The Campaign Trail

Chapter Sixteen

91 Chapter Sixteen he proclamation of the much-awaited results was long overdue. A pregnancy that goes beyond its normal term becomes a cause for concern. The surgeon would need to induce contractions. But who could do this for the Kutuma democratic process when every opposition force was being held in check? When Jampassdie was living encircled by arms? Maybe the people counted only on the invisible hand of fate. Despite the falsification of the original reports, the Head of State understood that his hypnotic political strength was waning. His field collaborators had done everything within their powers to maintain the status quo. But he knew that his position was shaky. Once again, he decided to seek occult advice. He decided to try another great witch doctor because the graveyard rituals had not yielded the desired results. His confidential adviser advised him to move far away to Mbuk, a remote village where a renowned old man lived. The President agreed, confirming that those around town had all become charlatans in a quest for wealth. They had lost their natural powers owing to the love for money. After the poor results for his party, he had a good reason to doubt the efficiency of the graveyard scene on the eve of elections. He questioned whether the Great One from the beyond, whom he had seen vomiting fire vapour, was even from the spirit world. When failure meets a believer of fragile faith, he starts doubting his god. The President for once questioned his god. For the Head of State to move to such a remote locality there was need for some preparation. Knowing that at a certain point they would have to trek for many kilometres, he sent for good rubber boots and a raincoat. He also needed a T 92 disguise because he would meet many people who would wonder what was taking such a personality to the end of the world. To this end, he bought a pair of sunglasses and a dark cap that covered his head right down to his ears. When all was set, he left in the company of three confidential guards and his advisers. They were all seriously disguised to ensure that no acquaintance could recognize them. The first lap was on a track much like the road to Ndindi. So as not to arouse curiosity, they did not take a luxurious car. They hired a ramshackle Land Rover that befitted such roads. After riding all night long, they reached the end of the navigable road. From there, they used the oldest means of transport, where salvation comes from one’s two legs. After four hours of trekking, all the members of the delegation were drenched in sweat. At first, the Head of State enjoyed it, claiming it was an opportunity for a slim course. But when he found his feet all getting sore, he understood that the struggle to remain in power was quite costly. At a certain point, his legs could scarcely carry him on, but, with encouragement from his companions, he kept on trying. When they got to the Mbuk Bridge, the President nearly gave up. It was a rough rope and bamboo crossing, measuring about twenty metres, which swung its pedestrians menacingly as the wind swung it from left to right. When the Head of State saw this obstacle, he was gripped with fright and felt the urge to ease himself. He contemplated turning back. But after encouragement from the companions, he attempted the crossing. Being someone very allergic to heights, he felt as if the bridge was turning him upside down as it swayed with every step taken. In the middle of the bridge, he had palpitations and quivered with fright. “Do not look down into the river. Hold your head up,” his companions urged 93 him. Finally the test was over, and he found himself on the other side of the bridge, breathing very fast from fear. The company then sat down to have lunch and replenish the lost energy. Just at this moment, an old man came out from the nearby forest with palm wine. The sweet scent and frothing foam were so enticing that the Head of State felt he needed to quench his thirst immediately with this sap from the natural sieve of the palm. In his early, modest years, he used to enjoy this special drink and now it was a change...