She pleads with her departed mother Achieng to intercede. She also seems to imply that the child s condition may be attributed to Akelo, her departed sister who died childless. Pg 12 and 13 It was a common practice for potential suitors to send spies jowang yo to check out the background of a would be bride. In the case of AKoko, they reported that she had impeccable antecedents. Chik tradition dictates that a chief must be married. This is what prompted Owuor Kembo having inherited the chieftainship to get married at a relatively young age of twenty years. Pg 19 Marriage negotiations are conducted by elders, Chief Gogni chooses Aloo K Olima an accomplished negotiator as their spokesman. They set a high bride price at thirty head which to everyone s surprise Owuor Kembo promptly accepts without bargaining. Pg 20 The first wife s house Mikai s house holds the centre stage directly facing the gate. Chief Odero Gogni welcomes the visitors prospective suitors and offers them brew Kong o to be sipped through a long reed like straw after libations are first offered to Were. Pg 19 Kong o is once again drank after libations are poured to Were to signify the culmination of successful marriage negotiations. Feasting then goes on into the late afternoon. Pg 25 Traditions dictate that a woman should present a picture of demure shyness when she encountered her future husband for the first time, but Akoko defied this practice by walking in measured steps, heald held high, hands at her side. Pg 24 Chik traditions did not allow suitors to spend the night at their in-laws homestead as witnessed in Akoko s case. The suitors had to leave when evening came. Pg 25 A mock wrestling duel ensures between the young men from Sakwa and those who resit the efforts to spirit her away. Eventually the men form Sakwa succed in grabbing Akoko and taking her to her matrimonial home. Pg 27 Chik also dictated that men sent on a mission to deliver bride price must be granted hospitality without question. As a result when the young men from Sakwa stopped for rest and food at the nearest homestead they were warmly received.


Eventually the men form Sakwa succed in grabbing Akoko and taking her to her matrimonial home. Pg 27 Chik also dictated that men sent on a mission to deliver bride price must be granted hospitality without question. As a result when the young men from Sakwa stopped for rest and food at the nearest homestead they were warmly received. Pg 27 According to Chik , if a man dies, his body lies in his mikai s hut first wife s hut before he is buried on the right hand side of the hut. Pg38 In order to pave way for elders to go to Yimbo following Akoko s decision to go back to her parent s home, four young men are dispatched with a cow and an ox, a he-goat and two nanny goats. Chik , also dictates that whatever the circumstances, a messenger should nit be victimized hence the young men are only received coldly. Pg 40 The traditions of the community dictated that during deliberations centering around marriage disputes, both sides of the story had to be heard before a decision a decision was arrived at. When the Jodongo elders of Seme went to Yimbo to negotiate the return of Akoko their wife , being a grave matter, kong o was not allowed unless until an agreement was reached. Chiefdom is hereditary, Owuor tells his son, do not take your duty practically my son, for the chiefdom has been in my family for generations. The role of the chief is well outlined. His main job was to lead the council of Jodongo elders in their arbitration and his final word was law. He was also a sort od priest who led the whole community in sacrifice and libation on public worshipping days. He also led his people to battle, and if he is too old, his eldest son. Pg 57 The community abhorred bloodshed. To them, bloodshed even in battle was a great taboo and required much cleansing. Pg 58 In compliance with the dicates of Chik upon dleievering of the message that Obura had died at war in Tanganyika, his mother Akoko came out of her son s hut with his spear in her right and his colourful ox-hide skilled in her left- the traditional salute of the fallen warrior. For four days the villagers wailed, sang dirges and the young men staged mock battles.


To them, bloodshed even in battle was a great taboo and required much cleansing. Pg 58 In compliance with the dicates of Chik upon dleievering of the message that Obura had died at war in Tanganyika, his mother Akoko came out of her son s hut with his spear in her right and his colourful ox-hide skilled in her left- the traditional salute of the fallen warrior. For four days the villagers wailed, sang dirges and the young men staged mock battles. A banana trunk was symbolically buried in the absence of Obura s body. Pg 62 Suicide was considered a great taboo and would bring a great curse among the people. Pg 62 Upon the death of chief Odero Gogni, the clan went into sixty days mourning mandatory for a chief. AKoko also mourned her husband, She sang dirges while donning his monkey skin headdress and brandishing his spear in one hand and his shield in the other. Chik did not allow a mother to spend the night in her married daughter s house. When Akoko visits her daughter Nyabera before she leaves for Kisuma, Nyabera conducts her to her mother-in-law s house. Pg 78 Akoko presents a petition to the white D.O. in Kisumu about her oppression in the hands of Otieno. Thereafter the D.O sends his messengers to discreetly carry out investigations to ascertain the allegations. AKoko is summoned back to Kisumu to appear before the D.C. The messenger informs the D.C that the chiefdom is hereditary and passes from father to his eldest son. In the absence of a son, the closest male relative takes over. In case the son is not yet of the age of marriage, the chiefdom is held in custody by the closest male relative with the council of elders. When the rightful heir comes of age, he ransoms his seat with twelve head of cattle, the price of a bride, payable to the custodian. In the event that he cannot raise the ransom his seat within two years of getting married, then the council of elders may decide that the seat remains with the custodian. Pg 92 Having already lost three children, a little ceremony id preformed to confuse evil spirits and enhance Nyabera s son s chances of survival. Pg 92 Chik dictated that a husband had to be found from close relatives of the dead man for the widow.


In the event that he cannot raise the ransom his seat within two years of getting married, then the council of elders may decide that the seat remains with the custodian. Pg 92 Having already lost three children, a little ceremony id preformed to confuse evil spirits and enhance Nyabera s son s chances of survival. Pg 92 Chik dictated that a husband had to be found from close relatives of the dead man for the widow. His job being that of siring children to maintain the dead man s name and to keep his widow from wandering from man to man. Pg 99 this is called tero . Therefore, Otieno, chief Owuor Kembo s brother should have married his brother s widow, AKoko and become a guardian of the grandson and custodian not owner of the chief s stool. Pg 87 DETERMINATION AND HARDWORKThroughout the novel, instances have been vividly brought to life of determined personalities trying to acheve on thing or the other. For example:-Obura is determined to leave home and explore a whole new life outside that no amount of persuasion not to do so deters him. He finally flees home to unknown destinations. Akoko is determined to find intervention of the white man s government in a bid to alleviate the atrocities committed by her brother-in-law. To an unknown place, she sets off with hope that one day her people will be liberated. Akoko is depicted as a hardworking and determined woman. AS a young woman she is known to rise early and till her lands and uses the left over to barter in exchange for cattle, sheep and goats. Pg 35 Her hers is impressive and her granaries were always full. Pg 66 Akoko also tells her daughter that laziness opens the door for evil to rule one s mind and body. She also tells her to work tirelessly and that it is shame for an able bodied person to feed on sweat of others. Pg 86 Nyabera is also determined to join the new faith. To the catechist at the mission, she says, ......teacher, I have come a long way for this, I doubt there will be a going back.


She also tells her to work tirelessly and that it is shame for an able bodied person to feed on sweat of others. Pg 86 Nyabera is also determined to join the new faith. To the catechist at the mission, she says, ......teacher, I have come a long way for this, I doubt there will be a going back. I have nothing to go back to. Pg 97 She leaves behind her daughter and mother to the unknown....Nyabera left the two dearest people to her with a heavy heart but determined feet....... pg 103 When they Akoko and Nyabera together with the children arrived at the mission, we are told that Akoko started working hard to form some kind of base for the children. ........ She had never begged for food and she was not about to begin......she was untiring and unsparing of herself. Pg 117 Awiti also worked hard in school. She is given an admission to college. ...... This letter comes from a head teacher of a school called a college, where they teach teachers how to teach children. He says he is happy to offer me a place in his college so that I an also learn how to be a teacher. Pg 123 Peter Owuor also worked very hard. Things in the seminary were not that east. It is said, ......And so he entered the vigour and splendour life in the seminary. Sometimes when things were particularly tough, he would wonder whether mere flesh and blood would survive it, but it never entered in his mind to leave.....he was no quitter. He would survive. He would see it through. Pg 127 Peter had learnt from his grandmother that once a job begun it had to be completed. CHARACTER AND CHARACTERIZATIONCHARACTER-Are people, animals or objects taking a specific role in artistic work like a story, play, novel narrative. CHARACTERIZATION- Is the author s presentation and development of the characters. Explaining character traits of characters is what characterization entails. How to determine a characterWhat the character says or doesWhat the author says about himWhat other characters say about him herWe describe a character using an adjectiveThere also MUST be an illustration to the character identified e.g. Akoko is determined and courageous, she challenges Otieno and dares him to strike her.


Explaining character traits of characters is what characterization entails. How to determine a characterWhat the character says or doesWhat the author says about himWhat other characters say about him herWe describe a character using an adjectiveThere also MUST be an illustration to the character identified e.g. Akoko is determined and courageous, she challenges Otieno and dares him to strike her. Determined and courageous are adjectives, and Akoko s character traits. AKOKOS FAMILY TREEAKOKOShe is the wife of Chief Owuor Kembo. She is the most prominent character. She is portrayed as the source of the river and the source of great successful future generation. Akoko s character can be illustrated as follows;-DeterminedShe amazes everybody when she utters her first words dwara mara want mine . The author comments, Akoko grew fairly slow but she made up for her lack of height .a determination that would be the hallmark of her entire life .everybody ..she would be a very determined person someday. Pg 14-15 Despite the many challenges that Akoko faces she is not weighed down by the she over obstacles but she overcomes them and moves forward. Hardworking industrious enterprisingAkoko believes in hardwork and learns that the way to make a husband happy is by the work of her hands. She tells Nyabera, My daughter, should it ever be said that you are as lazy as your mother, I will tun in my grave. Pg 66 Her herds at Sakwa is said to have been so vast that a special dam separate from the rest is built, It was said of the herds that should you get to the water to drink before you drew your water then you had to wait for almost two hours before they drunk their fill. Pg 66 Akoko s granaries are full to bursting so that during the lean season, ..people coming to barter their cattle in exchange for food were rested and fed. Pg 66 When Akoko returns to Yimbo with all her property she has salvaged . It was a mighty herd which moved in three cohorts. Pg 93-94 She advices Nyabera that laziness opens the door for evil to rule ones mind and body.


