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 on (2)

Kekuta went on a hunting trip

Kekuta woke up on a colorful Saturday with smiles noticed at a distance through his gestures. It was another pleasing day for him to embark on a hunting trip. Hunting trips always brought so much pleasure and comfort to Kekuta. For him, hunting was where he experienced the real test of life. He firmly believes that he was created to bring prestige to his family and lineage through hunting of animals.

As sunset fast approached, Kekuta started preparation for his trip ambitiously. He had in possession numerous hunting gears and attires that were adaptable and friendly to diverse atmospheric weather conditions. He always used the right hunting attire for the rightful weather. Unlike many people, kekuta was never caught by amazement. He was always prepared for the task.

At exactly sunset, Kekuta had everything he needed for the trip intact. By this time, the only thing left was his tradition of ‘seeking blessings before leaving on a hunting trip’. This singular act was what had kept the Nasso lineage successful as one of the greatest hunters in the history of Tendala. Thus, they became unequivocally incomparable to no other hunting lineage. Fully dressed in his hunting attire, Kekuta went for his grandfather for their usual prayer before leaving for hunting. ‘Faaduta, Faaduta, Faaduta, called kekuta’. ‘I know it is time for prayer grandson, expect my presence in minutes’, said Faaduta. Kekuta patiently called the rest of his family and they converged at the ‘ Lutayroto’(the middle of the compound). Faaduta joined them later and collectively, they prayed for Kekuta-the great hunter for good luck. As Kekuta was about to leave the compound, Musukuta smiled at him deeply and emotionally saying,” Allah mela silodiyala Mkemaa”. Kekuta looked up and down, nodded his face and showed great signs of courage and determination to bring home ‘a very big catch’ to pay Musukuta for her smiles. Musukuta’s smile was shown through a mere action but it sounded louder than an empty barrel. Heartbrokenly as the story continues, Musukuta will become a different person at the time when bad luck stricken Kekuta’s hunting career.

Kekuta left home in a hurry. As he passed through the main village yard, he was wished by both the young and elderly. “May we re-converge in your compound to take our share when you are back’-chanted many. The respect and recognition he earned because of hunting, is similar to our president’s in our generation. Kekuta was more than a hero to the people of Tendala. He was like a person created to alleviate his people from the burden of hunger, if not to eradicate it.

Happily and with the anticipation of a big catch, Kekuta continued on his journey. As he was about to enter the thick dense forest which served as the site of hunting for hunters in Tendala, he met his friend and a fellow hunter Badou. “ Here you are Kekuta-the great hunter. Please use this road to prevent the attacks of fearless animals. Our people have hope on you than any of us”, said Badou. Hahahaha! Laughed Kekuta.” My pleasure in life is to hunt fearless animals as I am fearless myself’-  he concluded. Kekuta finally entered the forest fearlessly leaving Badou wordless. Badou was so angry with Kekuta for not heading to his advice. Surprisingly, he wanted to scare kekuta so that he could have use the same direction which he warned Kekuta against. His plan was childish and unfit to threaten the desire of a great hunter like Kekuta. Badou always wished kekuta bad luck. But in his presence, he childishly always acted as a good friend. Whiles he was left stranded of words, Kekuta had already reached the middle of the forest and started laying hunting tactics ‘for big catches’.

Next episode: Kekuta in the forest