Characters

Oracle and Acolytes

British Soldiers

Young Mnyanzi

Aziz bin Rashid

Mwarandu

Arab Clan

Mnyanzi

Nabongo Mumia

Ngonyo wa Mwavuo

Wanga Clan

Wanje wa Mwadorikola

Gor Mahia

Midzichenda clan

Rapocesh

Charles Hobley

Mepoho

ACT I
Scene 1: The Temple of Kaya
(Oracle in a deep trance chanting her mantra and stroking her familiar, a milk white
cat. Starts her song NZOONI MULOLE and acolytes sing and dance alongside her
in the darkness. She is interrupted as a host of people walk into the
temple.uninvited guests)
Oracle: Ji muon pu Roth Alkebulan, what is it that brings you to the Temple of Kaya
in the wee of the night? What is it that you seek so urgently that could not wait for
morning? That you must hide from suspecting eyes under the dark blanket of our
goddess benevolence? That you must interrupt my meditation and prayer?
Mnyanzi: Forgive us Mother of the Sun. We seek what all others before us sought,
Great Oracle. And what all others will ever seek into the dark depths of time.
Oracle: (Smiling secretly) You never learn, do you?
Mnyanzi: Have we wronged you, Morning Star! Are we tresspassers in your temple?
We have observed all the rituals of cleansing and marking. We have offered the
sacrifices. Our only sin is our eagerness and thirst for truth. Will Kaya not avail us?
Oracle: Oh but she will. She is a reasonable goddess. And tonightshe shines her
pale light even brightereven kinder.
The MOONDANCE starts. Oracle sinks back into trance. Acolytes take the familiar
away.
Oracle: Show your respects. Join me in paying her tribute. It is all she asks of you.
They all join in the Moondance, NZOONI MULOLE continues. As it comes to an end,
Oracle sinks deeper into her trance before abruptly gasping out of it
Oracle: (Trembling in awe) She is here! Do you not hear her?
At first Mnyanzi cannot hear, but as she trains her ear closer, she does hear the
DISTANT ANGELIC MUSIC. A murmur of excitement runs through the gathered.
Oracle: (Examining the host) I see the Rituals of Marking have been observed. But
have all those of cleansing and sacrifice been observed as well?
All: Yes!
Oracle: All of them?
All: (Hesitantly) Yes!

Mnyanzi: All to our knowledge Daughter of the Moon. But you above all know that
knowledge is lost, that is why we seek it. We humble here with intentions purified,
and our sacrifices have been offered with the cleanest of hearts.
Oracle: Then you may sip of her gourd of truth. Quench your thirst. The Answerer is
amidst us. Ask if you dare. Taste and see that she is good.
Exit oracle and acolytes
Mnyanzi: (BRAVELY) KAYA! GIVE ME THE VOICE OF MNYANZI WA MENZA
Wanje: GIVE ME THE VOICE OF WANJE WA MWADORIKOLA
Ngonyo: GIVE ME THE VOICE OF NGONYO WA MWAVUO
C. Hobley: GIVE ME THE VOICE OF CHARLES HOBLEY

Scene 2: Rare
A British Imperialist walks onto the stage, spotlight on him. This is CHARLES
HOBLEY, a young Brit tasked with exploration and conquering the East African
Protectorate. His eyes are set on Rare, A Kaya of the Midzichenda, ruled by a blind
chief, NGONYO WA MWAVUO. Rare is the crown jewel of all the Midzichenda
settlements, the biggest by far. The richest. The most liberal. Conquering it would
mean conquering all other Kayas.
Hobley gives aside of the village that is standing in his way. As he jots in his
omnipresent journal we hear his thoughts.
C. Hobley V.O.: The British East African coast is a humid place burning and
bursting with pomp, culture and colour. The Arabs, The Portuguese, even the
Persians seem to have left some indelible mark somewhere upon her vastness.

However, the indigenous Nine Clans, or mijikenda as they call themselves, are the
majority. Living in clandestine establishments they call Kaya, the natives are truly
shocking in their ways. Witchcraft is practiced in broad daylight, even glorified and
pagan gods are sacrificed to. Cleansing the Coast will truly be a test to and of Her
Majestys force and capability. We must start with the biggest of these so called
Kaya. We have no choice but to. Rare, a gem in itself, led by an old blind rascal of a
chief they call Ngonyo son of Mwavuo. His advisor is a wizard they call Wanje son of
Mwadorikola.
(NGONYO Walks in accompanied by WANJE WA MWADORIKOLA)
A true liberal. Wealthiest of the lot as well. His Father was a famous Ivory Trader.
Ngonyo still lives by a philosophy of acceptance that his father embodied. He allows
all cultures and religions to flourish side by side in this Rare his centre of chaos
his kingdom of madness. The masses flock to it like flies to shit. (As an
afterthought)
And for some reason, these mad men and women are always singing, dancing and
drinking palm wine. If I was to draw comparison, Rare would easily qualify for a
Sodomperhaps a Gomorrah. Exits
Enter Rare villagers, a mix of Midzichenda and Arabs celebrating with a song AI LE
LE NA NGOMA.

MNYANZI makes her entry midway through the song taking over the solo. She
commands respect from men and women alike. Her presence is easily felt and her
aura almost intimidating
Ngonyo: Mnyanzi, today you are no longer just any Giriama woman. The death of
your husband has given you his voice. You mourn as a widow, but we celebrate as a
people, even as you are appointed to lead Makushekushe, the womens council.
(Women ululate and drums bet as Ngonyo drinks from the gourd and spits upon her
in symbolic blessing)
Ngonyo: (continues) Wanje wa Mwadorikola is the most powerful of the order of the
Vaya Wizards. He is here today to administer your oath.
Wanje: The gods have spoken to me, Mnyanzi wa Menza. They have noticed you.
They have heard your voice. They wish to use it.
Mnyanzi: I am humbled, Great Son of the Moon, to kneel in your presence and in
the presence of Mulungu and all his brothers and sisters.

