The Source and Different Types of Conflict in “The River Between”

Abstract

“The River Between” is more concerned with the Africans’ exploitations by the Whites and the adverse colonization impact on Kenya’s culture. However, this cultural clash brought about by the traditional and colonial interests’ interactions is well illustrated in the novel. The novel “The River Between” by Ngugi Wa Thiong’o is based on the theme of conflict. This article, therefore, demonstrates the sources of conflict and it portrays how the conflict between the Makuyu and the Kameno communities. The article begins with the story of river Honia as a source of conflict between the two communities. The river created a rivalry between the Makuyu people who believed in Christianity whereas the Kameno community believed in traditional gods Gikuyu and Mumbi. Moving on, the article gives conflicts in the novel “The River Between”. One of the conflicts is between an individual Waiyaki and the community. Waiyaki failed to consult the community elders before building up schools for them thereby establishing a conflict. Besides that, the article is also showing out the significance of the novel in the benefit of our societies.