The author comments, Akoko grew fairly slow but she made up for her lack of height .a determination that would be the hallmark of her entire life .everybody ..she would be a very determined person someday. Pg 14-15 Despite the many challenges that Akoko faces she is not weighed down by the she over obstacles but she overcomes them and moves forward. Hardworking industrious enterprisingAkoko believes in hardwork and learns that the way to make a husband happy is by the work of her hands. She tells Nyabera, My daughter, should it ever be said that you are as lazy as your mother, I will tun in my grave. Pg 66 Her herds at Sakwa is said to have been so vast that a special dam separate from the rest is built, It was said of the herds that should you get to the water to drink before you drew your water then you had to wait for almost two hours before they drunk their fill. Pg 66 Akoko s granaries are full to bursting so that during the lean season, ..people coming to barter their cattle in exchange for food were rested and fed. Pg 66 When Akoko returns to Yimbo with all her property she has salvaged . It was a mighty herd which moved in three cohorts. Pg 93-94 She advices Nyabera that laziness opens the door for evil to rule ones mind and body. She says, It is a shame for able bodied person to feed off the sweat of others. Pg 93 When Akoko moves to Aluor mission with daughter and grand children, she continues to work hard. The writer says, She had never begged for food and she was not about to begin pg 117 God has no time for the lazy, but the devil has , was a favorite saying of hers. Pg 145 Daring bold courageousShe faces her brother head on when he takes something she is playing with at a very tender age.


She says, It is a shame for able bodied person to feed off the sweat of others. Pg 93 When Akoko moves to Aluor mission with daughter and grand children, she continues to work hard. The writer says, She had never begged for food and she was not about to begin pg 117 God has no time for the lazy, but the devil has , was a favorite saying of hers. Pg 145 Daring bold courageousShe faces her brother head on when he takes something she is playing with at a very tender age. During the marriage negotiations she stares straight into the eyes of the husband to be and Otieno wonders at her courage. Pg 24 In another incident when Otieno Kembo gets wind of some people nosing around with his affairs and confronts Akoko, she responds courageously , Go away you fool ..Are you the village chief or the village fool? Pg 90 It is out of courage that she dares trek to Kisuma. She is not scared of the hazards of the journey that has wild animals and worse still the killing and maiming Lang o tribesmen. Understanding supportive concernedAkoko is responsible and supportive as a mother; she understands Nyabera s suffering after the loss of her brother Obura. She snaps out of her personal grief and pays attention to her. She understands that people are different and accomodates Alando Nyar Uyoma s weakness. She leaned over backwards to accommodate her weakness some of which she found irritating like her tendency to idleness. Pg 70 She lets Owuor Sino join priesthood even though she has hopes that one day he would sit on the chief s stool, she consents him to take the new path. She tells him, I will not stand in your way ..Do whatever the spirit bids you. She stands by Nyabera during her trying moments and ensures that her grandchild Awiti is well taken care of. Decisive Independent mindedWhen her mother-in-law accuses her of witchcraft, Akoko takes her and Otieno head-on in front of the village. She makes a hasty decision to go back to her people in Yimbo.


She tells him, I will not stand in your way ..Do whatever the spirit bids you. She stands by Nyabera during her trying moments and ensures that her grandchild Awiti is well taken care of. Decisive Independent mindedWhen her mother-in-law accuses her of witchcraft, Akoko takes her and Otieno head-on in front of the village. She makes a hasty decision to go back to her people in Yimbo. Soon after Otieno Kembo takes over the chief s stool with glee and arrogance, Akoko decides that, .the time had come for battle lines to be clearly drawn. Pg 73 She treks to kisuma to seek justice from the sirikal. Intelligent wiseShe grows up as an intelligent woman and is full of wisdom. She believed that a young woman had to be intelligent .. pg 65 She offers wise counsel to her daughter who is mourning the loss of her sons through an outbreak of measles. She tells her, cry my child, for one does not bury a child without burying a part of ones s soul with it, Yesterday is not today and today is not tomorrow for each day rises fresh from the hands of Were . Pg 75 Her wisdom is further illustrated during her visit to Kisuma to appeal against her brother-in-law. Wherelse the twins are dissatisfied with the verdict of the D.O, Akoko tells them, Do not decide the wisdom of a man by the brevity of his quiet or the multitude of his words ..A fool knows everything. Pg 88 . She discovers that s she cannot physically confront Otieno Kembo who has reduced her head of cattle and decides to wait for the D.O s intervention. She says, There was no advantage in knocking one s head against a tree trunk if you want to cut a tree, take time to sharpen an axe. Pg 89 She encourages Nyabera to seek a new life at the mission in Aluor with these words, Bitterness is poison to the spirit ..if you are walking along and you find your path leading nowhere, then it is wise to try other path. Pg 103 She plays the voice of reason when a conflict arises between Nyabera and Awiti over her fianc whose background she has not investigated.


Wherelse the twins are dissatisfied with the verdict of the D.O, Akoko tells them, Do not decide the wisdom of a man by the brevity of his quiet or the multitude of his words ..A fool knows everything. Pg 88 . She discovers that s she cannot physically confront Otieno Kembo who has reduced her head of cattle and decides to wait for the D.O s intervention. She says, There was no advantage in knocking one s head against a tree trunk if you want to cut a tree, take time to sharpen an axe. Pg 89 She encourages Nyabera to seek a new life at the mission in Aluor with these words, Bitterness is poison to the spirit ..if you are walking along and you find your path leading nowhere, then it is wise to try other path. Pg 103 She plays the voice of reason when a conflict arises between Nyabera and Awiti over her fianc whose background she has not investigated. Akoko tells Nyabera, Accept it Maria, the world is changing. Pg 143 She supports Peter Owuor s decision to become a priest despite the fact that he is the chief in waiting. She says, Things have changed and people are turning to different things. Pg 126 Kind and generousThe people who come to barter their animals are rested and fully fed before they being dispatched to their homes. Nyabera, in lamenting her mother s misfortunes, describes her as one who had never looked at any one with an evil eye, never denied anyone food, had been quite generous in sacrifice and libationRash impatient short-temperedDespite her positive personality, Akoko at times behaves in a rash manner. She reacts with temper when her mother-in-law accuses her of withcraft and does not wait for her husband to return. She goes home to her people in Yimbo. Chief Kembo comments, I know all your virtues, but your weakest point is your temper and impatience ..you must exercise self-control. Pg 44-55 AKOKO S ROLESShe is the main character in the story. Without her there would be no storyShe is symbolically referred to as the source of the river. She is also a symbol of change, wisdom, determination, hardwork and focused people.


Chief Kembo comments, I know all your virtues, but your weakest point is your temper and impatience ..you must exercise self-control. Pg 44-55 AKOKO S ROLESShe is the main character in the story. Without her there would be no storyShe is symbolically referred to as the source of the river. She is also a symbol of change, wisdom, determination, hardwork and focused people. Through Akoko several themes are highlighted; Tradition, change, education, religion and death. She helps develop other characters e.g. through her Owuor Kembo is brought out as loving, committed, wise. Through her Otieno kembo is potrayed as abusive, cowardly, selfish, greedy and chauvinist. Through her several aspects of style such as proverbs, similes, vivid description, songs, myths and legends are brought out. MARIA NYABERAShe is the second born of Akoko, born three and a half years after Obura. She is the only daughter of Akoko and Owuor Kembo; the only surviving among the three born. She is always merry and always meets people with a sunny smile. This is how she earns her name Nyabera-meaning the good one. She can be described as;HardworkingHer husband confesses that, she never neglects her duty to go traipsing off to her home for she is industrious. In Aluor, she would always accompany her mother to till the land and together they have granaries of food and a big herd of cattle. The two women became some sort of a fixture on the green sloping countryside, and the locals, not as motivated as they were made endless jokes about their iron backs and caked feet. Pg 117 Even when she is told how hard it is to master Christian concepts, she does not hesitate to go to Aluor. She memorizes all the stories which she later recounts to her daughter, nephew and mother, After she mastered the basics of religion she started attending mass every morning before class. Pg 107 Likeable Loveable adorableDue to her jovial nature, she is easily likeable. She has, .a personally to charm the birds off the trees. Pg 33 Right from a tender age, her mother does not have to worry about baby sitters for young girls line up to hold the baby.


The two women became some sort of a fixture on the green sloping countryside, and the locals, not as motivated as they were made endless jokes about their iron backs and caked feet. Pg 117 Even when she is told how hard it is to master Christian concepts, she does not hesitate to go to Aluor. She memorizes all the stories which she later recounts to her daughter, nephew and mother, After she mastered the basics of religion she started attending mass every morning before class. Pg 107 Likeable Loveable adorableDue to her jovial nature, she is easily likeable. She has, .a personally to charm the birds off the trees. Pg 33 Right from a tender age, her mother does not have to worry about baby sitters for young girls line up to hold the baby. Obura was very jealous for he would have liked to have more of his sister to himself. Pg 33 Preserving enduringShe undergoes a lot of suffering. Her first child dies at the age of two. The child suffers from fever, jaundice and swelling of the tummy. She loses her two sons to a ferocious outbreak of measles. She loses her father, and miscarries when Awiti is three years and soon after her husband dies. She is inherited by Ogoma Kwach and they have two children, but they both die. When in Aluor, she hears that Ogoma s wife has dies so she goes back to him. They have another child who dies soon after. The man also start to court a younger girl and feeling rejected, she goes back to Aluor. Loving caringAs a sister, she loves her loves her brother, Obura, that his death devastates her. She becomes a loner wandering away by herself, mute and quite for days. After she settles in Aluor she remembers to go for her daughter, nephew and mother whom she loves in a special way. She loves Owuor like her own son .formed such a solid wall of love around the children. 9pg 116 She supports Owuor in his decision to join priesthood. She leaves some of her cattle with her mother-in-law since she has been her friend.