Wanje: Do you vow upon your life, with your voice and your tongue? Do you take
the oath of the Hyena and promise your loyalty and allegiance to all the nine Kayas
of Midzichenda.
Mnyanzi: I Mnyanzi wa Menza, Mother of Katilili, vow, with my voice and my
tongue. Let the Hyena drag me to my death if I break my oath. Let all the nine clans
bear witness, before mortal and god alike.
(Wanje drinks from the gourd and spits upon her amidst further ululation)
Ngonyo: Arise Mnyanzi wa Menza. And remember as you do so, you now belong to
the Kaya, to the Giriama and the Midzichenda before all else. Your life and service is
pledged to them Mnyanzi wa Menza. You are reborn into this life to leave your old
one behind. You must forget of your past and present, and look to your future.
Yalopita si ndwele, yagange yajayo. And from now on, when you speakSpeak
freely.as a man would! And let all who have ears listen.
AI LE LE continues as NGONYO and WANJE walk away in whispers.The villagers
follow MNYANZI off stage as well as the song fades off.

Scene 3: Demons of the Past

A confusing flashback dream scene where we watch MNYANZIs brother,
MWARANDU kidnapped by the Arab slave trading Chief, AZIZ BIN RASHID.

HAWERI ZAE is played and sang by the Spirits and shades in her dream. MNYANZI
herself is sleeping somewhere on the stage but is cleverly concealed by skins and
darkness. The lighting is somber and spirit like, eerie and unreal.
Young Mnyanzi: Mwaraaandu!! Leave him! Leave him. (Tries to grab hold of him,
but the Arab is towering above them both and is far stronger casts her aside
nonchalantly)
Mwarandu: Mnyaanzi, dont let him take me!!!! HELP ME!!! HELP MEEEEEE!
Pleaaaaaaaase! Dont let him take me away from you.
As Mwarandu is pulled away, Mnyanzi sits helpess, hardly able to breathe, lost in
shock and defeat.
MEPOHO, adorned in the blue symbolic of the gods, appears to the young
MNYANZI from nowhere and bends and whispers something in her ear.
Mepoho: (Walking away) Get up! No time for tears. Get up, come with me. I have a
lot to tell you! Get up!
Young Mnyanzi stands up and begins to follow, but looks behind as if expecting her
brother to reappear.
Mepoho: Lets go girl! Get up!
Young Mnyanzi follows her as they disappear into blinds of the dream world,
MEPOHOs voice still resonates loud and echoing, more spirit like now than mortal
Mepoho: GET UP!
Startled MNYANZI, wakes up from her dream. Lights switch back to reality.

Scene 4: Kaya Fungo

Dancing Kifudu, Mnyanzi gathers the people with Katoto Katoto

Mnyanzi: Achee!
Women: Heeee!
Mnyanzi: Achee hoya!
Women: Hoya
Mnyanzi: Alume ho!
Men: Ho!
British soldier: I cannot allow this gathering to proceed.
Mnyanzi: (intimidatingly looking down on him) Mbilikimo weee! Wataka zabwa sio?
British soldier: By order of Charles Hobley and Her Majesty the Queen of
Mnyanzi: (bending down so she is level with him) Go and tell that your Hobley and
your Queen, to take his orders, and feed them to his grandmother. (Lightning speed,
she slaps the British soldier across the face, sending him sprawling and
crawling,struggling up to his feet in shock and fear)
Cheers and laughs as the soldier run.
Mnyanzi: (Renewed vigour) Achee Hoya!!!
Women: Hoyaaa!
Mnyanzi: Alume Hoooo!
Men: Hoooooo!
Mnyanzi: Yesternight, I had a dream! (A sudden silence as they all settle to listen)
A nightmare! (Slight murmur) Demons of my past were made present, and I relieved
the anguish and torture as if it were actually happening there and then. And
Mepoho
Sudden worried murmurs interrupting her.
YesMepoho revealed herself to me. More murmurs
Mnyanzi: (Continues) And in my dream, she reminded me of her prophecy
Stronger and worried murmurs as lights go dim and MNYANZI starts chanting and
dancing. A blue light fades onto MEPOHOs hologram like image.
Mepoho:
There will come a people with white hair like sisal fibers. When these people come, you will
also see vehicles in the sky,

on the waters and on the land.

You will see young girls giving birth to babies.
They will also take snuff.
When you see these things happen,
your culture will be destroyed.
And your land shall be taken away from you. I have told you of these things. I am tired. I do
not want to see our culture destroyed.
I am going away.

Mnyanzi: Achee!
Women: Heeee!
Mnyanzi: Achee hoya
Women: Hoya
Mnyanzi: Alume ho!
Men: Ho!
Mnyanzi: But in my dream, before she left me in the dark gloom, she gathered me
close like a hen would her chicks, and she whispered in my ear. Fear is the advent
of defeat. For through fear they conquer your minds! And once your minds are
conquered, then the cause is lostuselesscast into oblivion. HOKAMBE!
All: HOMZE
Mnyanzi: If nothing else, Wagiriama, if nothing else, Midzichenda
(Giving each word weight)
We are not to fear them!
(Cheers erupt!)
KATOTO KATOTO continues.

