How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
To the African there is but one way of counterbalancing the catastrophes of existence, it shall be done by replacement; he does not look for the motive of the action. (2.2.8)
Rather than figuring what someone's motive is for committing a crime (crime of passion, hate crime, boredom, etc…) the Africans that Blixen deals with are more interested in a sort of yin and yang balancing of the cosmic forces. They don't care why the wrong is done, just that it must be righted.
Quote #5
The Natives of the farm never realized my views on their legal systems, and they came to me first of all for their indemnification when any ill-luck befell them. (2.2.11)
We'll just have to take Blixen's word for it that the natives on her farm didn't notice that she thought they were cuckoo for cocoa puffs when it comes to justice; she must have a great poker face. But the fact that she doesn't agree with the system doesn't matter; as the owner of the farm and the big cheese, her word counts whether her heart's in it or not.
Quote #6
I knew before I arrived at the assembly that the chief object of the proceeding would now be to shear Kaninu as close as possible. He would see his sheep driven away to all sides, some to indemnify the families of the dead and wounded children, some to maintain the Kyama. (2.3.2)
The Kyama, or the legal assembly of the Kikuyu, is supposed to decide how to right the wrong committed by Kabero. His dad is responsible for it since he's just a kid, and there is a symbolic importance to fining him. The assembly has to charge him a lot in order to repay the great loss— "shearing" him, as though he were a sheep, which (probably not coincidentally) is a pretty common animal used for sacrifices.