Devil on the Cross

The first section of Chapter 4 consists of a long monologue by the master of ceremonies for the Devil’s feast. He tells a parable, in the style of a Biblical tale, about the imperialism that Kenya suffered: how white people conquered and forced the Indigenous population into servitude; how the imperial powers eventually left after the revolution, and yet continued to affect Kenya’s future due to their monetary investments; and how the rich elite of both countries use money and employment as a way of oppressing the masses.

Following the speech, all the thieves and robbers rise to their feet and give the master of ceremonies a rousing standing ovation, with some muttering about how the speech confirmed their love of foreign investment. The master of ceremonies explains how the competition will work: Every competitor will tell their personal story of theft and robbery and their methods of perfecting their skills, followed by ideas of how to further develop the partnership between foreigners and Kenyans. An American, representing the foreign delegation of the International Organization of Thieves and Robbers, takes the stage and explains that the organization works to unite thieves of all nationalities, and that he respects the commitment to theft and robbery by the Kenyans, despite the youth of their chapter.