Scene 5: Of treacherous kisses and a Maxim Gun

Soldiers drag Ngonyo into Hobleys office. Hobley as always is writing in his diary
and doesnt even heed attention to the bustling.

C. Hobley: (After dramatic silence) So Ngonyo. I hear you have stories to tell me.
Ngonyo acts dumbfounded.
C. Hobley: Concerning a mad dancing witch that has been slapping British soldiers
in the Queens service?
Ngonyo: Hobley-we, Mnyanzi is no ordinary woman. But she is no witch I assure
you. An oracle perhaps. A seer. She has to be
C. Hobley: (Interrupting uninterestedly )Who is this Mwinyanzi?
Ngonyo: Mnyanzi She She made Mepoho appear. At Kaya Fungo...
C. Hobley: Kaya Fungo?
Ngonyo: The sacredest of all Midzichenda Shrines. Mepoho was there
C. Hobley: Who is this Mepoho you speak of?
Ngonyo: Mepoho is a prophetess Hobley-we! Do you and your Queen not know
her? Doesnt your prophet god not know her?
C. Hobley: (Finally shutting his diary and putting it aside) Indulge me blind man
Ngonyo: 3 hundreds of years ago, some Giriama women were by the river fetching
water. They found a child there in blue. (Expectant silence)
Blank expression from Hobley
Ngonyo: (Exasperated) Blue is the colour of Mulungu Hobley-we!
C. Hobley: Continue.
Ngonyo: This young girl grew to be a powerful diviner. She would speak to Mulungu
through her voice and her dance, and Mulungu would speak to herthrough her.
And not just to Mulungu Hobley. But to Kaya as well, the goddess from whom she
drew her musical power. One day, she gathered all the nine clans of the
MidziChenda at Kaya Fungo. There, she spoke what was to be her last prophecy and
as soon as she finished the earth opened up and swallowed her whole.
C. Hobley: (Sardonic amusement) You are truly all mad, arent you? You and your
whole lot. You really expect me to believe that?
Ngonyo: I expect you to believe nothing Hobley. But whether you believe or not,
the sun must set, and the moon must rise.
C. Hobley: (Trailing off) Yes Yes, indeed, one might say
Lifts finger to signal to soldiers who approach

C. Hobley: (Whispered just loud enough for NGONYO to hear) Bring the Arabs.
(Continues) Walk with me Ngonyo, I have something to show you. Let me introduce
you to my friend. We call him The maxim gun (Beat). Now, do you think your
Mepoho, can fight this? Wait. Dont answer me yet. (Gives kill signal. The arabs are
shot down, demonstrating the power of the guns, above screams and pleads from
Ngonyo)
C. Hobley: I really dont care much of your diviners and witches blind man. I will lay
waste to your lands and clean whatever is left of it. If you do not give me that mad
witch Mekanyanzi or whatever you folk call her, I will wipe Rare and Kaya Fungo off
the face of history and the earth like wiping shit off my ass. Remove them!
Soldiers drag bodies away
Ngonyo: You are a monster
C. Hobley: Some have called me that
Ngonyo: Have you no heart man?
No response
Ngonyo: It is decided then. It has come to this point. Nyongo wa Mwavuo what did
you get yourself into?
C. Hobley: So what will it be Ngonyo? Will you save your precious gem Rare, that
you and your forefathers lay the foundation to, or will you give me this woman you
call Mnyanzi?
No response. Blank expression
NGONYO Walking away, Hobleys eyes tracing his moves. A soldier makes to move
to arrest Ngonyo but Hobley silently stops him.
Ngonyo: Meet me in village square. She will be there. I will give her to you.
C. Hobley: And how will I know her? You folk all look the same to me.
Ngonyo: You will know.
C. Hobley: I also want the Wizard. Wanjo is his name?
Ngonyo: Wanje wa Mwadorikola.
C. Hobley: Yes. That is him. That will be all. Your cooperation will not go unnoticed
son of Mwavuo.

Village square. Villagers are gathered once again by MNYANZI singing and dancing
Kifudu, the Death Dance, and gathering them in a circle.
UNALOMBA MADZO NA GADZE is Sung
NGONYO walks midway through the song, walks up to MNYANZI as she dances,
lost in rhythm, interrupting her dance. She respectfully goes on her knees, and he
gives her his hand to kiss. As soon as she does this, British soldiers walk in and
arrest her.
Mnyanzi: Ngonyo! Ngonyo wa Mwavuo. What is the meaning of this?
Ngonyo turns his back to her and starts to walks away.
Mnyanzi: Look at me you traitor. Look at me and tell me how much gold and silver
you traded me for! Or was it neither? Was it something of less value?
C. Hobley: Mnyanzi wa Menza. I am required by Law to read you your sentence.
Mnyanzi: Noooooooooooooooooooooo!
C. Hobley: Now you can scream all you want, Her Majestys seal is already on this
document. And this document says that you are henceforth sentenced to 5 years
detention in Mumias Kingdom.
Mnyanzi: Noooooooooooooo!
C. Hobley: Remove her.
Mnyanzi: I beg please. Hobley please. Let me go with my son. He is too young to
be left motherless. I beg you. Please.
C. Hobley: (Walks up close to her, uncomfortable distance, puts pipe in his mouth,
journal in his hand, studying her, then almost in whisper) No!
MNYANZI breaks into hysterical screaming, fighting to break free.
C.Hobley: Remove them!
As soldiers shuffle out it is revealed that Wanje is also arrested.

Enter Oracle with her familiar cradled in her hands.

