THIN BLOOD: ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

Chapter 10

Rimberia was now ready to set the day for the council meeting. All he had to do first was to let Gatamu know of his progress and maybe some down payment. He sent him a message and went ahead to set the dates for this meeting. After this, he went back to let Makubu know of the dates to alert the seniors.

After Makubu was notified of this date, it was time for him to reach out to the seniors and let them know of the meeting and the dates. After a few days, all were aware of the meeting and were ready to meet. As a safety measure, he made sure that he did not disclose the agenda to them before the actual day had come.

They could not risk letting the cat out of the bag. Not that they had discussed it but just use of common sense. Makubu also had to respect what the Oracle had said. He had to let Rimberia call the shots and prove to him that they were together. If the seniors were to be told the agenda, they could have time to plan for the opposition. This was bad news. If the seniors succeeded to oppose, Rimberia could surely stop the water project.

Three days later after the last day of notification, it was time to hold the meeting. The seniors started to gather very early as they were told. Unlike others where they could meet after the midday sun, this was different. Rimberia knew that this was no easy agenda and he had to give enough time in the case of there being an opposition.

Rimberia and Makubu were the first to arrive. Looking at the faces of the other seniors, one could tell that they surely had not a clue of the subject. It was imprinted on their faces clearly like the number plates. After an hour and half, the sitting was full. All the members had arrived. Without much and do, it was time to fire up the engine and start the meeting. It was time for Rimberia to put on his power cap and chair the meeting.

“Greetings to you all my fellow seniors”

“Greetings to you too chief” The seniors replied together.

“It is such an honor for you to turn up for this meeting in time and in full. I know we announced it to you quite late and for that we apologize.”

“Now, before we can go on with our meeting, let someone lead us in a word of prayer.”

Makubu volunteered to lead them in the word of prayer. As soon as the prayer was over, it was time for Rimberia to spell everything to the seniors. It was time for them to know what had brought them together that early.

“I know that majority of you are asking questions why I had to call for such an urgent meeting. As you all know, there are things that we have not been proud of in our community. After ages of darkness, light has finally come to us. We spent a couple of days discussing with my assistant Makubu and came to a conclusion that we needed to do something about our constitution.”

As soon as Rimberia uttered these words, the expected happened. As it is a norm amongst a group of people together, in such a gathering, they started to murmur amongst themselves. The murmur was not clear though of the side it fell. Even though, one could always guess that it was about assent and dissent to what had been said.

“My fellow seniors, let’s not act as those not aware of what some of these laws have been doing to us. If you were frank enough, at least each of us has fallen victim of some of these laws if not all of us. I therefore request you to be reasonable and we handle this issue like the seniors we are,” Said Rimberia.

“Well chief, as much as changing these laws is concerned, we do not deny. We totally agree with you, but the question is, why should we do it now? We did not think to amend them before the water project. Please enlighten us.” Kiraithe said.

“That’s a good question my friend. As you are saying, we did not bother to amend them for this project and its running. Though this project is running, we are facing challenges that should be avoided by changing our laws. If you must know, the Prince heading this project is not comfortable working against our customs. Who knows what will happen in the future, maybe they will prevent something great and of value to us all. It’s time to act and save our land,” replied Rimberia.

“What is this something great that we have not seen so far? Do you have something in mind? Tell us please, we would wish to know.” Kaindigo asked.

“Well, let’s take an example of intermarriages amongst our communities and the elite in the cities. This could really do us good that we have not seen yet, how about that?” Rimberia said.

“As good as that sounds Rimberia, we swore an oath to guard our laws, elite or no elite. Why do we have to change now? I say let our children follow our footsteps and intermarry amongst themselves. We have girls and boys that can marry amongst themselves. We do not need strangers to do that for us,” Kaindigo added.

“It appears that the decision you agree to disagree on this is unanimous. Myself, I see no reason as to why you should reject the change. Now you leave me no choice but…”

One of the seniors interrupted before he completed his sentence.

“Excuse me chief, as much as some of us disagree, this does not mean that we all do. I say we change these laws for our children and grandchildren’s sake,” Kalaki said.

“Thank you for such inspiring words my friend. Well, at least some of us have a conscience. Now, for those of us who do not see the need to change these laws, I just hope this will be reason enough for you. I shall no longer force the Prince to work against his will. I shall let him do as he pleases and no one is to blame me if he decides to stop the water project,” Rimberia threatened.

“Hey Rimberia, that is not fair. How can you do this? We will not allow you to jeopardize the project. Over our dead bodies you shall do this,” Kiraithe said.

“My fellow councilmen, as much as you swear by your lives, I wish you to know that it’s not by my word but the laws you protect that this project will halt. I am from this town too. With these laws we are as good as dead anyway.”

“Rimberia, now that you seem to own us, it’s time you knew otherwise. I think all that you need is to go home and make such decisions there. Not here! What do you have to say Makubu? We need you to take over as chief,” Kaindigo said.

“My fellow seniors, I will not agree nor shall I disagree to your request but just think. We are the people that put these laws and have lived by them all along. I am afraid whatever Rimberia is saying about the project is right. No matter how much we try, we will never win as long as these laws remain unchanged. With him as chief or not, Gatamu cannot hold on for long. He feels threatened. We need to do something if we are to drink this water. At least let’s think about what we have in the meantime.” Makubu said.

“At least now that the neck is in support of the head, what do the other elders say about it? Those are good words from Makubu. I now see the sense of this change.” Kaindigo asked.

“We all agree to amend the laws for this project to continue and also give room for others in the future. We cannot stand another drought.” The elders said.

“As we the elders have spoken, let it be done immediately. Tell us your word Chief Rimberia.” Kaindigo said.

“Well then, let it be known to the land that, as from this day, we shall begin to change these laws and shall abide by these changes. Thank you for your reasoning and wisdom. I now declare this gathering dissolved.” Rimberia concluded.

Finally, they all sung the same theme song. To change the laws in favor of the project and their children and others to come. On the other end, Rimberia could not thank Makubu enough for his support. He was now sure that, his mission was on wheels. The barrier was no longer there. It was time to keep the ball rolling at maximum throttle. Meanwhile, a few select elders were to meet to change the laws of the land.

After dispersion, Makubu went straight to his home. His daughter was eager waiting for him to return with the news. She really needed to know the outcome of the meeting. Makubu too was eager to let them know of what the gods had done.

On the side of Rimberia, he sent out a word to the Prince that everything was all right and good to go. It was time for him to come over and meet his queen to be. Rimberia was so much overwhelmed that all was flowing with the current. It was time for him to reap his harvest after such hard and tiring work.