The villagers wonder at her intelligence. A girl! To be so clever .. to receive commendation after commendation! In class where she is the only girl, she holds her position quite well even in mathematics which she dislikes. She emerges top of her class and is invited to join the first teacher s college near Aluor. Industrious hardworking determinedShe inherits her grandmother s industry and determination. While so many girls drop out of school, she reaches the top class at eighteen. She receives a certificate on passing a tough examination at the end of the year. She works hard on mathematics which she dislikes and passes well. Amongst ten boys, she is the only girl who holds top position in class. She does so well at school and gets admitted to a teachers training college. Upon graduation she becomes a teacher. Loving passionate caringShe her mother at least once every two months, but still she feels that she has not done enough. She also sends her two sons, Opiyo and Odongo to keep her company. She loves her grandmother Akoko and writes about her to Mark. She had loved her grandmother desperately .Had admired her unreservedly. Pg 151 When Aoro and Tony are punished by being denied food at night, after risking the life of the twins, Elizabeth hears them in the kitchen trying to steal food. However, she goes and gives them chapatis and dengu smiling at them. Firm Decisive ResoluteWhen she gives birth to Mary, she decisively asks the nurse for water and baptizes the child in hospital, I baptize you Mary .. pg 194 She decides she is going to get admitted in hospital. She asks Mark to go back to the children and only come to visit her at the weekend or whenever she can. Elizabeth ensures Mary does not get spoilt mother kept her head prevented the young lady from being completely spoilt. Pg 195 Principled dignified self-controlledAlthough many of the male students at the Teachers Training College are attracted to her and go to great lengths including throwing love notes wrapped around stones to her room to win her over, she does not yield. She remains the odd one out when all the other girls have paired up, either from within college outside. She is variously referred to as the nun, Virgin Mary and church mouse. She is shunned by both men and women for being a non-conformist.


She remains the odd one out when all the other girls have paired up, either from within college outside. She is variously referred to as the nun, Virgin Mary and church mouse. She is shunned by both men and women for being a non-conformist. She is so cold towards men that when Mark talks to her asking her why she is always alone she retorts, What is that to you. Pg 137 Motherly responsible compassionateWhen Mark feels so guilty for having been so ignorant as to give her anti-malaria drugs that makes her abort, Elizabeth comforts him. Don t worry, God will give us another. She didn t bother telling him they had been twins. The poor man had suffered enough. Pg 160 As a mother, she sleeps without sleeping. Aoro s scream when Tony falls sick at night gets her out of bed even before Aoro reaches her bedroom to report his brother s ailment. Tony is taken to hospital .. Held on his mother s lap .. pg 180 When Aoro faints for not having eaten for long, which is a punishment for his being undisciplined, Elizabeth, was watching secretly rushed out to her son. Pg 190 ELIZABETH S ROLESShe helps in development of plot- She moves with her mother and grandmother to Aluor mission, gets educated, marries Sigu and together they have seven children. Through her we see change- She acquires the white man s education and gets employed. She helps highlight several aspects of style; dialogue and humuor. Through her, Akoko s river continues to flowHelps develop other characters e.g. through her we see Maria Nyabera as loving, Mark Sigu is portrayed as loving, caring and naiveVERAShe is Becky s twin sister . The two are Elizabeth and Sigu s first children. She is the first born of the two twins. She is a lady with many positive points, a replica of her mother and great grandmother, Akoko. She can be described as;Brilliant IntelligentShe carries off trophy after trophy. She is into everything like debate and sports. After primary national exam, she gets an almost perfect score and wins a place at a top national school. In her secondary national school. In her secondary national exams, she gets distinction in Math, Biology, Physics and Geography.


After primary national exam, she gets an almost perfect score and wins a place at a top national school. In her secondary national school. In her secondary national exams, she gets distinction in Math, Biology, Physics and Geography. In her A-level, she gets As in Mathematics and Physics and a B in chemistry. She opts to go for engineering. Loving friendlyShe has a great capacity for love. She has a passionate nature and is completely loyal and her sister is the object of her love and protection. She was willing and ready to do battle with anyone who crossed Becky s path and was a fearless fighter. Pg 166 At five, she almost tears a playmate apart before anyone realizes what is happening, because she is screaming while pummeling him. She loves her sister and shows her off to all. She opts to go to her sister s school rather than a top national school. She still goes to look for Becky at the airport even when she thinks that Becky might not want to see her. She confesses to Becky that she actually loved Tommy only that she cannot marry him. She and Wandia become automatic friends. ResponsibleShe is made a captain in class seven, a position only held before by boys. Her mother allows her to join Becky s secondary school so that she can look after her twin sister. She talks to Becky until she agrees to go and inform her parents about her impending marriage. Although she is not married and does not have children, Becky entrusts the care and future of her children to her. Hardworking industriousAfter form six, when Becky decides just to stay at home, Vera gets a job as a teacher in a nearby harambee school. Her excellent grades are always due to brilliance and hardwork. With her tremendous energy, she participates in many school activities and carries trophy after trophy. She chooses engineering because she thinks it is more challenging than architecture. EmotionalHer tears are ready to fall at the slightest provocation. She is about to cry when her mother tries to persuade her to consider refusing to go to a national school. When she has an argument with her sister, tears well in her eyes and she dashes them away angrily with her fist. She almost engages in a physical fight with her sister. ReligiousAlthough she treats church going as a formality, and is a good Christian thought her childhood, she becomes very religious while in college after Mary-Anne introduces her to a recollection .


When she has an argument with her sister, tears well in her eyes and she dashes them away angrily with her fist. She almost engages in a physical fight with her sister. ReligiousAlthough she treats church going as a formality, and is a good Christian thought her childhood, she becomes very religious while in college after Mary-Anne introduces her to a recollection . She starts a hungry search for religious enlightenment and dedicates her life to God as an unmarried member of the Opus Dei. Vera s RolesShe is used to develop themes such as; change, education, women empowerment, conflict and religion. Through her Becky is portrayed as jealous and hateful, while Wandia is portrayed as loving and concerned. BECKYShe is one of the twin daughters of Mark Sigu and Elizabeth Awiti. They are the eldest. Becky is brought out as follows;Loveable AdorableShe draws love from one and all from a vey early stage, just plain irresistible. She has very many admires from her childhood up to almost the time she dies. She even marries a white man. Selfish EgocentricShe is utterly selfish. Even after being informed of Tony s illness, she continues lie in bed. Few things bored her much as sickness, suffering and death. She just stretched luxurious in bed enjoying the feel of her young lithe body. Pg 181 After her a-levels, she disappears to Nairobi without informing her parents. She just leaves a note and leaves Vera to do the explanation. Jealous EnviousShe is jealous of the attention Mary is given and wonders whether the latter has to murder to be punished. When Vera turns from a gawky faced teenager into a striking young woman and boys start noticing her, Becky notices this and becomes jealous. When Vera goes to visit her at the airport and she takes her to her home, she confesses that she has been jealous of Vera all her lifeUnfaithful Promiscuous immoralBecky has an illicit love affair while her husband, John, is out of the country. This leads to their divorce when John finds out. Vera complains about her changing of men frequently as she changed clothes! She throws herself at every man as if she hates herself. This distances her from her children and she ends up dying of AIDS. MaterialisticBecky loves the things of this world. She loves money and what it can buy.


This distances her from her children and she ends up dying of AIDS. MaterialisticBecky loves the things of this world. She loves money and what it can buy. Responsible organizedEven if she lives an irresponsible life, she financially caters for her death; the family is surprised to find that she has left her own children very well financially off. She has left a hefty insurance, a string of maisonettes, two bungalows in Spring Valley and a block of offices and shops in west lands. She has also left clear documents and things legally tied up. She had appointed a firm of trustees to run her affairs on behalf of the children and of their benefit. Her sister Vera has been appointed guardian of the children and is allowed to choose which family member they would live with. Becky s RolesShe is used to develop themes such as; Education, relationships, change, immorality, conflict and materialism. Through her interaction with other characters, their character traits are brought out. For instance Vera is portrayed as loving, concerned and hardworking. Her father is depicted as strict and concerned while Wandia is portrayed as concerned and selfless. WANDIAWandia is Aoro s wife, she is a doctor. She comes from a different community from her husband. The writer uses her to demystify inter-tribal marriages. She is developed as a character that is;IntelligentThe battle for the top position in the anatomy class is between her and Aoro, and she finally beats him. The writer says, But Wandia had beaten him ..she had 78 points. Pg 127 Hardworking ambitious pioneeringShe portrays several incidences of determination and ambition in life, at her early age that she wants to be a doctor. She later achieves this through her determination when after her second degree; she gets a scholarship to study haematology at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore Maryland. Bold courageousAt the school of medicine, when told to stand in groups before the cavader, she is the first person to gather courage to move towards it. She courageously asks the group members to make introduction which helps them to ease the tension. Her boldness is also shown when she takes the first step towards cementing their relationship. She goes ahead and proposes to him.


She courageously asks the group members to make introduction which helps them to ease the tension. Her boldness is also shown when she takes the first step towards cementing their relationship. She goes ahead and proposes to him. She, When are you going to propose if at all .. pg 256 Loving caring understandingHer mother, to whom she has always been close, means a lot to her. She has fond memories of her childhood with her mother. When she learns that her mother is admitted in hospital, she asks her friends to cover for her at Machakos Hospital where she is an intern so that she can visit her. Her love, care and understanding are exhibited when she adopts Becky s children: Alicia and Johnny. She handles them better than their real mother. Though she is a doctor with a tight schedule her love and care for her children and husband are not affected. She finds that she has time for them and understands them well and their academic potentials. She loves her mother-in-law, Elizabeth, and always consults her. The relationship between her and her mother was a constant source of amusement other s guts? Pg 294-295 WiseThough Wandia is younger than Vera, Vera seeks advice from her due to their mutual understanding. This is seen when Vera seeks advice on Becky s behavior towards her children after divorcing John. She cautions Aoro, her husband, that though they have busy schedules as doctors, they have children and should not forget they need them. Observant KeenShe has observed that Becky has lost significant weight and advises Vera that they have more cause to worry due to Becky s promiscuity. She is the first to realize that their son Daniel, though a happy child, has a problem because at the age of four he still drools a little. He has down syndrome. Later through close observation and keenness as a mother she realizes that Daniel has Leukemia. The writer says, But today her keen eyes watched him frantically .. pg 286 Wandia s RoleShe is used by the writer to portray the theme of change, Education and relationshipsThrough her Aoro is portrayed as determined and supportive. She is also used to bring out humour and dialogue as a feature of style. Mark SiguMark Sigu is Elizabeth s husband and an Ex-soldier. He studied at St. Mary s Yala.


