The River Between

Waiyaki waits for the annual gathering of parents to commence. Respected as a teacher across the ridges, “impregnated with the magic of the white man” (75), Waiyaki also takes on responsibilities as a clerk of Kiama. While he prefers working directly in the classroom, his dedication to service keeps him engaged in political affairs. He also believes that working to unify the villages will aid his efforts to spread education. He hopes to mend the rift between Joshua’s group and the breakaway factions and plans to begin this work of reconciliation at the upcoming meeting. Waiyaki’s reputation has “spread like fire in a dry brush” (75). People from across the ridges come to the annual meeting to see him, “The Teacher,” at his Marioshoni school. The school is designed to include those children who were banned from Siriana due to their allegiance to traditional ways. Now such children are now able to read, write, and speak a foreign language. Everyone feels at ease with the personable Waiyaki, except Kabonyi, who is jealous of Waiyaki’s popularity. Kabonyi, Chege’s peer, cannot believe that someone so young has become a leader. As the only one other person who knows of the prophecy, Kabonyi worries that Waiyaki is fated to save the tribes.