Let me break it down for the dummies.
You want power? Guard your reputation. At the same time, poke holes into your opponent's reputation and let public opinion hang them.
That's what Kethi did. She painted Nduku in bad light. The people of Makueni are literally mad at Nduku. She has become a punching bag.
As for curses, the message resonates well with the people at mashinani. People raised in any part of Ukambani understand what a curse means.
Live Full Die Empty - Les Brown.