"All that land will come from settlers, right? Lands they currently hold. The Colonial Government will not let you easily deprive them."
"Fortunately, most settlers are choosing to leave the country. Not many will be here by independence."
"That doesn't bode well for your plans of coexistence."
"True. I may never have had their full confidence, but you Oginga, once did."
"You want me to convince the white man to stay?!"
"No. I want you to help me unite the country, or salvage any semblance of it being left behind."
The man pauses, still withholding his answer.
"About freedom fighters and political detainees, I will see to it that each of them is released, settled and well compensated. For those who lost their lives, fitting memorials can be made in their honor. I aim to achieve this within two years of our new government."
"…and the apology?"
"I don't think it is something the colonial government would admit to now. Maybe in the future. However, we pushing forward with a unified political message that safeguards our national interests and theirs, would give us a hand to play when we eventually breach the topic."
"So, what do you say? Can I count on you?"
Oginga stares at Mzee. This man displayed inconsistencies in his character. At first, he was the Mzee he knew, a man who hastily abandoned their ideals at the faintest whiff of power. But he doesn't recognize this man now in front of him.
"You-you have changed, haven't you? I can't believe it. You seem different."
"I assure you I am still the same person."
You won't believe even if I said it, would you?
"I hope you never forget what we talked about here. Honestly, I doubted we would discuss anything not pertinent to your inauguration. This is a surprise! Whatever came over you, I trust it isn't just fleeting."
I am here to stay - is what I would say if I had any choice in the matter. But most important, was that an endorsement?
"I will always carry our nation's best interests at heart. I know the same is true for you Oginga. We may be political opponents and that's okay! But let's not become enemies. Personally, I hope you continue to speak the truth every time."
There is no reason to refuse.
"You really have changed." Oginga speaks almost to himself.
"I will always speak the truth. But Mzee, I hope you too will be willing to listen."
"You can count on it!"
"Then you have my full support! I am ready to work with you for the betterment of our country."
Mzee grins his biggest. He rushes for the handshake, and they shake on it, vigorously.
"I promise, you will not regret this!"
Mzee is the happiest of both of us, but I am the one doing the most work. Honestly, he was just dying for the man's approval. Nonetheless, we are off to a good start.