why did kabonye return to traditionalism right before chege died even though he was one of Joshua's most trusted helpers in the Christian faith
Tradition is exceedingly significant to a society, especially in terms of their founding history, rites, rituals, etc. The Kikuyu have long held their own beliefs on these subjects, and the white man's influence is seen as deleterious to those beliefs. Ngugi suggests that not all new ideas are bad—Waiyaki and Muthoni and Nyambura articulate the need for a fusion between Christianity and tribal tradition—and that traditions can be problematic. He is aware, though, that traditions are excessively difficult to change or eradicate, and that the white man and his African supporters cannot expect to order the Kikuyu to get rid of something overnight. Rather, patience and understanding are necessary.
kambonyi returns to the traditional ways because he is one of the few who know about mugo wakibiro's prophecy.In the novel we see Chege revealing this prophecy to his son when he see's his time on this earth is coming to an end.One morning Chege and his son waiyaki set off on a misterious journey into the sacred grove. It is at this point waiyaki learn of the long hidden prophecy ."A hero show come from the hills ,his mesterious misssion is to save the people,"Chege spoke with uneasy and sorrow!.Kombonyi knows almost all about the prophecy,he has this intriguing belief that he may be the awaited saviour . He knows Chenge has informed Waiyaki about this ,thus making it his mission to bring down waiyaki ,because he knows their is a 50% chancee waiyaki can be the long awaited saviour .
I think his mission was to fight Cheges family lineage. first he betrayed the tribe by transforming to a Christian and thought it would hurt Chege. And after Cheges death he saw a better opportunity to fight him through Waiyaki and went back to take Cheges place . I think he wanted to be closer to Chege to make his mission easier.
You can also say that since he was the only person who knew the prophesy, he feared that Waiyaki might be the chosen one and decided to take over leadership chances.
The river between
