Chapter 6 - The first game of Mbumbwa
The sun hung high in the sky, and the village buzzed with excitement. Word had spread fast—Khisa's game was happening today. Children ran through the pathways, calling for their friends. Mothers packed water gourds and snacks, while fathers, warriors, and elders gathered near the field, curiosity gleaming in their eyes.
The game had started as a children's activity, but now, it was a village-wide event.
Under a large tree, a group of elderly women sat weaving headbands and wristbands from colorful beads and plant fibers, intending to mark the players for easier team identification.
"I don't understand this game," one old woman, Mama Nanjili, muttered as she tied a bead necklace.
"But if the children love it, I suppose it can't be all bad."
Another woman, Mama Ndunge, chuckled. "Let them enjoy, Nanjili. The world is harsh enough. If we can give them one day to laugh, let it be today."
Nearby, warriors stood in a small circle, their arms crossed, pretending they weren't interested.
"How can you be so eager to watch children run around?" one scoffed.
"Because," Wafula responded, stroking his beard, "if these boys learn teamwork today, tomorrow they might fight together in battle. Look at them—learning strategy without even realizing it."
The warrior grunted in reluctant approval but still refused to sit down.
In the food area, women roasted sweet potatoes and yams, while others prepared fermented milk and honeyed water to keep the players energized.