Mark SiguMark Sigu is Elizabeth s husband and an Ex-soldier. He studied at St. Mary s Yala. He works as a manager in a firm in Nakuru. He is portrayed as a determined father who is ready to work hard and provide, bringing up his family in the best way possible. Loving CaringHis life revolves around his wife and seven children. Every time he attains promotion he gathers his family protectively under his wing and resettles them to a bigger house. He also takes a helping hand in the house since, though they have a house help, his wife is overworked with seven children at home and others in school. He loves his wife and when he realizes he has been unfaithful to her, he weeps. Firm strictWhen Becky leaves home, she writes a note because she is scared of facing him. She also follows his father s instructions of going back to school for her A levels without much questioning. She is also afraid to introduce her white fianc to his father for she feared him. When Aoro is sent away from school, Oloo does not only deny him food, but also gives him a month s notice to get himself a place of his own. Aoro grows up knowing that his father is a man to be respected and feared. Respectful Liberal JustHis family loves him because he is just and fair, firm but understanding. This is evidenced when he accepts Vera s vocation to the Opus Dei and Tony s vocation to priesthood. He also accepts with respect Aoro s and Becky s wish to marry out of their tribe. Promiscuous UnfaithfulAt the peak of the State of Emergency that brings insecurity in Nakuru, Elizabeth and the children leave Oloo in Nakuru and go back to Aluor for safety. Left alone in Nakuru, Mark develops an illicit love affair with another woman and ignores his family for some time. He gets so involved in the affair that he does not reply to his wife s letters including those that inform him of the children s illness. Na veTogether with his wife Elizabeth, they wrongly diagnosis her attacks of nausea and dizziness as malaria and he proceeds to buy her anti-malaria tablets which end up causing an abortion to their twins. Sigu s RolesMarries Elizabeth and together they have seven children thus he develops the plot.


He gets so involved in the affair that he does not reply to his wife s letters including those that inform him of the children s illness. Na veTogether with his wife Elizabeth, they wrongly diagnosis her attacks of nausea and dizziness as malaria and he proceeds to buy her anti-malaria tablets which end up causing an abortion to their twins. Sigu s RolesMarries Elizabeth and together they have seven children thus he develops the plot. Helps develop themes such as family relationships, change, education, sexual immorality and conflict. Helps develop other characters like through him Elizabeth is brought out as emotional, wise, caring and lovingOWOUR KEMBOAdmirable lovable impressiveLoving caring faithful devotedResponsible protectiveWise authoritativeOTIENO KEMBOGreedy jealous selfishContemptuous hatefulLazy dependent opportunisticArrogant harshCowardly timid fearfulOBURA KEMBOAdmirable lovablePleasant cheerfulLovingProtectiveIndustrious hardworkingDecisive resoluteAdventurous outgoingAORO SIGUResponsibleIntelligent brightRemorseful repentantAdmirableCaring lovingDetermined resilientLANGUAGE AND STYLEThese are techniques through which a writer communicates his her themes. Style involves the use of artistic language or feature in a literary work for effective communication of feelings, opinions and ideas. The novel is divived into four parts y that describe the life of Akoko and the genenrations that follow her. The language used at each historical time is unique to that period. Part I and II make reference to Luo expression, proverbs and words while in part III and IVthere id use of modern expressions, Kiswahili words, modrn way of naming , academic terms, Christian religious allusions as change is already felt in the land in different areas of life. DREAM MOTIFVarious dreams are presented and which carry with them various messages and implications. It is through dreams that the livings are connected to the dead. This is seen for instance through Akoko s great uncle, Obanda who sends a dream through her father and grandmother and the child is given a name. Dreams also bring hope from the spirit world.


It is through dreams that the livings are connected to the dead. This is seen for instance through Akoko s great uncle, Obanda who sends a dream through her father and grandmother and the child is given a name. Dreams also bring hope from the spirit world. This is seen through Maria s dream where she dreams that Obura comes to her with a beetle which turns into a beautiful bird, the colour of the sky. This is interpreted that the dead brother wants the unborn baby named after him. Dreams have also seen to influence characters action and hence build the plot. This is seen in Vera s dream after breaking up with Tommy where she feels herself moving so fast towards the horizon and hangs at the edge which falls into a bottomless abyss. Perhaps an indication that she needs to take a grip over her life. She feels empty and hence accepts to join Anne to the recollection to fill the emptiness in her life. CONTRASTContrasting characters and incidents are used severally in the novel. There is a contrast between Owuor and Otieno. Owuor was hardworking whereas Otieno was very lazy. Otieno married many wives i.e. six whereas his brother Owuor only had one. We are further told that Otieno treated his wives like sluts and they did not fail him whereas Owuor treated his wife like a queen. There is also a contrast in Akoko s sons. Obura was an active and inquisitive son while his brother Owang Sino was very quiet and reserved. There is also a contrast between Vera and Becky. Vera is generous, loving and caring whereas Becky is egocentric and jealous. For instance Vera is concerned that she is not woken up when Aoro is taken ill but for Becky these are boring stories. The marriage between Akoko and Owuor is contrasted to that between Mark and Elizabeth. In Akoko s so much bride price was paid but in Elizabeth s she is given out almost for free. LOCAL DIALECTThe author uses this style to give authenticity to the story. Examples of local dialect are;Jorochere- The white peopleWere- The god of RamogiChik- The way of the people.


In Akoko s so much bride price was paid but in Elizabeth s she is given out almost for free. LOCAL DIALECTThe author uses this style to give authenticity to the story. Examples of local dialect are;Jorochere- The white peopleWere- The god of RamogiChik- The way of the people. The laws which govern behaviorDwaro mara- want mineDak- neighbourlinessWat- brotherhoodNak- inititation, removal of six lower teethJuok- witchcraftNyadhi- styleSirikal- governmentTurudi mashambaniUhuruRuguru- man from the west refers to a non-kikuyu, or a person outside the central province DaktariMwalimuMuthoni- to mean in-lawMikai- first wifeFORESHADOWThis is a feeling or sign of an event set to happen in future. .he did an unheard of thing by taking her, a widow, beaten and bruised by life back into his house. Pg 15 This heightens suspense as one would want to read on and find out what made Akoko go back to her brother s home after being widowed. Obura s disappearance and death marks the beginning of a series of misfortunes that will haunt Akoko and her children.


The laws which govern behaviorDwaro mara- want mineDak- neighbourlinessWat- brotherhoodNak- inititation, removal of six lower teethJuok- witchcraftNyadhi- styleSirikal- governmentTurudi mashambaniUhuruRuguru- man from the west refers to a non-kikuyu, or a person outside the central province DaktariMwalimuMuthoni- to mean in-lawMikai- first wifeFORESHADOWThis is a feeling or sign of an event set to happen in future. .he did an unheard of thing by taking her, a widow, beaten and bruised by life back into his house. Pg 15 This heightens suspense as one would want to read on and find out what made Akoko go back to her brother s home after being widowed. Obura s disappearance and death marks the beginning of a series of misfortunes that will haunt Akoko and her children. The family had been touched by tragedy and tragedy can sometimes be a habitual drunk who keeps coming back for more. After Oburas s death, others in Akoko family who follow mot so long later are;Nyabera s first born child at only two yearsChief Owuor KemboAkoko s other son, Owang SinoNyabera s two sonsNyabera s husband, Okumu AngoloNyabera s two other children she had with Ogoma KwachNyabera s Other childWhile Elizabeth and Mark Sigu are being weeded by Peter Owuor, it is said, ..she was a radiant a bride as only that had ever walked up the aisle to begin a marriage that would last forty six years. Pg 157 When Obura disappears to go and know about the white man, it is said of the mother, A low moan from the direction of the main hut was heard, the first sound in three days The fearful premonition of doom that only a mother, closely connected as she is to the child, can sense , was in the air. Pg 57 . The premonition eventually fluids to fulfillment in the death of Obura. The family later receives the news that Obura died in the white man s war.


The family had been touched by tragedy and tragedy can sometimes be a habitual drunk who keeps coming back for more. After Oburas s death, others in Akoko family who follow mot so long later are;Nyabera s first born child at only two yearsChief Owuor KemboAkoko s other son, Owang SinoNyabera s two sonsNyabera s husband, Okumu AngoloNyabera s two other children she had with Ogoma KwachNyabera s Other childWhile Elizabeth and Mark Sigu are being weeded by Peter Owuor, it is said, ..she was a radiant a bride as only that had ever walked up the aisle to begin a marriage that would last forty six years. Pg 157 When Obura disappears to go and know about the white man, it is said of the mother, A low moan from the direction of the main hut was heard, the first sound in three days The fearful premonition of doom that only a mother, closely connected as she is to the child, can sense , was in the air. Pg 57 . The premonition eventually fluids to fulfillment in the death of Obura. The family later receives the news that Obura died in the white man s war. When Nyabera tells Akoko of her dream about Obura, Akoko tells her I think your brother is trying to tell you something, to bring a message of hope from the spirit world .May Were find it in his heart to fill our hearts with laughter again. Pg 76 . This later becomes true or is fulfilled when Akoko and Nyabera head to the mission in Aluor together with Elizabeth and Peter. Their lives are improved and they become happy again. When Odongo and Opiyo Oloo s Sons took Akoko to make an appeal before the D.O, a foreshadow into the future is given. When my brother and I took my aunt to make an apil appeal to the big white chief whose name was Diyo, would begin Odongo to some round eyed grandson many years later. Pg 89 . This is later fulfilled when they visited Akoko at the mission as married men.


