Occasionally, individuals make decisions without fully considering the consequences. In Fathers of Nations by Paul B. Vitta, characters such as Rahma and Pastor Chiamaka encounter significant difficulties because of impulsive actions taken without logical thought.

Professor Kimani demonstrates irrational behavior when he decides to confront Newborn Walomu physically, and this leads to his suffering. Provoked by the theft of his wife, Asiya Omondi, Kimani decides to challenge Walomu. Earlier, Asiya had suggested that he leave the university and pursue other opportunities, and she compounded his distress by comparing him to Walomu, a former junior colleague and now a member of parliament with multiple cars. When Asiya departs for Walomu, Kimani insults him, calling him a “fat baboon.” Unable to withstand the mockery, Kimani attacks Walomu. He misses two swings, loses balance, and falls, ultimately landing in legal trouble. He is arrested for assaulting a member of parliament and demoted from professor to senior lecturer. His six-month jail term leaves him dejected, testing him to the limits of endurance and eventually prompting him to abandon teaching. (Pgs. 21-38, 45, 102, 155)

Engineer Seif Tahir acts impulsively when he slaps Rahma following a misunderstood rejection, resulting in severe consequences. Tahir falls for his junior colleague, Rahma Mahmoud, but hesitates to approach her due to the potential humiliation. Gathering courage, he asks her out for tomato soup on a Wednesday. Rahma coyly smiles and eventually says no for Saturday, although her refusal masks her willingness. Misinterpreting the “sweet no” as a “sour no,” Tahir reacts violently, slapping her during “Heritage Week” when she removes her head veil. In retaliation, Rahma strikes back with a letter opener, leaving Tahir with a permanently damaged left eye. He spends a month in the hospital, becomes bitter, and seeks legal revenge, resulting in Rahma losing her eye in accordance with the Hammurabic verdict. This episode does not bring Tahir satisfaction but rather deepens his despair, leading him to relocate from Tripoli to Benghazi. (Pgs. 117-125)

Pastor Chineke Chiamaka also suffers consequences due to ill-considered actions. He delivers a combative sermon criticizing the president for issuing a memo instead of solving pressing national problems. The sermon references sensitive issues such as past riots in three cities. Unlike his earlier persuasive and witty sermon, “God is Watching You!”, this attempt draws no support from the congregation, who fear repercussions. The following morning, he is arrested, imprisoned in a rat-infested cell for two weeks, and later banned from preaching. (Pgs. 108-116)

Rahma Mahmoud herself acts without careful thought when she strikes Engineer Tahir in retaliation. Her impulsive response to Tahir’s slap—caused by his misunderstanding of her initial refusal—leads to her suffering. The court rules against her, citing temporary insanity as a defense, and she loses her eye in surgery. This demonstrates that acting without reflection can backfire, bringing more harm than good. (Pgs. 118-123)

The Ndebele people also illustrate the dangers of rash action. Following the dismissal of their leader, they erupt in violence against government supporters, reacting impulsively to perceived injustice. The Shona-led government retaliates with the Gukurahundi, killing hundreds of Ndebele insurgents. Among the victims is Ziliza, comrade Melusi’s wife, who is strangled and splayed on the kitchen floor. This incident underscores how impulsive retaliation can lead to widespread suffering and tragic loss. (Pgs. 87-88, 90-91, 103)

Comrade Melusi further exemplifies the consequences of reckless action when he attempts to attack Zimbabwe’s ruler during a summit in Banjul to avenge his wife’s death. Despite tight security, he tries to execute his plan, carrying a diabetes needle as a potential weapon. Guards seize him by the collar, creating chaos in the summit hall, and Melusi disappears from public view. His act of vengeance results in failure and personal danger. (Pgs. 82-85, 85-99, 103, 143-144, 155-156, 174)

In conclusion, these examples show that impulsive and illogical actions often lead to unforeseen troubles. Characters in Fathers of Nations who fail to think carefully before acting—Kimani, Tahir, Rahma, Chiamaka, and Melusi—face severe consequences. It is a reminder that thoughtful reflection is essential to avoid unnecessary suffering.