POWER PLAY : THE REAL WANGU WA MAKERI

Chapter 2: Embracing the Unconventional

Makeri wa Mbogo's home was a marvel to behold. It stood tall and proud on the edge of a vast expanse of green, rolling hills. The homestead was enclosed by a fence made of acacia thorns that surrounded the entire compound, with a single narrow entry point leading into the compound.

Inside the fence, the homestead was divided into several sections, each with its purpose. To the right of the entry point was a kraal that housed a herd of cattle, while on the left, there was a small garden of maize and beans. In the center of the compound stood a large house, built of thick mud walls and a thatched roof. The house had a large central living area, with smaller rooms branching off from it on all sides.

The living area was sparsely furnished, with a few low wooden stools and a mat placed in the center. The walls were decorated with intricate bead-work and traditional Kikuyu art, depicting scenes from daily life and the tales of their ancestors.

As Makeri wa Mbogo was a wealthy man, he had several other homes for his wives and children, scattered throughout the compound. Each of these homes was smaller but no less impressive, with mud walls, thatched roofs, and a small garden.

The homestead was alive with the sound of animals, the lowing of cattle, the bleating of goats and sheep, and the clucking of chickens. It was a place of abundance, with milk and honey in plenty and fresh vegetables and fruits growing in the garden.

Makeri wa Mbogo was known for his vast herds of cattle, sheep, and goats, which grazed on the rolling hills that surrounded his homestead. The animals were the pride of his household, and they provided milk, meat, and hides for the family's use.

The homestead was a place of peace and harmony, where the family lived together in mutual respect and cooperation. It was a place of tradition, where the customs and beliefs of their ancestors were still held in high esteem.

In this idyllic setting, Karuri wa Gakure arrived as a guest of Makeri wa Mbogo. Karuri was to stay in Makeri's home for the Mũgetho season (February). He was a man of great power and influence, with a reputation that preceded him.

 It was during the railway construction which had just reached Kisumu, and the British were redrawing East Africa's boundaries. The British had just began a taxation system for its new subjects to fund these initiatives.

As a Paramount Chief, Karuri wa Gakure had just been appointed to help collect the money and he wanted to woo Makeri wa Mbogo to become a grassroot agent in the administrative structure. As a member of the same age-set as Makeri wa Mbogo, he was welcomed into the homestead with open arms. 

***

Wangu walked along the river with her jerrycan, the sound of the flowing water calming her. As she reached the bank to fill her container, she felt a presence behind her.

"Mwenda wa ngoro yakwa," a familiar voice greeted her. It meant  'the one who my heart loves.'

Wangu turned to see Karuri approaching her, a smile on his face. "Karuri, what brings you here?" she asked, surprised to see him.

"I came to survey what this land has to offer," Karuri replied, gesturing towards elephants grazing in the nearby field. Karuri hunted elephants for ivory to trade with the Arabs. During colonial times, elephant hunting in Kenya was seen as a sport for noblemen, it was banned in 1973.

 "And perhaps to see a beautiful woman like you." he continued.

Wangu blushed at the compliment, but she knew better than to take it too seriously. "Don't flatter me too much, Karuri," she replied. "After all, you have many wives."

Karuri chuckled. "True, but as they say, 'Ng'ombe nĩ ya gatari gatari, nyĩngĩ ndwarĩ cĩa thĩna," he said, looking at Wangu with a glint in his eye. "The udder is ours alone."

Wangu couldn't help but smile at the proverb-The cow may belong to many, but the udder is ours alone. She knew what Karuri was saying - that despite having other wives, he saw something special in her. It made her heart flutter with excitement, but she tried not to show it.

"Well, I suppose I should feel flattered," Wangu said, trying to hide her growing fondness for Karuri.

"You should," Karuri replied, taking a step closer to her. "Because you are truly unique and special, Wangu wa Makeri."

Wangu felt a shiver run down her spine at Karuri's words. She looked up at him and saw the sincerity in his eyes, and she knew that he truly meant what he said. It was a dangerous feeling, but one that she couldn't resist.

As Wangu and Karuri stood by the riverbank, a gentle breeze blew and the birds chirped melodiously. Wangu looked into Karuri's eyes, the tenderness and longing she saw in them stirring something deep within her. But as the memory of her marriage came flooding back, she felt a pang of guilt.

"I have many wives, Wangu," Karuri said, his voice filled with longing, "but none matches your wisdom and wit.'

Wangu looked at him and replied, "if you truly want me, you must go to Makeri and formally ask him to share me with you."

Karuri nodded in understanding, knowing that this was the Kikuyu way. Wife sharing was not something that was taken lightly. It required the consent of all parties involved and was done with the utmost respect and dignity.

Wangu looked out at the rolling hills and the lush green vegetation surrounding them, and said, "When two men agree, it is like two spears crossing...."

Karuri smiled, understanding the weight of her words. He knew that Wangu was a woman of honor and respected tradition. He would speak to Makeri and ensure that all parties involved gave their consent.

As the sun began to set, the two walked back to Makeri's home, their hearts heavy with anticipation and desire.