Warui is a notable village elder who tries to convince Mugo to lead the Uhuru celebration and become a Chief in the village. Warui is an old man and has been involved in the Movement and Kenya’s fight for freedom for his entire life. As a young man, Warui marches in protests for the release of Harry Thuku and Jomo Kenyatta, and as an old man teaches his stories of oppression and resistance to young Kihika, fostering his revolutionary spirit. He also believes that the great African leaders, including Mugo, possess mystical power, the “spirit of the black people.” After the Uhuru ceremony is complete and Mugo has confessed, Warui is disappointed by the loss of a hero and seemingly disenchanted with independence, suggesting that it came at great cost and was not what he thought it would be.
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Warui Character Timeline in A Grain of Wheat
The timeline below shows where the character Warui appears in A Grain of Wheat. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 1
...of farmland on the other side of his village, Thabai. On the way, he meets Warui, a village elder, who makes brief conversation about the coming of Uhuru until Mugo excuses...
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Mugo goes home early. While he is in his hut, he is visited by Warui, Wambui (an elder woman of the village), and Gikonyo (a wealthy businessman). Fearful, Mugo runs...
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Chapter 3
...three—Gikonyo is a wealthy merchant and husband of the most beautiful woman in the land, Warui’s entire life has been committed to the Movement (he was there in the protest march...
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Gikonyo, Wambui, and Warui finally explain why they have come: Since Mugo’s name is now forever tied to the...
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Chapter 7
...Kihika is involved in politics from the time he is a young man, listening to Warui tell of how the blackman’s land was stolen by the British. Before Kihika even sees...
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Chapter 12
To distract himself, Gikonyo goes to speak with Warui about the Uhuru celebrations. To Gikonyo, Warui seems happy and contented, even though he is...
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As he walks, Mugo meets Warui in the street, who has just left a small gathering of people around the old...
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In the evening, Mugo tells Gikonyo and Warui that his mind is “not well” and he cannot speak. The two tell him to...
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Chapter 14
...is hoping to impress Mumbi—to run against him, and Gikonyo has elected to run with Warui. The racers set off, many such as Warui dropping out quickly as they tire. Mumbi...
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Warui, Wambui
Warui and Wambui sit together in Wambui’s hut, oddly unkempt, watching the rain pour down. They...
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