerals and tourist destination. When elders and his bloody brother write a letter to him; he never replies. He is portrayed as

Opportunist: he takes an advantage of being the director of investment to privatize everything in their country such as minerals and national parks. He also takes an advantage of being a tutorial assistant at the national university to sleep with different women. He exchanges them like underwear.

A womanizer: he takes an advantage of being the tutorial assistant and the director of investment to sleep with different women in Africa and Europe.

Selfish. He accumulates the wealth from the resources he has privatized. But he does not remember about his people in the village despite the fact that they contributed money to bring him to school.

Westernized: He prefers to live in Europe than in Africa. He says, it is better t be born as a dog in Europe than to live in Africa. This makes him to spend much time in Britain together with his westernized woman. Catherine.

A traitor: He betrays his people in the village as he ignores their letter. Apart from that he betrays the will of his mother as he practices corruption, contrary to what their mother told them before she died.

Corrupt: he is very corrupt as he uses his position to intimidate others when he was a tutorial assistant at the university. Also he takes “ten percent” from foreign investors after selling the resources to them.

Disobedient: He disobeys his people, his mother and his brother. When his mother gives them wise words, he protests against her, saying “mama! Do not threaten us”. Also when the elders write a later to lament about his behaviors, he never replies.

2. Entakana (Protagonist)

He is Nyaguchiro’s brother. Unlike his young brother; he joins the military training in which he is taught about patriotism. He is patriotic to the country and he always think of using resources to benefit the citizens, and not foreign investors. he is portrayed as;

Obedient: he is obedient to their mother’s will. He listens to her careful unlike Nyaguchiro. he always remind Nyaguchiro about their mother’s will.

Courageous: his courage is revealed when he chases the cock during the time when their mother was saying her will. Nyaguchiro was shocked but Entakana chases it away.

Conscious: He is conscious that they have many resources but they are not used for the benefit of their people. That’s why he says “why are we poor?”

Patriotic: He is patriotic as he usually visits the village and greets the elders. He complains that Nyaguchiro has been privatized by investors. He eventually prepares his son to lead Kong’amu.

3. Mama Msagane

She is the mother of the twins, Entakana and Nyaguchiro; she is not married but was raped by Mzee Irihiti Iriragiri. She is portrayed as a revolutionary woman as she fought against colonialists. She is conscious of how corruption can lead to underdevelopment; that’s why she cautions her sons in her will before she died. She is patriotic to her country, that’s why he tells Entakana to prepare his son as to lead Kong’amu and eradicate all injustices.

4. Catherine

She is the wife of entakana. She comes from a rich family. Her parents are famous in the country. They own various supermarkets and petrol stations. She is always in conflict with Nyaguchiro, accusing him of being a womanizer. then she accuses her of being impotent saying “Nyaguchiro’s bold does not stand up to night” .she is portrayed as

Bad advisor: she advised Nyaguchiro not to visit his elders in the village. Also when they go to Britain, she advises Nyaguchiro not to come back to Kong’amu until after ten years.

Westernized: She prefers to live in Europe than in Africa. She also drinks wine and bring their children to study in abroad. Apart from that, she kisses Nyaguchiro in front of Entakana.

Disobedient: she disobeys her brother in law, Entakana, using abusive language against him.

Prostitute. When she says, she is an expert of sex; it shows that she is a real prostitute. She says she had practiced different styles from different kinds of whites, the black Americans, the Africans and even Chinese.

5. The chief executive

He is the leader of Kong’amu and Nyaguchiro’s boss. He is very authoritative as he appoints ministers every time he wants. He is corrupt and selfish as he owns an expensive palace which was designed in America, the building materials were imported from America and built by Chinese contractors. His retirement becomes the fall of Nyaguchiro. He is disdain such that when the guests come they must be inspected by sniffer dogs and security personnel.

6. Mzee Gonto Goyoka

He is the chairman of a small village of Gusuhi in Kong’amu. He is illiterate who the last in the class was. He is accused of being cruel to his people. He used to oppress and harass his people. Apart from that he is corrupt as he receives bribes from people who want any service from him. He receives bribes openly and whoever criticizes him is arrested by the militia.

7. Father Johnson

He is the white priest; he is accused of preaching about God but he is involved in various scandals such as rape and other forms of evils. He is also accused of deceiving Africans during struggle for independence. He said, it was a will of God that Africans must be colonized.

8. Mzee Kurugumba

He is an elder in Kong’amu. His exposes the evils of a white priest, Father Johnson. Who claims to be religious but he is involved in different scandals.

9. Mama Umkungu Goko

She is a respected woman in Kong’amu. She is disappointed when she realizes that Nyaguchiro has betrayed them. She remembers the time when they bought clothes for him when he was a student but now he turns against them.

10. Mzee Irihiti Iriragiri

He was a warrior of Kong’amu. He is the real father of the twins. Entakana and Nyaguchiro. He is oppressive to women as he raped Mama Msagane and impregnates her.

11. Mzee Irisagami Nyaitonge

He is the step father of Entakana and Nyaguchiro. He is a lazy man. Mama Msagane does everything for him. He spends time in drinking local beer. He is deceptive as he deceives people that he is the real father of Entakana and Nyaguchiro