Oracle: The deportation of Mnyanzi and Wanje was a quick affair. Mumia, Nabongo
of the Wanga having already made previous alliances with Charles Hobley, more

than welcomed the two exiles into his kingdom. His courtesy was free. He only had
one warning for them.
Enter Nabongo Mumia and Wanga villagers.
Nabongo: Beware the Luo Wizard, Gor Mahia. He comes in different shapes and
colours, now as a dog, then as an old woman. The shadows are his kingdom and in
them he morphs as he pleases. A trickster he is, who dwells and feeds on fear and
ignorance.
Now my daughter, I hear she sings and dances very well. Will she not sing and
dance with us? The gods have been kind to her and to I so far. Sing with us. She
must forget about what is and what has been. She must now think of what will be.
Mnyanzi: I will not sing because you ask me to my King, not even to thank your
gods and mine who seem to have turned their favour against me, but because I
have heard your music, I have seen your dance, I have witnessed your ways, and I
have realized, we are but one people My King. It is for this reason that I will sing.
KWEHU NI BARANI vs OGUMBE is now sang in celebration, and for its duration
MNYANZI forgets her woes and is lost in the music.

Scene 6: A Shapeshifters Council

Enter GOR MAHIA as WANJE finding Mnyanzi softly singing to herself

Gor: Mkatisili, your mind is far. Bring it back here.
Mnyanzi: What did you call me.
Gor: Mkatisili? Why do you ask?
Mnyanzi: It has been long since someone used that name Wanjerola.
(Pauses and secretly watches him for a reaction)
Mnyanzi: I dreamt of my daughter. She was to be married soon, Wanjerola (still
watches him for reaction).
Gor: (Falls for trick) No need for worry Mkatisili. What is to be shall be. And I am
sure your daughter has blossomed into a fine young lady, just like her mother.
Mnyanzi: How dare you! (Slaps Gor Mahia catching him offguard)
Gor: I am sorry Mkati
Slaps him again
Gor: I mean no offence woman!!!!!
Mnyanzi: You offended me the moment you took me for a fool Gor Mahia. Did
you think that I would not be told of you? I have been forewarned of your tricks, you
nightrunner.
Gor: (Laughs slightly) By all means, I am no nightrunner. I know a number, some
even work in my service when they arentummmtoo busy. (Giggles slightly) The
Wanga king is a senile man wracked with paranaoia. Take everything he says with a
pinch of salt.
(Makes to wipe his face to reveal his dark skin underneath as)
Now about this daughter of yours
Reaches out to slap but he grabs her hand and twists it.
Gor: Ah! Ah! Ah! Shame on me if you fool me once. Shame on me a dozen times
more if you fool me again.
Does a quick stance on her, hitting her pressure points on her head and either
shoulder. She sits in an uncomfortable paralysis.
Mnyanzi: Mchawi weee! Umenifanyia nini? What have you done to me, you witch!
Gor: It will wear off soon enough. Now sit still and listen to me Min Katilili.

Mnyanzi: My son. You know his name! How

Gor: (His voice thunders even grander and as he speaks his name WUOD OGADA
is played. Lights dim as he draws into the full power of his shadow magic. Blending
into his very surroundings and morphing through his conjured shades)
Mnyanzi wa Menza. I am wuod Ogada. Nyakwar Ogalo. Dhoklufunda Nginjo. I
Okumu Gor Mahia. Grand Master in Shadow Magic. I have tasted. I have seen the
goodness. Do not take me lightly.
Mnyanzi: Do what you must, coward of a wizard!!! Release me from these binds
and fight me like a man!
Gor: I have no intentions in fighting you Min Katilili. I pick my battles wisely. Nor are
my intentions towards you of ill nature. Min Katilili.
Mnyanzi: Dont say his name! You have no right
Gor: Spirits dwell in the shadows Min Katilili. It is not my fault if I hear their
whispers. When I am lucky, we even converse.
Mnyanzi: If you intend to fill my mind with riddles Gor Mahia, please spare me the
agony.
Pause
Gor: This is what you must do, Mnyanzi. I have seen it in my sleep. You must go
back home
Mnyanzi: (Laughing) You are a mad man you know! Even if we were to be able to
cross this vast wilderness
Gor: A wilderness it is indeed, and you do not even know its horrors lying hidden in
it yet. But still, you must find a way to go home, and you must delay those silk
haired
Mnyanzi: You know of them? But how?
Gor: Even before they arrived, my Grandfather, Ogalo, had spoken of them
Mnyanzi: As did Mepoho.
Gor: The daughter of the earth.
Mnyanzi: You know Mepoho!
Gor: We are kindred, and our kind tend to stick close to each other.
Mnyanzi: So let us say that I do go home. That I do arrive in one piece. Then what?

Gor: You must fight them, and delay them for as long as you possibly can.
Mnyanzi: Are you asking me to fight a losing battle?
Gor: I do not ask anything of you Mnyanzi
(MNYANZI whispers as GOR MAHIA continues speaking: You knew my name all
along)
Gor: (A hint of an of course nod) Fate is the cruelest of gods. To her, it is but a
game. A roll of the stone and your world comes crashing down around you. Pray
that you fall on her blind side. For when she turns her eyes to you
Mnyanzi: Gor Mahia I will not fight! I will not sacrifice my people for a losing cause
in the name of appeasing Fate and your gods. Have you seen their weapons? A
demon of a man called Hobley walks around with it like a pet. If you steal a glance,
you might happen upon him speaking to it.
Gor: But Mnyanzi, If you do not fight themwho will? You need to delay their
advance inland. We need to make preparations. You have seen their power. We need
to be ready.
Silence
Gor : If you do not delay them, the cause is lost already and we might as well lie
and wait for death. Of our cultures. Of our families and friends. Of our world as we
know it. Go back home, Mnyanzi. You do not belong here. You
Mnyanzi: And who are you to tell me where I belong?
Gor: Your eyes betray you. For in them, the truth burns bright as day. Go back home
Mnyanzi. Go and finish what you started. Go and finish your chapter.
Mnyanzi: For your sake, and all our sakes, I hope you are right Gor Mahia. But know
this, no amount of preparations will get youusready for these demons! Only the
gods can help us.
Gor: Then we all need to pray even harder.

