Chapter 14 Summary

On December 12, 1963, Kenya gains Uruhu. The night before, everyone is waiting. The people begin to sing, and they sing at Mugo's hut for two hours. Overnight, the light rain becomes a violent storm. The next day, the celebration begins with school sports, races, and bands. Gikonyo runs around, making sure everything is organized. The gathering is somehow gloomy until a 12-lap race is added to the program, one that anyone can join in. Many people join, including Gikonyo and Karanja. Karanja sees it as a reenactment of their race to the train station, so long ago. He thinks Mumbi's warning note shows her attraction to him.

The old men, women, and children drop out of the race after a few laps. Mumbi thinks of Mugo's confession to her. She has told no one, because she wants no one hurt. Meanwhile, Gikonyo thinks over...