in what two, almost contradictory, ways is okoli's death significant?

Okoli's death is significant in that he is a convert and because of his actions (killing the python) the Christians are deemed outlaws and forbidden access to water ect. Okoli's death is interpreted by the Mbanta to mean that their gods are fighting back against the Christian religion and because of that they no longer need to fight back themselves. The conflict is now in the hands of the gods rather than the people, and the Christians are no longer a threat therefore further actions against them are unnecessary.