Exit GOR MAHIA as the real WANJE walks in startling MNYANZI.

Wanje: Mnyanzi the Nabongo summonsMnyanzi? Are you? You are as pale as
death? Mnyanzi?

Mnyanzi: (Startled) We must go.

Wanje: Yes yes the King summons
Mnyanzi: No we must go back.
Wanje: Back where? (Silence as realization dawns) Mnyanzi even if it were
possible
Mnyanzi: I leave now. Your choice is yours to haunt you. I am going back home
Wanje: You know I would follow you to the pits of death. I took the Hyena oath in
your name a third time, and I would do so again. All in all, dont you think it would
be courteous to bid our gracious hosts farewell? They have been kind to us, when
they had no reason at all.
Mnyanzi: (Silence) Very well.

Scene 7: A Kings Farewell

Mnyanzi: My King, we came here as visitors, strangers, and you accepted us as
your own. We have never wanted for anything. But a single thing My King, I must
admit. If I may humbly ask for it?
Nabongo: Let her ask me of whatever she wants and it shall be hers.
Mnyanzi: My King, I can only ask for one thing. My freedom. Allow me to go back
Nabongo: She is asking for what? How dare she? Ungrateful little Bring her to
me!!! Now!
MNYANZI steps forward meekly towards the King as he looks at her from head to
toe.
Nabongo: Alas! we all knew this day had to eventually come. Sooner than I
thought, but it is here. What are we to do?... Sit and cry?....Hmmph! History will
judge us all by the decisions we make tonight. Our choices will be our advocates
and our actions our witnesses. (Lost in thought briefly) Let her come here, here now
my daughter.
Mnyanzi walks to him head low in respect.
Nabongo: Let her kiss my talisman. (She kisses his bracelet)
And may its light guide her in times of despair and darkness, and may its power
deliver her safe and sound. Now can she go, already. Long is her journey, and dark
are the forces that she is yet to encounter. We have seen it.

(To WANJE)
My kindred, he must keep his mind sharp. He must protect our daughter. She must
finish her chapters. She must write her book.
MNYANZI slightly shocked at the parallel drawn, but does her best to hide it.
Wanje: Great king, your hospitality shall not be forgotten. We shall sing songs to
your name and dance to your health. Keep us in your thoughts. Keep us in your
prayers.
Nabongo: It is already done, Our Kindred. Avana va Wanga! Today should be a
joyful day, yet it is filled with such sadness and melancholy! Surely will you not give
us light and life? Will you not give us laughter and dance? Will you not give us
music? (Ululations)
AVANA VA WANGA is sung.
Nabongo: Goodbye Mnyanzi. Goodbye Wanje. And may the ancestors and gods
favour your fortunes.

ACT II
Scene 8: Mdzimu
Wanje: Stay close by Mnyanzi. There is a darkness abound. Stay in my light.
Mumbles a spell that makes the light dim after he taps his staff on the ground. A
faint glow envelopes him and MNYANZI.
Mnyanzi: Mdzimu
Wanje: Yes! The foul kind!
Mumbles another spell lifting staff and knocking the ground even harder.
Reveal yourself spirit. I can feel you. I can hear you. I can smell youI can taste
you! Now, let me see you.
Rapocesh: Laughs eerily.
Wanje: (Authoritative) I speak with the voice of the Vaya. What is your name?
Rapocesh: You hold no power here, Wanje wa Mwadorikola!
Mnyanzi: He knows your name?
Rapocesh: And yours too, Mnyanzi. And your fathers and his father and his father!

Wanje: Silence woman! This foe is beyond you! And every word you say he will use
against you like a weapon. If you let him, he will steal your very soul!
Rapocesh: (Clapping sarcastically) Impressive wizard. Impressive. (Teasingly) But
you still dont know my name. And your mind has peaked my interest. You wouldnt
mind if I stepped into it for a bit would you.
Possesses Wanje
Wanje: (MNYANZI makes to help him. Labouring) Stay away woman!
I know your kind. I have fought your DARK brothers and sisters of SHADOW,
Rapocesh: Shadow?
Wanje: and defeated them, in my past lives and in my present!
Rapocesh: Yet you find yourself in this predicament Witch.
Wanje: The light of The Vaya will never fade! You cannot win! You will be scattered
into oblivion just like your
Rapocesh: Your order weakens even as we speak Wanje! The impurities of your
greed and pride dull your light with each passing day. You may have learnt tricks of
the Spirit world, but your greatest affliction will always remain your cursed heritage.
Your mortality rots everything it touches. And soon, the Vaya will be but a dim and
forgotten race of dust and bones. Behold, your DESTINY!
Wanje: That day will not be today! And that destiny will not be mine!!!! The curses
of your tongue will not hold here, foul spirit! I speak with the tongue of the Vaya!
BEGONE BACK INTO THE DARKNESS FROM WHENCE YOU CAME! BEGONE INTO THE
CHASM OF CHAOS IN WHICH YOU WERE BIRTHED! Stomping staff, light floods
suddenly before total darkness engulfing, only leaving the markings on the staff to
glow in the dark self exorcises himself
Rapocesh: (Laughing echoes as he fades away) You asked for my name, Witch!
Rapocesh! That is what your kindred call me. It will serve you well to remember it!

