THE NEED FOR POLITICAL MATURITY IN THE GAMBIA'S POLITICAL SPACE

Kekuta-the great Hunter
By: Sulayman Lecturer Darboe
(sulaymandarboe010@gmail.com,  Jingdibali.bogspot.com, whatsapp(+2203867564)

Episode 6
conversation with Faaduta

On a calm, cold and dark night, Faaduta called Kekuta for a ‘tête-à-tête’.  Musukuta and her children had already gone to sleep by this time. Lighted at the middle of the compound was a bundle of firewood. The lighted bundle of firewood was used for vision and also provided them with optimal body temperature as the night was cold. At a distance, the image of two people could be seen exchanging words. They were Kekuta and Faaduta. Apart from the howl of the dogs and the sounds of midnight birds, the only recognized sound traced was the voices of the grandfather and his grandson.

The last time that Faaduta asked Kekuta on such a chat was a while. However, Kekuta knew vividly that anytime his grandfather asked for such chats, he must have a concern to speak out. This was why he never wasted time in attending to such calls from a man he measured as a man ‘who can do anything to protect him’. In fact, Kekuta became so attached to his grandfather and his meaningful advices since childhood. He spent much of his time with Faaduta, listening to stories of great hunters and joined his age mates not so frequently at the village square to play. This was why; he grew up as an inspired and motivated youth with courage and purpose. 

As the fire angrily swallowed the bundle of firewood speedily, more heat was produced and the two became greatly active.  Faaduta suddenly boomed into laughter and said: “conduct is what makes a successful person a man of success; just like it makes an unsuccessful person to be unsuccessful”. Kekuta gazed at him but haven’t said anything. Faaduta knew Kekuta was bothered so he added by saying “Sadly, success is not what many people perceive it to be. The prestige, honor and respect that you bring to your family, lineage and village is your biggest success. This is contrary to the view of materialistic folks. Their view regarding success is different”. Kekuta became so touched with these words but still remained silent until Faaduta said “success comes with its own lesson. The reality about this only becomes clear when either by bad luck or not, you get up from the bench that you are expected to be seated on for life. The real image of those that you think appreciate you will surely become clear”.

Kekuta looked up but this time, he did not keep quiet.  He said,” how about the incident that happened to me earlier in the day”?

Faaduta: “Exatly my grandchild that is why I ask you outside right now. I have seen your discomfort. I knew vividly that you were bothered with what happened. However, I was so glad that your momentary frustrations had not led you to a precarious action”

Kekuta: “You know that I am just a hunter and my luck is in the hands of god. I only give the task my best which is added by the spirit of our ancestors. What will happen to me if any day I am unlucky to have a catch? With what I experienced in this very compound today, I think I will be betrayed and abandoned”.

Faaduta: “What happened yesterday was a lesson to let you know that your success attracts every kind of person. Some are attracted by your catches, others by your fame and name, and others by the nobility of your course, lineage and village.  The real ones will stay with you always. Let’s hold it here till another day. It is time to sleep”. He reminded Kekuta about the call from the village of Dobalu who were in need of his service. Together, they and they went to sleep.

Episode 7
Kekuta visited the village of Dobalu