what is the character of waiyaki in the river between by ngugi wa thiongo

Waiyaki is an ambitious young man who tries to save his people from the white man by building schools and providing education. His eyes are his most striking feature; they seem to have "a light that appeared to pierce your body, seeing something beyond you, into your heart." Because his gaze is described as demanding, leaving others no choice but to obey him, he becomes the natural leader of his tribe.