Mnyanzi: Wanje?
Wanje is mumbling spells eyes tightly shut.
Mepoho: He is lost to time and space. He can neither see nor hear me, or you for
that matter.
Mnyanzi: (Startled) What is it that you want from me?

Mepoho: It is not what I want. It what the gods have already decided. Most of the
times, the gods ignore us. Mere mortals, part of a powerplay that has been ongoing
since the dawn of time. Most of the time, the gods ignore us. But once in a while,
they notice us. A few of us. The unlucky ones. They have noticed you Mnyanzi. Like
they did me, and many others before you, and many others who will come.
Mnyanzi: What am I supposed to do with this knowledge Mepoho. Wait! Dont
leave! Each time you appear, disaster crawls in your wake.
Mepoho: And this time will be no different. (Stops but doesnt look back. Gestures
at Wanje, with a shift of her head, still not looking back) And keep him close. As a
matter of life and death.

Mnyanzi: Wanje wake up. Wanje it has left

Wanje: (Blank stare followed by quick realization) Mnyanzi! The British. The
shadow wizard!! Nabongo Shadows in the darkKatilili is cold on the floorThe
VayaRapocesh (panic) Where?
Mnyanzi: Wanje you defeated the mdizmu.
Wanje: (Startled) Where am I?
Mnyanzi: Wanje. He is gone. You defeated him
Wanje: (Looks around) It takes more than simple spells to defeat a mdzimu of that
level. Let us leave this place Mnyanzi. It is ridden with dark forces. It drains my light
even as we speak.
Mnyanzi: Wanje
Wanje: (Impatiently) Yes woman!!!
Mnyanzi: Wanje you spoke my sons name, as you left your trance. You said his
name. You
Wanje: (Interrupting) You must have misheard me. Now we really must
Mnyanzi: Are you hiding anything from me Wanje? Is there anything I should know?
Gor Mahia
Wanje: Leave that mad shapeshifting trickster alone! If you keep on doing things
on his account Mnyanzi you will find yourself in a very
Mnyanzi: Wanje I dream of my son. Dark dreams.

Silence

Wanje: And that is why we must return home Mnyanzi. Let us make haste. What
shall be shall be, whether we crawl or whether we fly. The wheel of destiny turns of
its own accord. And the snake must swallow its own tail.
Mnyanzi: Your kindred like riddles. Especially when faced with a truth they cant
deal with. A truth they fear. A taster always resorts to riddles.
Wanje: I beg to differ, Mekatilili. The thing about riddles, is that they have no fixed
answer to them Now we really must go.

Scene 9: Mekatilili wa Menza

Ngonyo: So it is true then. The rumours. The gossip. Where there is smoke, there
has to be fire. The lone shadows court the horizon, and as the sun rises higher, their
feet draw closer to home. The nine clans will never fall. Hokambe!
All: Homze
Ngonyo: Hokambe
All: Homze
Ngonyo: WaGiriama! WaDigo! WaDuruma! WaRibe! WaKambe! WaJibana! WaRabai!
WaChonyi! WaKauma! MidziChenda! HOKAMBE!
All: HOMZE
Ngonyo: Behold the power of Mulungu. Behold the power of the Hyena! Sing! Shout
in delirium. Mnyanzi wa Menza and Wanje wa Mwadorikola are returned!!!
HOKAMBEEEEEEEE!
All: HOMZEEEEE!!!!
FILIMBI ZINAPIGWA NZEE Starts as NGONYOs solo developing into a trio!
Villagers excited by the return of the two. Some pinch them to make sure indeed
that they are real.
Ngonyo: Our daughter is returned. (Ululations and cheers)
Mnyanzi: Achee!

Women: Heeee!
Mnyanzi: Achee hoya!
Women: Hoya
Mnyanzi: Alume ho!
Men: Ho!
Mnyanzi: I am humbled my people! That you should welcome me like a queen,
when I am but a lowly servant. The silk haired ones may think that they have
already won this battle, and the war has hardly started my people. To them, I say let
them come!
Cheers and ululations.
Mnyanzi: Forgive me now! I must take leave of you all. I must see my son. I long to
hold him in my hands. I long to give him the warmth of a mother. I have wronged
him. I must beg his forgiveness.
Hums start for LALA MWANA.
Mnyanzi: Dark have been my dreams.
When I call his name, he does not answer.
When I close my eyes, his face is lost to me. Is he angry at me, I ask myself? (Voice
breaks slightly)
Where is my son? That I may give him my apologies for failing him when he needed
me most?
WaGiriama, will you be so cruel? Will you not give me my son? Where is my son?
Where is my(breaks down heaving down a knot of emotion, trying her best to
keep her composure)son?
Villager: Come Mnyanzi. I will take you to him.
Mnyanzi: (Speaking to the grave, loses her feet, sinks to the ground and crawls to
him) Babangu, mbona kimya? My heartbeat, speak to me.
Sobbing as she loses composure. Weeping bitterly, she pours the libations from a
gourd as she squeals apologies to her son.
Forgive me Katilili. That such a curse should be my destiny, that I should bury my
own child, my one and only son, the only thing that was mine in this world, that I
should be left alone, that my source of light is to be snuffed so brutally, it was
decided for me. Forgive me, my little man. Nisamehe jamani mwanangu.