Mark was more attached to this particular child than the others because it was as if she was grabbed from the jaws of death. This last one had come unexpectedly and has threatened miscarriage after miscarriage needing frequent hospitalization of the mother .. pg 192 Wandia during a visit to Aoro when he was an Intern, remembers her childhood. She was lost in thoughts of her childhood, running bare foot in the red fertile volcanic soil, after her mother- going home after a hard days work. She and her mother had always been very close and having been named after her maternal grandmother, her mother had never referred to her as anything but mami . Pg 255 There she was a very little girl, clothed in nothing but the love of Were-the god of the rising sun; then she was sitting in the shadow of grandfather. Oloo s largest bull missing her mother who had gone away to seek the new way . Pg 305-306 d ALLUSIONThis is making reference to a statement, person, place, event or thing that is well known from literature, history, religion, myth, sports or politics. The bible has been alluded to on several occasions. For example, when Nyabera goes to the mission at Aluor to seek the new religion, she wants to go back and get her mother to as well join it. It offered such consolation for one could identify oneself easily with the desolation of Mary a sword shall pierce your heart , with the joy of Elizabeth whose barrenness was removed by God , the warm love of weak Peter Lord you know everything, you know that I love you! Pg 108 Maria gets baptized and during baptism it is said, I baptize you Maria in the name of the father, and of the son and of the Holy Spirit. There is mention of Misri Egypt and the bad King Herodes, plus birth of Yesu Kristo.


The bible has been alluded to on several occasions. For example, when Nyabera goes to the mission at Aluor to seek the new religion, she wants to go back and get her mother to as well join it. It offered such consolation for one could identify oneself easily with the desolation of Mary a sword shall pierce your heart , with the joy of Elizabeth whose barrenness was removed by God , the warm love of weak Peter Lord you know everything, you know that I love you! Pg 108 Maria gets baptized and during baptism it is said, I baptize you Maria in the name of the father, and of the son and of the Holy Spirit. There is mention of Misri Egypt and the bad King Herodes, plus birth of Yesu Kristo. Pg 109-110 Akoko and Nyabera s leaving their homes to go to the mission center at Aluor is compared to the Biblical epic journey of Israelites from Egypt to Canaan, Like the children of Israel, they left the fresh pot of Egypt for uncertainties of Canaan, pg 113 Maria alludes to the story of Daniel and the lions, Elias, the man who went to heaven on a bicycle of fire and great friendship of Daudi and Jonathan pg 113 Other quotations from the bible and the catholic belief are; This is my body which will be given up for you. The story of the prodigal son is also alluded by Aoro when his father punished him he says, Father I have sinned before you and God. Pg 190 ,When MaryAnne and Vera attend a mass at the recollection the priest says, The mass has ended go in peace to love Lord and serve one another. Pg 132 The students studying medicine together with Aoro are said, appeared to have been turned into Pillars of salt of the Mrs. Lot variety. Pg 244 Another example of allusion is a statement used during graduation. By the powers conferred to me by the University of Nairobi I give you the powers to do all that appertains to this degree. Pg 300 . This statement is made by the chancellor of the university when conferring a doctor in medicine degree on Wandia. In the novel, historical allusion comes out. For example, the First World War has been alluded to.


This statement is made by the chancellor of the university when conferring a doctor in medicine degree on Wandia. In the novel, historical allusion comes out. For example, the First World War has been alluded to. The year is 1918 and the Jo-ingresa the English are at War with the Jo-Jerman the German for the last four seasons. The three young men from sakwa go to fight the Jo-Jerman The Germans in a place called Tanganyika Tanzania of a country of black people ruled by Jo-Jerman. Pg 60-61 e SYMBOLISMSymbolism is the use of a person, an object, an event to represent or stand for an idea . The title, The River and The Source is symbolic. Akoko represents the source of this river, as Chief Odero comments, ..that a home without daughters is like a spring without a source. Pg 11 She is symbolic of the beginning of a new generation of women in society. She is a pioneer of women s position and change in the society. Among the many positive qualities found in her and in the women she inspires are; intelligence, hardwork, courage and determination. In the course of her life the river is threatened by obstacles among them deaths causing it to meander. However, the stream continues to flow and gains momentum. The writer comments, She it was who had been the source of this river which at on time tricked to a mere rivulet in danger of petering out ..momentum. Pg 204 She is indeed a source of inspiration in the family for through her guidance and wisdom she counters all most all the obstacles that come her way and that of her children and grandchildren. Akoko s name which means noisy one implies that the female gender should not keep quiet whenThey are denied what is rightfully theirs. Her first words dwara mara means want mine signifies thatwomen should stand out to what is theirs. Otieno Kembo is symbolic of male chauvinism. He is also symbol of greed, opportunism and arrogance of men who cling to tradition in the name of defending male interests. Pg 73 The journey by Akoko, Nyabera, Awiti and Owuor to Aluor mission, is symbolic of a new way of life and severance from the old way of life. They now live far away from their matrimonial homes.


It is interesting to note that Were did not delegate to create Akoko s legs. Akoko s conflict with Otieno Kembo is humorous especially where he calls her she-wolf. Akoko hisses at him and he retreats. It is humorous to see a man who had dared Akoko backing off in fear. When Akoko and her two grandsons go to Kisumu to lodge a complaint to the white chief The D.O , the word D.O, sounded like diyo which to them meant to squeeze. They wondered whether he might squeeze their brains. The people of Sakwa are amused by the god of the white man who has a son and died to save them. It is exciting that the ignoramus interprets this as sheer madness. It is also interesting that one can sleep on both ears. I keep my ears open, my friend; I am not like you who sleeps on both your ears. I keep one open and sleep on the other one! Pg 59 Awiti s beauty is humorously described, Her nose sat on her face as if the creator had really thought hard before placing it carefully in place. Pg 135 It is laughable that Awiti receives notes in college using the most unorthodox means, a love note would come flying into the room wrapped around a stone. Pg 136 The responses that Nyabera gets from Pilipo who seems to have some knowledge in the Christian religion introduced by the white man are humorous. She had expected to get some information about this religion so that she could pursue it. ......... They said something about God being three but only one but didn t understand that very well. ................... There were laws which said do not kill.......and to take on one wife. The laws were too hard for me so I came home. Pg 102 . This humour eases the tension that is created by Nyabera s situation. She has lost hope and is interested in the Christian religion which might give her hope. This humour also points to the dilemma faces by the new converts who still wished to cling to aspects so their traditional culture and could not cope with stringent requirements of the new religion. When Wandia enquires about the well being of her relations Kamau and Timothy, Ester tells her; Timothy is still waiting for the beautiful ones to be born.


She has lost hope and is interested in the Christian religion which might give her hope. This humour also points to the dilemma faces by the new converts who still wished to cling to aspects so their traditional culture and could not cope with stringent requirements of the new religion. When Wandia enquires about the well being of her relations Kamau and Timothy, Ester tells her; Timothy is still waiting for the beautiful ones to be born. Meanwhile he chases whatever else is available. Pg 262 Before Elizabeth s death, she recalls her life as a child and when many suitors were pursuing her. The description of the suitors is humorous: A love letter comes flying in through the open window; it was from a fellow student whose name was Cosmas somebody or other and like so many others it declared willingness to climb mountains, fold rivers and swim oceans in order to reach her and win her love. The guy must have drowned by now, thought Elizabeth her lips twitching. Pg 306 g IRONYIrony is the opposite of the expected. The writer has brought to the forth several instances of irony in the text. It is ironical for chief Odero s spokesman. Aloo K lima to assure the chief s in-laws that since they in-laws are their brothers they would not make things difficult for them during Akoko s bride price negotiations, they in fact make things difficult for the in-laws from Sakwa by setting the bride price at thirty heads of cattle which was two and half times the usual bride price. Pg 21-22 Peter Owuor Kembo is Akoko s only living grandson. He is expected to assume the chieftainship when he grows up but he develops an interest in priesthood. The writer says of him, he who has never really known his father or the joys of father-son relationship, now dreamt of being a spiritual father of many. Pg 127 It is also ironical that Owuor Peter Sino expected Akoko to reprimand him and reject his proposal of wanting to become a priest and yet she accepts without any argument.


Pg 21-22 Peter Owuor Kembo is Akoko s only living grandson. He is expected to assume the chieftainship when he grows up but he develops an interest in priesthood. The writer says of him, he who has never really known his father or the joys of father-son relationship, now dreamt of being a spiritual father of many. Pg 127 It is also ironical that Owuor Peter Sino expected Akoko to reprimand him and reject his proposal of wanting to become a priest and yet she accepts without any argument. She tells him to do what the spirit bids him because the world is changing pg 126 Irony is similarly evident when Mark Sigu tells Elizabeth, it is easier to fight Germans and their allies than to get the courage to talk to a girl. Pg 138 He has waited to meet her for the last six weeks and this time round he had to gather enough courage to do so. Akoko had lost her first born son, Obura to the white man s war. Before she dies, she regards her grandson-in-law as a replacement for her son; She had lost one son to the whiteman s war; and by grace of God she has gained another from the white man s army. Pg 149 In defiance to a sticker stuck on the windscreen just next to the driver of a matatu Vera and Maryanne are travelling in to Kangemi, the driver over speeds. One would have expected the driver to be reminded of the effects of dangerous driving by the sticker aptly entitiled, a speed song. Pg 235 Betty confesses to Vera that she loves money and all that it can buy. Despite living a lavish lifestyle, the carpet on the floor, the pictures on the wall spelled one word-money. She ends up having affairs during the husband trips abroad and they finally divorce. She lives alone with her children, well off but unhappy. When Obura and Owang Sino die, Otieno, their uncle is supposed to assume the chiefdom but in the custody for the young Owuor Sino. He does not keep it in custody but instead usurps his nephews chieftainship. He even grabs his brother s as well as Akoko s wealth. When Obura and two other men are killed in a war against the Germans on Tanganyika, the white man s messenger ....


