WHEN THE MADNESS OF AN ENTIRE NATION DISTURBS A SOLITARY MIND, IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO SAY THAT THE MAN IS MAD. DISCUSS THIS IN LINE WITH IMBUGA’S BETRAYAL IN THE CITY
These words were said by JERE towards the end of Act Two in reference to incoherent jibber jabber of MOSESE in his sleep. JERE had watched the intellect MOSESE process his great expectations for Kafira only to see him, in utter amazement, utter words that did not make sense in his sleep.
MOSESE in his dream portends another character away from the real character when active. He espouses a fearful man who is ready to lick BOSS’ shoes to get a lucrative government job like his friend NICODEMO. He relishes the luxury of betrayal and instant fame.
We cannot refute the claim that, however, committed an individual is in fighting for the common good, there is always that small voice that tells him/her to relent and accept instant fame in the name of bootlicking. MOSESE’s other side, brought in the dream showcases this other side.
In his dream, he accepts honour and applause from the crowd. Of course, there will be people present to cheer one in the act of betrayal. Some will be genuine but the others will be interested in seeing your demeanour.
In many occasions, the oppressed take on spectator stage as the brave ones duel with those in authority. Where are the people of Kafira when MOSESE is jailed? Where are they when DOGA and NINA are beheaded? There take sideline stands while a few walks the talk and rebuke BOSS’ authoritarian leadership.
They bestow there need for liberty to the minority. They watch in fear, condemn in their houses while brutality is dispensed as an immunization drug. They watch heads bowed as people like JERE are jailed.
It is sad to observe that instead of the majority waking up against authority, few people do and they are tried with their conscience as they come to terms with the reality of the situation-that a mad society does not carry its madness, it leaves its madness strewn around only to be picked up by few.
JERE’s words echo the tribulations civil rights groups face in trying to take on a responsibility that need to be shared by all and sundry. It proclaims the voice of those who fight in the face of an ignorant society. He cautions the society to take on its role in fighting inhumanity meted by those in authority and not to mire the few who end up locked in prison and their minds shattered into splinters of madness like MOSESE.
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