A villager comes to comfort her but is stopped by WANJE.

Wanje: Mwache alie. Let her mourn her son as only a mother can. Let her pay him
respect!
LALA MWANA starts, Mnyanzi sings her Lullaby dirge. As it comes to an end, though
still sobbing, she comes out with a new fire and vigour burning in her eyes.
Mnyanzi: They told me that I danced Kifudu, the Dance of Death, and mocked
Mulungu with it. They say he embraced me and gifted me with the very death and
solitude that I danced for. MULUNGU!!!!! MULUNGU you must forgive me today!!!!
For today I will dance! I must dance for my light, my sun and moon, my stars, my
earth, my air, my water, my life my son. KAYA!!!! OF THE THREE EYES! OF THE
NINE TONGUES! KAYA! YOUR BROTHER HAS WRONGED ME! KAYA give me the voice
of MEPOHO!
KULE BAHARINI is sung.

Mnyanzi: Mnyanzi wa Menza is dead MidziChenda! I shall honour my son for the
remainder of my pitiful life. It is the least I can do. Mnyanzi is dead. And from her
grave, behold arises Mekatilili, mother of Katilili. That it may be a brand on my
conscience to remind me of my sin to the end of my days.
Breaks down again this time WANJE comes to comfort her as she mourns, as he
chases the villagers away. After a few moments, NGONYO approaches them.
Ngonyo: May I speak with her?
WANJE hesitant, looks at MNYANZI who gives ok signal.
Ngonyo: You must go to Bamba. You must rally the arab rebels to stand with us, or
we stand no chance. But you must leave now!
Wanje: Ngonyo will you not let herrest jamani?
Mnyanzi: (Ignoring Wanje) The arabs are not our friends. They have never been
Ngonyo: But they are enemies of the silk haired ones! And they have weapons that
we dont.
Mnyanzi: And how do I know that this isnt just some other trick Ngonyo? Like last
time.
Wanje: Then again, factors considering
Ngonyo: (Ignoring Wanje) You dont. You just have to trust me Mnya-.

Mnyanzi: MNYANZI IS DEAD!!! How dare you mock me!!!! (Tense silence before she
speaks in a calm deadly tone)Trust isnt the first word that comes to my mind when I
think of you, son of Mwavuo.
Ngonyo: Mwanamke we!!! What has happened has happened and had to happen.
We are faced with tough realities here Mn- Mekatilili. Each passing moment the
British draw closer. Their ears are sharp, and their eyes pierce through night and
shadow. They already knew of your return, and you can rest assured that they will
act soon. You cannot stay in Rare! You must go to Bamba M- Mekatilili. You must
convince Aziz to join our cause.
Mnyanzi: (Reluctantly leaving) You chase me from my home again, and from my
son. I cannot tell the difference son of Mwavuo. Between you my flesh and blood,
and the blue-eyed silk haired ones I will do your bidding. My oath requires me to.
But know this. The arabs are not my friends. They will never be. And I am not sure
whether you are either.
Ngonyo: Mulungu go with you. Times are dark, when an enemy must dine with
another, and forget of their past misdeeds. Times are truly dark when they must
heap their trusts in each other.

Scene 10: Safari ya Bamba

Arabic instrumentals going on in the background playing SAFARI YA BAMBA as his
AZIZ BIN RASHIDs wives entertain him.
Aziz: Wasalaam Waleykum Wanje my blood brother.
Mnyanzi: And peace be with you, Azin ibn Rashid.
Aziz: (Shocked into silence at first) And who is this woman who dares insult me in
my own home, Wanje? Who spoke to you dirty wench? I should teach you
Mnyanzi: And I would more than welcome you to try.
Wanje: Azizi ibn Rashid our true apologies. This here in your presence, is none
other than Mekatilili Wa Menza.

Aziz: (Pause) I have, but by a different name. Mnyanzi wa

Mnyanzi: MNYANZI IS DEAD!!!! I AM MEKATILILI WA MENZA!!! SERVANT OF THE
LIGHT! BEARER OF TRUTH! COMFORTER OF THE AFFLICTED! MOTHER OF(Wanje:
(imploring) Mnyanzi, keep your voice down)
Aziz: You may be Bearer of the Sun and Mother of the Moon for all I care. But if you
are in the courtesy of the house of Rashid, Woman, you will keep your voice down.
This chambers have their own rules. You must abide by themor leave!!!!
Sizing each other up.
AZIZ finally breaks glance. Gives signal and women come with a buibui to dress her
up.
Mnyanzi: What is the meaning of this?
Aziz: You will respect the sanctity of these chambers, or you will be thrown out with
the dogsand the bitches.
Mnyanzi: Wanje will you let him talk to me like that? (Starting to walk towards
AZIZ, WANJE grabs her and restrains her)
Wanje: Mekatilili, our cause is greater than all this. If we cannot see eye to eye past
greetings and basic formalities then we might as well hand ourselves to the silk
haired ones. Aziz ibn Rashid, I beg your courtesies further my old friend. My
companion may seem unreasonable, but her reality has shifted drastically in the
past few days. She is in deep grieving as we speak, and her mind sometimes forgets
the ways of the true world. Exile is hard. I can tell you that for sure. Forgive her.
Bear with us. A parent should never have to bury their child. Worse yet, a mother
should never have to bury her son.
MNYANZI calms down, a flutter of a suppressed and painful memory crosses her
face.
Aziz: Mpe Mtandio.
MNYANZI accepts the headscarf and adorns it reluctantly while the hosts watch.
Aziz: I will not waste your time, for it will be a waste of mine.
Sizes MNYANZI upagain.
Aziz: How many warriors do you need?
Mnyanzi: Ten thousands.
Aziz: (Sniggers) Hobley is right in calling you a mad witch, you know. I will gather
you two thousands. You must then call the MidziChenda to arms, especially the men

