The oath, once referred to as the “Oath of Unity,” is a pledge to fight and die for Kenya’s freedom and support the Mau Mau fighters. Although there is nothing binding about the oath, keeping it—by never confessing to the British that one has taken it—becomes a mark of patriotism and commitment to the Movement. Especially for men in the detention camps, keeping the oath represents their sustained devotion to their national cause, while confessing the oath—as Gikonyo does, hoping that it will result in a lighter sentence—is a mark of cowardice, representing a betrayal of one’s people for the sake of selfish gains.
Although the oath is taken very seriously, Kihika reveals to Mugo that it is ultimately meaningless, a mere symbol that reflects the bravery or cowardice that is already in one’s heart. Thus, he is not bothered by the fact that Mugo has never taken the oath, saying it holds no true power but is merely a token, like “water sprinkled on the head” during a baptism. Even so, Gikonyo’s confession of the oath represents the greatest betrayal of his country in his mind and becomes an enduring source of shame.
The Oath Quotes in A Grain of Wheat
In Kenya we want deaths which will change things, that is to say, we want true sacrifice. But first we have to be ready to carry the cross. I die for you, you die for me, we become a sacrifice for one another. So I can say that you, Karanja, are Christ. Everybody who takes the Oath of Unity to change things in Kenya is a Christ.
“But what is an oath? For some people, you need the oath to bind them to the Movement. There are those who’ll keep a secret unless bound by an oath. I know them […] In any case how many took the oath and are now licking the toes of the whiteman? No, you take an oath to confirm a choice already made. The decision to lay or not to lay your life on the line for the people lies in the heart. The oath is water sprinkled on a man’s head at baptism.”
Courage had failed [Gikonyo], he had confessed the oath in spite of his vows to the contrary. What difference was there between him and Karanja or Mugo who had openly betrayed people and worked with the whiteman to save themselves? Mugo had the courage to face his guilt and lose everything. Gikonyo shuddered at the thought of losing everything.
The Oath Symbol Timeline in A Grain of Wheat
