Kabayi Character Analysis in Left to Tell

Kabayi is a Hutu man who was formerly a friend of Leonard’s. He is the regional mayor of Kibuye before and during the genocide, and he betrays Leonard by not intervening in his wrongful arrest and starving him while in prison. After Leonard is released, Kabayi pretends it was all a misunderstanding.

Kabayi Character Timeline in Left to Tell

The timeline below shows where the character Kabayi appears in Left to Tell. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...out, Leonard was arrested at work. An old schoolfriend of Leonard’s, a Hutu man named Kabayi who is now a regional mayor, instructed the guards not to give Leonard food. Leonard... (full context)

Education, Discipline, and Growth Theme Icon

...President Habyarimana was pressured into releasing thousands of Tutsi prisoners, including Leonard. At this point Kabayi apologized and pretended it was all a misunderstanding. Immaculée’s brothers insist that it is time... (full context)

...tell her that the killers have burned down their family home. Leonard has gone to Kabayi for help even though Kabayi tried to starve him in prison. Leonard was able to... (full context)