He does not keep it in custody but instead usurps his nephews chieftainship. He even grabs his brother s as well as Akoko s wealth. When Obura and two other men are killed in a war against the Germans on Tanganyika, the white man s messenger .... presented the chief with a bracelet which they said was sent by the white people as a thank you and in memory of the fallen men It is ironical that after a selfless struggle by Obura on behalf of the whites, through which he loses his life, they can exchange life with a bracelet. When we study the character of Vera, we discover yet another irony. She had been brought up embracing all the basic Christian values and beliefs and we expect that she can find it quite simple to comprehend and understand the existence of God. But when she becomes opposed to this belief and fails to understand the being of God given such a background, it becomes ironical. H VIVID DESCRIPTIONOwour Kembo is vividly described; Even without his black and white Columbus monkey headdress, he stood head and shoulders above most men. He was obviously a man of nyadhi.....he has a spear in one hand, a shield in the other and splashes of white war paint across his body. His face was virtually tattooed, his head set proudly on his shoulders and he wore only a tiny piece of leopard skin..... pg 18 Akoko s beauty is brought out through vivid description; her eyes were set apart and neither too small nor too big, her teeth were white and even with a bewitching gap at the centre of the upper set. Her ears with earrings dangling from tiny holes were perfectly shaped standing just at the right angle from her head. And that neck! It was fit to inspire praise songs from nyatiti players! And were those two whole rings on her navel? ...... As for her legs, Were must have curved them out personally rather than one of his apprentices. Pg 28 i ORAL LITERATURE DEVICESThe writer had used some oral literature in The River and the Source. These include:ProverbsSongsMythLegendsPROVERBS WISE SAYINGAkoko s father said of her birth, A home without daughters is like a spring without a source pg 11 . This indicates the chief s flexibility.


And were those two whole rings on her navel? ...... As for her legs, Were must have curved them out personally rather than one of his apprentices. Pg 28 i ORAL LITERATURE DEVICESThe writer had used some oral literature in The River and the Source. These include:ProverbsSongsMythLegendsPROVERBS WISE SAYINGAkoko s father said of her birth, A home without daughters is like a spring without a source pg 11 . This indicates the chief s flexibility. He hears the baby cry and thinks it is a boy, another rock for my sling. The fact that the baby is a girl does not dampen his spirit whatsoever. Akoko s family spokesman, Oloo, convinces the audience about a woman s worth to her husband during the dispute between Akoko and her mother-in-law and brother-in-law ........who knows the goodness of a tree but he who sits under its shade and eats its fruits? Pg 44 Other examples of proverbs found in the story are-; Good manners is the fabric that holds the community together used in respect to the search parties to mean that even if they did not find Obura, it was a sign of respect to the search parties to mean that even if they dis not find Obura, it was a sign of respect to go and report to the chief. Yesterday is not today and today is not tomorrow. Pg 75 This proverb is used by Akoko to encourage her daughter Nyabera who had suffered greatly by losing her children. It was disquieting to have all one s eggs in this one tiny frail basket. Pg 74 . This is in reference to Akoko s family s hopes of that long over the chiefdom which has now been placed in the hands of the little boy, her grandson. Bitterness is poison to the spirit for it breeds nothing but vipers some of which might consume your very self. Pg 103 Akoko uses this proverb to encourage Nyabera to try new religion so that all bitterness in her can end. ...... Beggars cannot be choosers. Pg 107 Nyabera had to make do with the place shown to her to put a house at Aluor mission. ......... You don t have to be good, all you have to be is lucky. Pg 281 .


Bitterness is poison to the spirit for it breeds nothing but vipers some of which might consume your very self. Pg 103 Akoko uses this proverb to encourage Nyabera to try new religion so that all bitterness in her can end. ...... Beggars cannot be choosers. Pg 107 Nyabera had to make do with the place shown to her to put a house at Aluor mission. ......... You don t have to be good, all you have to be is lucky. Pg 281 . Vera uses this saying in reference to his brother who is lucky to have a good girl like Wandia. Laziness opens the door for evil to rule one s mind and body. Pg 93 . Akoko uses this proverb to chide her brother-in-law Otieno, who because of his laziness, ends up grabbing her wealth and inheritance. B SONGSThe young men who come to escort Akoko from Yimbo to her husband s home in Sakwa compose chants to praise certain qualities in themselves. The song also creates humour. It also breaks monotony of narration. Pg 26 quote the song in page 26 Akoko sings a dirge full of praise for her husband as she morns him pg 69 . Quote the dirge in page 69 The song breaks monotony of narration, makes the story interesting and also indicates how the two; Akoko and Owuor Kembo loved each other. C MYTHA myth is story that talks about the origin of a group of people or a phenomenon. AKoko narrates the story of the origin of the Luo to her grandson twins, Opiyo and Odongo as they embark in their epic journey. In the beginning, Were was alone in the world which was beautiful. Were is a spirit and a spirit is like a flame.....so he created Ramogi and his brothers who were men......... pg 81-82 This myth highlights the role of elders in this community, which is to impact knowledge on the history of the tribe to all young ones. ....... How can you know where you are coming from? Pg 81 d LEGENDSA legend is a story that talks about a heroic historical character. Of the children of Ramogi many great brave men have arisen. They are called, thuondi the brave ones.


.......How can you know where you are coming from? Pg 81 d LEGENDSA legend is a story that talks about a heroic historical character. Of the children of Ramogi many great brave men have arisen. They are called, thuondi the brave ones. These men of renown include Lwanda Magere. So strong and brave a warrior was he that it is rumoured that sharp spears of Lang o warriors could not pierce his skin. Then there was Gor Mahia, the wily one who could change hid form into anything at all....... pg 82 THE RIVER AND THE SOURCE: SAMPLEDPOSSIBLE EXCERPT QUESTIONS AND RESPONSESRead the extract below and answer the questions that follow. Akoko returned to her village having won more than a victory for her infant grandson. She had opened new vistas for her family, which showed another world and the possibility of a different way. She talked about her journey to her daughter Nyabera, who sat on a mat nursing her newborn daughter; she drank in her mother s every word. You know my child, human beings are all the same the world over, with good ones and bad ones. The bad ones serve to high light the goodness of the good ones. To allow oneself to sink unresistingly into evil is a bad thing. Take those white people, they are not of my colour, or of my blood but they are just, but your uncle is ruled by his stomach and directed by his loins. He forgot everything that his brother had ever done for him and his greed turned into vindictive hatred. It would have been something if he had worked to support his appetites, but he is lazy. Laziness opens the door to evil to rule one s mind and body. Work tirelessly my child. It is a shame for an able bodied person to feed off the sweat of others. It becomes like a sickness of the blood which transmits itself to generations and becomes a curse forever. Akoko left the clan of her husband Owuor and returned to Yimbo with all the property she had salvaged from her brother-in-law, Otieno. It was a mighty herd which moved in three cohorts. Of the three children she had borne, there survived only one; of the grand children only two still lived; and the she dwelt in the household of her brother Oloo.


It becomes like a sickness of the blood which transmits itself to generations and becomes a curse forever. Akoko left the clan of her husband Owuor and returned to Yimbo with all the property she had salvaged from her brother-in-law, Otieno. It was a mighty herd which moved in three cohorts. Of the three children she had borne, there survived only one; of the grand children only two still lived; and the she dwelt in the household of her brother Oloo. She was fifty seasons of age, a middle aged woman. Sometimes she remembered how it had been and this was painful, for now she, a migogo, was reduced to living with her brother. She wondered how long it would be before his wives started making insinuations, but she did not allow herself to descend to bitterness; for yesterday is not today and today is not tomorrow. Each day rises from the hands of were and brings with it whatsoever it will. Outline events immediately before the extract. 4mks In what two ways is Akoko s journey important? 2mks How does Otieno s weakness serve to highlight Akoko s strength? 2mks Name Akoko s children not mentioned in this passage. How did they die? 4mks Comment on ONE feature of style evident in the extract. 2mks Explain ONE theme coming out in this extract. 2mks State and explain lesson you learn from the passage. 2mks What does the last paragraph tell us about Akoko? Explain 2mks Explain the meaning of the following expressions as used in the passage. 3mks .she drank in her mother s every word ..feed off the sweat of others .. ..cohorts He forgot everything that his brother had ever done for him . What is it that Otieno forgot? 3 mks Possible Responses-Akoko is escorted to Kisuma by the messanger and two askaris the DO has sent. She makes her appeal before the DC who bears the petition. 1mkThe DC makes judgment in which Otieno Kembo is made to relingnish the stooland return that entire he had grabbed from Akoko.


What is it that Otieno forgot? 3 mks Possible Responses-Akoko is escorted to Kisuma by the messanger and two askaris the DO has sent. She makes her appeal before the DC who bears the petition. 1mkThe DC makes judgment in which Otieno Kembo is made to relingnish the stooland return that entire he had grabbed from Akoko. 1mkMarking pointsJourney to Kisuma 1mkAppeal before the DC 1mkJudgement by the DC verdict 1mkJustice 1mk-It has opened way for a newness e.g leadershipIt serves to enhance the reservation of human right irrespective of gender. E.g right to ownershipIt serves to reduce wrong doing while upholding morality e.g Otieno is punished-His injustice 1mk greed, etc makes Akoko s decisive and pioneering 1mk characters to come out. -Obura Kembo 1mk who died in the world war 1mkOway Sino 1mk who died chocking with 1mk a fish bone. -Dialogue 1mk Akoko talking to her daughter Nyabera 1mk who is listening You know my child . Comment : -Reveals Akoko s character of being wise-Reveals the themes of justice and equality- Reveals Otieno e character lazy and greedy-Justice The DC gives Akoko justice by punishing wrong doing. Equality The DC provides justice irrespective of gender or race. -We should work hard Akoko tells Nyabera that laziness is a disease .. We should fight for our right justice. Akoko looks for justice and gets it. We should have hope and determination and live for have a better future noSituation is permanent.


