X-FILES FROM THE VILLAGE - MYTHS OF RAINMAKERS

Monday

Throughout the year, the rains have been erratic and rather unpredictable. Even Walyaula, who could predict the season with precision, has made mistakes on several occasions. The village seems to be losing confidence, and lately, we have stopped consulting him.

It has been known for ages that our rain comes from the southern side. Once we see the clouds forming from Namwenula side towards our direction, we are sure that it is going to rain. Many times, we spread millet out on the big rock for drying as we head to school, with confidence that if we see the cloud from that side, we must rush and help with putting back the millet into the storage (shirara). But if the cloud comes from Namwalye, that is not our rain, and we shall never bother.

 

Tuesday

Just like all the surrounding villages, ours also has rain stoppers. We call them Bachimba, and their title borders on a witch. Indeed, when referring to their act, it is khubirisa ifula, which translates as deflecting rain. When we face a prolonged drought, it is always suspected that someone is stopping the rain, and in some cases, it takes a traditional rite and a few beatings to salvage the situation. It is not uncommon for that custom to precede heavy rains. But these days, things seem to be changing. Who does not remember the shame our elders faced when they beat up Waswaka up to three times, and it never rained?

Wednesday

Surprisingly, each one of us has ever been trained on how to deflect rain to another area, and on most occasions, we have done it as a collective effort to stop rain from disrupting a function like a burial or wedding. But all this is done in good faith. How else would Father Kuroonya have stopped Masaba's wedding to allow his father to perform the tradition that stops the rain that was threatening to disrupt his son's holy church wedding ceremony?

However, some people like Khaukha are known to deflect rain at the time when we need it most. It is why he is called a witch. So, everyone is wondering why Khaukha, who is always accused of being umuchimba, cannot stop the current rain that has become a menace at this moment.

 

Thursday

Everyone is worried that the burial shall be disrupted by rain. Under such circumstances, we normally ask the head of the family or the clan to perform the rituals to hold back the rain, at least until the burial is done. In stopping or holding back the rain, the most common tools to use are the hoe, ash, a mortar and pestle (shiwili ni kumutsungilo). And in circumstances like where someone has died, you throw their (the deceased's) cloth onto the roof of their house, and the rain shall be blocked until the funeral rites are done. But of recent, nature has become stubborn and less obedient. We don't know if it will heed our commands.

As the priest stands up to preach, Wekoye is summoned to urgently rush behind their father's likubili. He is being summoned for the very important purpose, being that he is his father's heir. Nasila brings Late Nalyaka's floral dress and hands it to their brother, Wekoye.

Friday

Meanwhile, the clouds hovering over our heads, playfully chasing each other, signal the approach of the mother of rains that has characterised this period. Even the priest's voice does not sound firm as he says away his godly words, to which no one is paying attention, save for some of his choir members. All people's hopes are now hideously in Wekoye's next course of action, which will save the funeral from disruption by the rain, and especially this important session of the scripture.

"This rain cannot be stopped, not even by the god the priest is talking about," says Khaukha the witch. Those who hear look at him with envious eyes, knowing how his skill can come in handy. But Paulina, who is known for speaking without mincing words, loudly asks why Khaukha cannot put to good his witchery, causing a frenzy of laughter. The priest is able to suppress his laughter with "Alleluia," which goes unnoticed.

Meanwhile, Wekoye, when done with the hoe, sprinkles ash around it. All eyes are on him; the mood is tense. Surprisingly, people have hope and faith in the rituals he is performing, including the religious chaps. "Isn't it said that God helps those who help themselves?" the choir leader whispers to her neighbor.

Saturday

They then bring him a mortar and its pestle.

Sunday

As soon as Wekoye throws Nalyaka's dress to the roof, the first drops of rain come and hit harder. Everyone starts scampering for any shelter they can locate, under the trees, banana plants while the priest and his team press farther into the house shed. The problem is that a body, once brought out, cannot be taken back into the house. That is a taboo. But there is a simple shelter to protect it from direct rain. The priest looks farther for a better place under the roof, lest the holy book and the holy clothes get rained on.

To everyone's surprise, however, the rain does not last a minute. A rushing wind comes momentarily, and with it, the rain stops. But we realise that it has just been pushed to the neighbouring village.

The priest asks us to clap in appreciation for this deliverance, to which we oblige. Only that we cannot tell which god it is that we are clapping for!