of your Tribe, the Giriama. This is their war. Your war. Not ours. We just happen to
share common advantage if you win it.
Wanje: Thank you Azizi. Thank you. And may Allah shower you with blessings, and
your children and their childrens children.
Aziz: Now leave. I would have invited you to a dinner feast, Wanje, but I dont eat
with people I fear may poison me.
As he Exits with his subjects in his wake, his voice fades into war preparations.
Aziz: Send a horsed messenger to Gabina and to Ogaden. Tell them we will need
Wanje: You are a mad woman! Next time, think of what your tongue says. Then
think of how safe your neck and head will be after you say them. Then if you really
must, then and only then may you speak. (Walking away Mekatilili guiltily following)
Mad woman!!! Mulungu what is this burden you have given me?

Scene 11: The Giriama Uprising

Mnyanzi: Let us pay homage before this war. That Mulungu may favour us. And
that Kaya may deliver her brothers children. That our strike may be swift and
accurate. That their blood will bathe our soils. HOKAMBE!
All: HOMZE!
PRAYER and DZURUNGI sang by MNYANZI
The British arrive and a silence envelopes the two sides.

Mnyanzi: If you will not fight for yourself, or for your culture, or for your religion
even, fight for your women. Fight for your children. (Pause). Fight for your land!
Hokambe!
All: HOMZE
Mnyanzi: Hokambeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
All: Homzeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
THE DANCE OF WAR, HAWERI ZAE starts. Lights flicker, yells and gunshots,
clangs of swords. At first it seems like it is a level fight, before the maxim gun starts
shooting. Then the Africans and Arabs start running and dying. The War has hardly
started before it ends. Soldiers find Mnyanzi trying to help wounded, arrest her and
carry her offstage.
The war fades into darkness

Scene 12: A matter of Life and Death

Soldiers walk in with a struggling Mnyanzi. Her hands are tied but she is still a
handful. Charles Hobley watches her in a disgusted awe, as he constantly writes in
his journal. He gives the command for her to be tied at the stake. He then dismisses
the soldiers, remaining alone with Mnyanzi.

C. Hobley: Mnyanzi wa Menza. You remind of someone. Of a woman. Much like

yourself, of course. Joan dArc they called her. Ill tell you her story.
(Squatting so he is level to her face) She claimed that God spoke to her. Led her
people into rebellion.
(Pause)

You know what they did to her?

Silence
You probably dont. Ill tell you
They burned heraliveat the stake. Like the witch that she was.
Silence
(Standing up) You will burn Mnyanzi. Just like Joan dArc. Maybe then you will find
your voice. I hear you like singing and dancing. (Trains off into devious thought).
Youll have your chance soon enough. You will sing one last duet at the pyre. Pity
your mad wizard friend wont be joining you.
Walks off.
Wanje: (Whispering) Mnyanzi!
Mnyanzi: Who dares
Wanje: Mnyanzi its me.
Mnyanzi: Wanje? What are you doing here? If they catch you
Wanje: Yes yes! I have come to save you! And dont worry, they wont catch us. If
we hurry!
Mnyanzi: You soothe my soul Wanje. There is no saving me. My wheel slows down
and will soon stop turning. Let me go to my son, Wanje. Every day in this world is a
constant heartbreak for me. Let me go hold my son again.
Wanje: You will, eventually. Not today. And not like this. You have a chapter to
finishmaybe ten who knows. (Starts untying bonds)
Mnyanzi: Wanje what are you doing? If they catch you they will burn you as well.
Wanje: They will not catch me. Nor will they burn you. But you must promise me
one thing. As soon as these bonds come looseWe must run! Like the wind!

Mnyanzi: NEVER! I am no coward

Wanje: SSSSHHHHHH! You may not be a coward but I am! And it might do you well
to be a slight one right now as well. A coward can live to fight another day! They
think they have won the battle, the silk haired ones, but the war has hardly started!
Silence
Wanje: If you will not do it for yourself, do it for me. Do it for your people Mnyanzi!
Mnyanzi: How dare you
Wanje: Do it for your son Mekatilili! If you were to die by fire, he would ask you
the same question in your afterlife. And he would hold me responsible. I will not let
both your spirits haunt me! I took an oath in your name Mnyanzi. I am not about to
break it. Not even for you.
Silence
KATOTO KATOTO starts playing
Mnyanzi: But we shall return
Wanje: Yes, of course. More importantly, we shall live! We shall live to fight another
day. A wise woman once told me We are not to fear them!
Mnyanzi: NEVER!
Mnyanzi: (As she calls each tribe they file into formation) WaGiriama, WaDigo,
WaRabai, WaRibe, WaKambe, WaChonyi, WaJibana, WaDuruma, WaKauma.
HOKAMBE!
All: HOMZE
Wanje: MIDZICHENDA! Behold the Power of Mulungu! Behold Kaya! Behold
Mepoho! HOKAMBE!
All: HOMZE!

Oracle: HOKAMBE!
All: HOMZE!
Mepoho: HOKAMBE!
All: HOMZE!

Mepoho, Mnyanzi and Oracle: If nothing else, Wagiriama, if nothing else,

Midzichenda
(Giving each word weight)
WE. ARE. NOT. TO. FEAR. THEM!
Cheers!
KATOTO KATOTO