We should fight for our right justice. Akoko looks for justice and gets it. We should have hope and determination and live for have a better future noSituation is permanent. -She is determined enduringShe is optimisticDespite the challenges she expects to meet in her brothers household, she braces herself and hopes that all will end one day. Yesterday is not today -She understood all that her mother told herDepending on other people for survivalLarge groups-He forgot that it is his brother the late Owuor Kembo who supported him by feeding 1mk his entire household. 1mkRead the following extract and answer the questions that follow: Mother, I have decided to seek the new religion which you have heard about. You know my life is a painful wound to me and much as I try my heart fills with bitterness- for me and for you . My child, do not feel bitterness for me for I am an old woman who has lived her life. As for you it is better that you seek this new way. It might give you hope and rescue you from bitterness. Bitterness is poison to the spirit for it breeds nothing but vipers some of which might consume your very self. Pain and sorrow all human being feel; but bitterness drops on the spirit like aloes- causing it to wither. I give you my blessing my child. If you are walking along and you find your path leading nowhere, then it is only wise to try some other path. Thank you mother. I will bring you news as soon as I can. May Were protect you. Questions. Place the above extract to its immediate context. You know my life is painful wound. What made Nyabera regard her life as a painful wound? In what way was Nyabera s life similar to that of Akoko according to the rest of the novel. Identify and illustrate one characters trait of Akoko and Nyabera as brought out in this extract. I. Akokoii. NyaberaIdentify two features of style used in this extractPain and sorrow all human being feel. Rewrite this sentences making human the subject of the sentence. Briefly explain one theme that is brought out in this extract. Possible ResponsesBeforeNyabera had gone to philipo to inquire about the new religion. She had then gathered her things and decided to leave her daughter with her mother n Yimbo.


Briefly explain one theme that is brought out in this extract. Possible ResponsesBeforeNyabera had gone to philipo to inquire about the new religion. She had then gathered her things and decided to leave her daughter with her mother n Yimbo. Shei informs her mother of her decision to seek the new religion .Her mother encourage her to go ahead and join the new religion and forget her bitters .Immediately after this Nyabera t ravel s to Aluor mission and join the new religion . Ii. Nyabera had suffered a lot in her life because her children had died mysteriously leaving her with only a girlchild Awiti . Her husband had died .Ogoma Kwach who had inherited her had back gone to his family. Iii . I . Both had lost their husbands through death ii . Their children had died iii . They were both sonless iv . I Akoko philosophical Reasoning Bitterness is poison to the spirit for it breeds nothing but viper ii . NyaberaBitter You know my wife a painful wound and much as my heart fills with bitterness Religious Decides to seek solace n the new religion May Never protect you v . Dialogue Mother I have decided .. Nyabera-Thank you motherSimile but bitterness drops on the spirit like aloes .. Use of Local dialect- Were vi . Religion Nyabera decides to seek new religion . Death and suffering - You know my life is a painful woundRead the following extract and answer the questions that follow: Good. Very good. How about this marriage business-don t you think it is too soon? I mean you re only worked for a year do you really have anything to offer a wife? Things like language to be spoken at home, the religion to be practised and by the way to what faith does she belong? Place this excerpt in its immediate context 4 marks Illustrate any two themes brought out in this extract 4 marks Comment on any TWO stylistic devices used in the excerpt 6 marks Illustrate two aspects of Mark Sigu s character shown in this excerpt 4 marks Where else in the novel is Aoro in conflict with his father?


How about this marriage business-don t you think it is too soon? I mean you re only worked for a year do you really have anything to offer a wife? Things like language to be spoken at home, the religion to be practised and by the way to what faith does she belong? Place this excerpt in its immediate context 4 marks Illustrate any two themes brought out in this extract 4 marks Comment on any TWO stylistic devices used in the excerpt 6 marks Illustrate two aspects of Mark Sigu s character shown in this excerpt 4 marks Where else in the novel is Aoro in conflict with his father? 2 marks In about 40 words, explain how Aoro defends Wandia as his choice for a wife. 3 marks Possible ResponsesBeforeAoro and Wandia have gone to Aoro s homeThey meet the parents of Aoro and exchange pleasantriesAro tells his father of his plans to go back to study surgery his area of interest. AfterAoro s father is skeptical about Aoro s marriage to WandiaHe cites religion as one of the problems likely to arise if the two get marriedAoro tells his father they will sort out issues like religious differences and language to be spoken as Wandia is a rational person. ThemesReligion - Aoro s father wanted to know Aoro and Wandia s religious differences could cause them problems. Tribalism Aoro s father asked Aoro why he could not get a nice Luo girl to marry instead of Wandia who is a KikuyuDialogueMark Sigu and Aoro are conversing concerning Aoro s intention to marry Wandia. Mark Sigu: How about the marriage businessAoro : I guess not Comment dialogue makes the conversation interesting and livelyUse of dashes-She is a Kikuyu after all they have a thing about moneyComment to indicate pause or deep thoughts creates suspenseMark Sigu s characterPrejudicial stereotyping tribalistic-He regards all Kikuyus as money loversLoving -He told Aoro that he loved him and was proud of himCaring-He told his son Aoro that he was trying to forestall any possible misery which may arise in future. When Aoro and his brothers went to swim and his young twin brother almost drowned.


Tribalism Aoro s father asked Aoro why he could not get a nice Luo girl to marry instead of Wandia who is a KikuyuDialogueMark Sigu and Aoro are conversing concerning Aoro s intention to marry Wandia. Mark Sigu: How about the marriage businessAoro : I guess not Comment dialogue makes the conversation interesting and livelyUse of dashes-She is a Kikuyu after all they have a thing about moneyComment to indicate pause or deep thoughts creates suspenseMark Sigu s characterPrejudicial stereotyping tribalistic-He regards all Kikuyus as money loversLoving -He told Aoro that he loved him and was proud of himCaring-He told his son Aoro that he was trying to forestall any possible misery which may arise in future. When Aoro and his brothers went to swim and his young twin brother almost drowned. When Aoro was suspended from school for being rude to the prefects in his school. His father denied him food for 36 hours and he passed out. Aoro says he doubts that Wandia, irrespective of being a Kikuyu, is materialistic; that he has feelings for Wandia which he could not transfer to any other person; everyone, irrespective of the tribe, was the same beneath the skin. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: Brothers, we greet you and bring you many greetings from the people of seme. My nephew, Oloo, son of my late brother Sigu, came to me and said: Father, I have found a girl and I want to get married. Now I am a reasonable man and I know the ways of chik,so I asked him: Son I asked him one does not just find a girl in the air. One sends ajwanyoto go and spy a girl and find out her antecedents and character. Is she a thief or a witch? Is she lazy or shiftless? Might there be consanguinity between you and her? Who is her mother and father? I tell you my brothers that I was flabbergasted to hear that none of these things had crossed his mind. He knew that her mother s name was Maria and her grandmother s name was Akoko and that was all. You will therefore forgive us because we do not know you and you do not know us.


I tell you my brothers that I was flabbergasted to hear that none of these things had crossed his mind. He knew that her mother s name was Maria and her grandmother s name was Akoko and that was all. You will therefore forgive us because we do not know you and you do not know us. We only came because we have faith in our son who has always been a reasonable man. We therefore wish to introduce ourselves before we go on. Iam SemoRakula of Seme,our village is near that strange rock- upon-a-rock,Kit-Mikai. We are the descendants of that wear warrior, NyagudiKogambi. Oloo and these young men are my sons and nephew .Oloo is a man of learning and what is more a soldier who has fought for the white man in distant landa Now he is a clerk with a big kambi company inNakuru, where he gets a good salary. So should this suit be acceptable to all you need have no fear that your daughter will starve. I tell you these things because there are things jawang yowould havefound out for you. Thank you brothers. A pot of kong owas moved near him and he drew a long refreshing draught. Some things never change-a spokesman needs to irrigate his throat. Brothers, people of Seme. My name is OyangeSilwal The girlAwiti is the only child of my late brother Okumu. We are from Sakwa from the village of Gombe, The girl has group in Gem because her mother being a widow and having converted to Christianity decided to settle here which a good thing is because now she is like light for the rest of us. She is highly educated and a teacher of children. A Place this excerpt in its immediate context. 4marks b Identify and illustrate any three thematic concerns evident in this excerpt. 6marks c Describe the character of Awiti as brought out in this excerpt, 2marks d Apart from the case in this excerpt, explain where again there is a compromise in the brideprice later on in the novel. 2marks e In one sentence,paraphrase the statements below 2marks Brothers, people of Seme. My name is OyangeSilwal The girl Awiti is the only child of my late brotherOkumu. We are from Sakwa from the village of Gombe.


6marks c Describe the character of Awiti as brought out in this excerpt, 2marks d Apart from the case in this excerpt, explain where again there is a compromise in the brideprice later on in the novel. 2marks e In one sentence,paraphrase the statements below 2marks Brothers, people of Seme. My name is OyangeSilwal The girl Awiti is the only child of my late brotherOkumu. We are from Sakwa from the village of Gombe. F You will therefore forgive us brothers because we do not know you and you do not know us. In light of what happens in the novel, why is the speaker begging for forgiveness. 2marks g Identify and illustrate any two stylistic devices evidently used in this excerpt. 4marks h Give the meaning of the following words and phrases as used in the excerpt. 2marks Consanguinity;irrigate his throat;Possible Responsesa. Awiti Elizabeth begins a relationship with Mark Sigu; she introduces the matter to Akoko and Nyabera; Akoko invites her relations and negotiation is fixed .Mark Sigu comes also with his relations. They meet, talk and are entertained. They agree on just a token as a bride price. The talks are concluded and akoko calls Mark for a close talk, they joyously talk. Later on in the night Akoko dies. B.Love and friendship: Awiti and mark fall in love and marry; Family ties and relations: Akoko s close relatives must be invited for the negotiation so is the family of Mark Sigu. Changes; mark and Awiti want to marry yet they do not know one another s family background; religion: Awiti s mother is said to be converted to Christianity and went to live in the mission; Eduaction: Awiti is said to be an educated girl and is a teacher. C Hardworking; she studies very hard and becomes a teacherd. Wandia s mother does not demand any bride price but only asks Aoro to stay in peace with her daughter. E. Oyange Silwal tells the people of Seme that Awiti is the only child of his late brother Okumu and that they are from Sakwa from the clan of Gombef. Because it is not customary to get into marriage negotiations without full knowledge of one another s background. G.


