The River Between: Chapter 26 Summary & Analysis

Waiyaki feels that this is “the great hour of need.” He thinks of the prophecies and decides that his tribe needs him; Kabonyi will only bring destruction if he leads. Waiyaki speaks and defends himself against the recent rumors, calling for more education. Then Kabonyi rises and describes how Christianity is the white people’s weapon used to pacify the tribe while they take their lands. He insists that what the tribe needs is a leader who will take action—they don’t need education.

Waiyaki stands again and speaks of the tribe’s long history as well as their prophets and warriors. He argues that the tribe will never survive as long as it remains at odds with itself, divided between Makuyu and Kameno. Enraptured by his words, the crowd rises to kill Kabonyi where he stands, but Waiyaki stops them. He sits, marveling at his own ability to influence people. Kabonyi makes his rebuttal, but Waiyaki pays no attention, absorbed in his own power, until he hears Kabonyi mention the oath.

Kabonyi declares that Waiyaki has broken the oath by seeking to marry Nyambura, Joshua’s daughter, an uncircumcised woman. The crowd will not believe it, so Kabonyi presents Nyambura and challenges Waiyaki to deny her in front of all the people. The crowd warns Waiyaki not to break his oath. Waiyaki thinks that Nyambura, held by Kabonyi, looks like a sacrificial lamb. Waiyaki cannot deny her. The crowd turns against him, screaming about the oath. An elder announces that the Kiama will take Waiyaki and Nyambura away and punish them. The crowd agrees, feeling guilty for destroying their teacher and relieved of the responsibility of passing judgment.

The ridges fall silent, “hidden in the darkness.” The river flows between Kameno and Makuyu, separating them. The rushing water is the only sound amidst the new stillness.