WANGARI

chapter 12.

The news of the chiefs death came as a shock to the villagers. He may have been an arrogant plump middle aged man (probably the cause of his death)
But he was still the chief.

Wangari was busy trying to calm Kahuria.
At times like this she missed Kahuria( her husband). He would have helped her with the preparations and it would not have been weird going to her in laws house.

It was 8:00am in the morning, she used a showl and tied kahuria on her back.
She had harvested some yam and sweet potatoes from her shamba and was taking them to her in laws.

She met wanjiru on the way who was going to pay her respects as well.
"It's sad what has happened to the chief."
Wanjiru said.
" do you know what really caused his death?"
Wanjiru asked.
" no all they said was that he had been found dead in the morning by one of his daughters."
Wangari said.
" poor girl."
Wanjiru said.
The whole village was quiet. It was a way of acknowledging the chiefs death and respecting it
When they got there they found other villagers there as well.
Wangari handed off her goods and so did Wanjiru.
Her sister in law offered her a mat to lay kahuria on at a quieter place.
"I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll keep you in my prayers."
Wangari said to her.
" Thank you. "
Wanjiku said.(sister in law.)

Wangari joined in preparation of food and washing of dishes as people even from other villages came to pay their respects.
It was at about six that they were headed back to their homes.
When Wanjiku handed her kahuria she took a look at her and smiled.
" you are so lucky you have a son.'
She said.
Wangari thanked her.
" I hope you are ready, "wanjiku added.
" It won't be easy being the mother of a chief."
Wanjiku said.
Wangari nodded.
" I'll need all the help I can get."
Wangari said.

When she got home, she took some warm water and wiped her son.
As she did she could not help but wonder what would become of their lives after the chiefs burial.

Her son was almost 9 months old.
Having merely survived and now he had to take on the title of a chief at search a tender age.
After she put on a skin cloth on him, she kissed his forehead.
" I always knew you were destined for great things."
She said and placed him on her arms

The burial was held three days later.
The chief had been wrapped around in skin and only the family was allowed to see him before his burial.

When wangari viewed him she saw that he was no longer the man she had known before.
His face was calmer, he did not look uncommon because of his big belly but he was at peace.

The dress code for close members consisted of a black skin across their shoulder to their hips for women and the men had brown skin.

The wife had put on black charcoal on her arms.
The villagers mourned in screams and silence but tears were saved for the family.
His five daughters and his wife.

Wangari stayed with the family after the burial helping in cooking and making tea for the elders.

At sundown she sat with Wanjiku before leaving.
" that is the end of an Era.
Both son's of Kuria are gone. "
Wanjiku said.
Wangari nodded though she still believed that her husband was somewhere alive.

" he wasn't the best man, hardly a good husband but he used to make me this porridge.The white one and would sneak some sugar for me every time I was pregnant.
He hoped I would get a son but he still did not bash me if I did not. He may have been arrogant but he was good to me."
Wanjiku said.

" I'm here if you need anything."
Wangari said.

" oh I'm fine honey, you already have your hands full with this little one."
Wanjiku said as she handed kahuria to her.

" he is going to be our next chief. '
She added.

" tida na wega."
Wangari bid her good bye.

Wangari smiled at a smiling Kahuria.
She could already feel a lot changing and she had to be prepared for what was coming.