Oyange Silwal tells the people of Seme that Awiti is the only child of his late brother Okumu and that they are from Sakwa from the clan of Gombef. Because it is not customary to get into marriage negotiations without full knowledge of one another s background. G. Rhetoric questions: Is she a thief or a witch? Is she lazy or shiftless? Might there be consanguinity between you and her? Direct address Brothers we greet you and bring you man greetings. H. Consanguinity;- close relationship To irrigate his throat to take a drink to so as to talk with ease. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:My fathers, It is a shameful thing for my wife to leave her husbands house and return to her father s house. This outrageous thing had occurred only because I was not here to prevent it. Our chief, we are saddened by this unfortunate state of affairs, but you must admit that your mother has a point or two. Long have we pleaded with you to take another wife for two. Long have we pleaded with you to take another wife for yourself and you have adamantly refused. Now she has left you, you are like a misumba, a bachelor which would not have been the case if you had another wife. We beg you take another wife for yourself. This was from Oyier, a grizzled old man who had been his mother s greatest champion in her quest for a wife for Owuor. He realized that the old geezrs were going to give him a hard time of it, so he changed his tactics. Fathers, you are the wise men of this community. That is why you sit in the council. Is it that you have forgotten the ways of chik or that your determination to get me to marry other wives has clouded your judgement? Do you not know that a man s mikai is the greatest jewel that adorns his compound? That her position in maintained and protected by taboos imposed by the ways of chik? That if I die, Were forbid, my body can only lie of her hut? And this would do so even if she herself were dead? To lose one s mikai is to lose one s right hand. The Jodongo nodded sagaciously at the wisdom uttered by the chief. It is true that the mikai is the centre post that holds up a man s hut.


And this would do so even if she herself were dead? To lose one s mikai is to lose one s right hand. The Jodongo nodded sagaciously at the wisdom uttered by the chief. It is true that the mikai is the centre post that holds up a man s hut. Without her, or if she were stupid, only Were could rescue such a man from being blown away from among the people like so much chaff. She it is who saves a young man from the follies and stupidities of youth. Indeed the people of Ramogi has a saying which declared that The medicine for stupidity in marriage . Yes, the chief had spoken wisely. But Oyier would not give up so easily a Explain what happens just before this excerpt 3mks b What is the bone of contention between Akoko and her mother-in-law, Nyar Asembo 3mks c The girl child brieflt explain the relevance of this sub-heading to the whole novel 2mks d Oyier sounds sarcastic in his speech. Identify and explain the sarcasm 2mks e From the excerpt, contrast the character of Owuor with that of his brother Otieno 4mks f Explain the meaning of It is true that Mikai is the centre post that hold up a man s hut 2mks g Identify parenthisis in the last paragraph of this excerpt 1mk h Explain the main theme that comes out in this excerpt 2mks i From your knowledge of the novel, describe the role of Jodongo in the community represented in this novel Write your answer in note farm 3mks i Local language is used in this exerpt.


Yes, the chief had spoken wisely. But Oyier would not give up so easily a Explain what happens just before this excerpt 3mks b What is the bone of contention between Akoko and her mother-in-law, Nyar Asembo 3mks c The girl child brieflt explain the relevance of this sub-heading to the whole novel 2mks d Oyier sounds sarcastic in his speech. Identify and explain the sarcasm 2mks e From the excerpt, contrast the character of Owuor with that of his brother Otieno 4mks f Explain the meaning of It is true that Mikai is the centre post that hold up a man s hut 2mks g Identify parenthisis in the last paragraph of this excerpt 1mk h Explain the main theme that comes out in this excerpt 2mks i From your knowledge of the novel, describe the role of Jodongo in the community represented in this novel Write your answer in note farm 3mks i Local language is used in this exerpt. Give two examples and explain its significances 2mks k Discuss the mood that is prevalent in this extract 1mk Possible Responses a Owuor returns his journey only to find an empty houseHe tries to inquire from neighbours and from his children what had happenedHe gets very angry locks himself up in his simba He sermons the council; jodongo to convene the following day 3mks b Nyar Asembo alleges that Akoko is unable to conceive regularly her rate of procreation is slowShe accuses Akoko of practicing witchcraft against her sonShe also acuses Akoko of standing between Owuor and his marriage to other women by casting a spell on himc The Girl child This refers to AKokoShe is the source of the family tree river that extends for many generations for her, Nyabera, Elizabeth and her great grandchildren. Akoko is the source of life.


Identify and explain the sarcasm 2mks e From the excerpt, contrast the character of Owuor with that of his brother Otieno 4mks f Explain the meaning of It is true that Mikai is the centre post that hold up a man s hut 2mks g Identify parenthisis in the last paragraph of this excerpt 1mk h Explain the main theme that comes out in this excerpt 2mks i From your knowledge of the novel, describe the role of Jodongo in the community represented in this novel Write your answer in note farm 3mks i Local language is used in this exerpt. Give two examples and explain its significances 2mks k Discuss the mood that is prevalent in this extract 1mk Possible Responses a Owuor returns his journey only to find an empty houseHe tries to inquire from neighbours and from his children what had happenedHe gets very angry locks himself up in his simba He sermons the council; jodongo to convene the following day 3mks b Nyar Asembo alleges that Akoko is unable to conceive regularly her rate of procreation is slowShe accuses Akoko of practicing witchcraft against her sonShe also acuses Akoko of standing between Owuor and his marriage to other women by casting a spell on himc The Girl child This refers to AKokoShe is the source of the family tree river that extends for many generations for her, Nyabera, Elizabeth and her great grandchildren. Akoko is the source of life. She represents women as natia, Awiti, Vera and WandiaAs a source, her family survives due to he determination wisdom, hardwork and clarity of vision as a girl-childShe plays a role of those who have been wise in their time, pioneers through whose daring actions bring progress to the whole society 2mks d Oyier says that they are saddened by the disappearance of Akoko but in the real sense he capitalizes or this opportunity to advance Owuor s mother s quest of getting him Owuor marry another wife. Oyier calls him a misumba .


Akoko is the source of life. She represents women as natia, Awiti, Vera and WandiaAs a source, her family survives due to he determination wisdom, hardwork and clarity of vision as a girl-childShe plays a role of those who have been wise in their time, pioneers through whose daring actions bring progress to the whole society 2mks d Oyier says that they are saddened by the disappearance of Akoko but in the real sense he capitalizes or this opportunity to advance Owuor s mother s quest of getting him Owuor marry another wife. Oyier calls him a misumba . This is meant to hurt and humiliate Owuor so that he can marry another wife e Look for the following pointsOwuorOtieno i wiseFoolish ii Reasoning Irrational iii Faithful Immoral iv Responsible Irresponsible v Generous greedy vi Tactical tactless 4mks NB- Contrasting words and phrases must be used. One character trait of Owuor must come from the excerpt but that of Otieno from elsewhere in the novel f It expresses the importance of the first wife Akoko0 to Owuor Kembo. Just like a central post holds up a hut, the Mikai prevents a homestead from falling apart. Akoko supports her husband and gives dignity.


One character trait of Owuor must come from the excerpt but that of Otieno from elsewhere in the novel f It expresses the importance of the first wife Akoko0 to Owuor Kembo. Just like a central post holds up a hut, the Mikai prevents a homestead from falling apart. Akoko supports her husband and gives dignity. G Without her, or if she were stupid only Were could rescue suh a man from being blown away from among the people like so much chaff 1mk h Tradition-If a man dies, his body lies in his house before burial in the right hand side of Mikai s houseThe council of Jodongo arbitrates in marriage desputesPosition of Mikai is protected by taboosLosing a mikai is like loosing one s right hand mikai refered as a jewel The society is polygamousIt was a taboo for a man and such a chief to be a misumba bachelor 2mks i Involved in marriage negotiations solved marriage disputesArbitrate in social matters judges casesAssists the chief in running the affairs of the communityAssists in the removal of a bad chief 3mks NB- Notes are shown through letters, arrows, a star, a dash, a dot and use of incomplete sentences. J : Mikai , Chik , Misumba,Has aesthetic valueGives the story its local flavor thus providing varietyAdd colour and flavor to the novelIt authenticates and pin points the setting of the novel as KenyanIt injects life in the narration thus making the story enjoyableIt provides a social and geographical setting 2mks k Solemn serious grave somber melancholic mood. My fathers..it is a shameful thing fro my wife to leave ..prevent it 1mk Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: wolololoyaye Mama yoo! Biuru une! Come and see! The strangers were taken to the chief s house and the older people saw that their faces were solemn .they couldn t be bearers of good news.


J : Mikai , Chik , Misumba,Has aesthetic valueGives the story its local flavor thus providing varietyAdd colour and flavor to the novelIt authenticates and pin points the setting of the novel as KenyanIt injects life in the narration thus making the story enjoyableIt provides a social and geographical setting 2mks k Solemn serious grave somber melancholic mood. My fathers..it is a shameful thing fro my wife to leave ..prevent it 1mk Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: wolololoyaye Mama yoo! Biuru une! Come and see! The strangers were taken to the chief s house and the older people saw that their faces were solemn .they couldn t be bearers of good news. We greet you, o chief Owour .We are people sent by sirikal, the government, with a message for you. The white garbed one who was obviously the spokesman declared. And who, may I ask, is this sirikal? I ve never heard of him. Said the chief baffled. You may have heard that the country is being ruled by white people now .They, with the help of some black people, have formed something like the council of jodongo, only much bigger, to make sure that everyone lives in peace according to the new law .This is sirikal. Is that so? A Explain what had caused the outburst at the beginning of the extra? 2marks b What is strange about the chief s question? 2marks c Comment on the use of local dialect in this excerpt. 4 marks d Describe the different moods depicted in the excerpt. 4 marks e Identify with illustrations one theme from the excerpt. 2 marks f Illustrate a character trait of the strangers and of the older men. 4 marks g In note form state what the messengers had to say to the chief in this excerpt. 5 marks h Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the excerpt: 2marks i solemn ii garbedPossible Responsesa Strange men in strange dresses .Long garb reaching his ankles and a skull cap had arrived in the village .The children, who were naked, thought this was funny.