A few seconds earlier.
"Are you done?"
Oginga nods. This time, let us open our hearts to compromise and hands only to negotiations.
"I apologize."
This catches him off guard. Mzee has mellowed out! His eyes open wide, again.
It is demanding a bit of willpower to push through this change in character – not impossible courtesy of my mysterious powers, but something the old man would never attempt of his own accord.
"This meeting has been nothing but insightful. I now realize, I may have unwittingly been leading the country towards a grim path."
Oginga listens, incredulous.
"We both have fought for this country. It is only fair to join hands in its future leadership."
"That is right."
"And so, I will need you to recognize that some of your proposals are a bit radical. If hastily implemented, our Kenya might fall into instability so soon after independence."
The man holds his breath, and tongue.
"To begin with, on the issue of land, things have changed! Unlike before, not all land belongs to indigenous people. Our new country also bears responsibility for several marginalized communities who desire identification and representation. Those include white settlers."
"You-you don't wish to be rid of the white man?!"
"No! In fact, we need their help. I intend to form the most inclusive, diverse government on the continent."
"That is not Pan-Africanism…"
"It is the future, and a way we can get ahead. The reality is we are a divided people; a fact only made worse by regressive colonial policies. This was especially apparent in our fight for independence."
"I recall recently rallying the entire country towards your release…"
"And I appreciate your support during that trying time. It is why you are here now. I will need more of that going onwards."
We really do.
The man only inhales, deeply.
"So, what actually is your solution to the land problem?"
"Equal and fair land redistribution, with priority first given to freedom fighters. Then would be displaced communities confined in reserves. Finally, we can open the way to formally, educated citizens able to buy land and manage those farms."