From the play 'Betrayal in the City' by Francis Imbuga

Hey guys!

The question on the problems facing post-independence in a developing nation based on the play 'Betrayal in the City' was very well done. As you can imagine, it was very hard to pick the best one. However, I felt Wahiu brought out various aspects quite well.

For the few who got low marks, compare the following essay with yours and see where you went wrong. 

You are encouraged to leave your comments. Happy reading!

The play ‘Betrayal in the City’ by F. Imbuga focuses on the problems facing a post-independence developing nation. Discuss any four of such problems using appropriate examples from the play.

Even as we speak there are problems facing developing post independence countries. Though we may have obtained freedom, the freedom with it has dragged along some bad demons. We may say ‘see no evil nor speak it nor even hear it’ but in the real sense how do we curb evil if we cannot see it, hear it and speak it out. In this play many problems arose as a result of post independence. Some include dictatorship, nepotism closely related with tribalism, inefficiency in rule and corruption.

Corruption is a very big demon facing the developing country of Kafira. The source of this vice being the overall head of the country, Boss. He is at the forefront of corruption. This is evident where in the committee set aside for visitors he appoints five of his personal selections forming the majority without consultation with the other members. Another incident is where he bribed two bodyguards to kill Kabito who was said to be bad mouthing Boss exposing his well kept secrets. These cases and many others stopped the developing Kafira in its tracks and let numerous vices go ‘Scott-free’. Many thus suffer in silence. A corrupt leader will only suppress development.

Dictatorship is yet another monster that terrorizes a developing post-independence country. Again Boss through his dictatorial rule is standing in the way of the good tokens of development. This is very evident where he refuses anyone to speak up against his rule like Mosese who was put behind bars for life. Another instance is where Boss passes a decree that the shaving ceremony of Adika was not to take place. Boss liked doing things his way and shunned down any additions by the people. Through his dictatorship there were cases of bloodshed and many people were oppressed by him either mentally or physically. Dictatorship is a barrier that prevents a country from developing and thus remains stagnant.

Nepotism, going hand in hand with tribalism, is another problem in the developing town of Kafira. The head of the government Boss practices nepotism marginalizing his citizens. He does this by appointing his illiterate cousin Mulili to head various dockets, being a school drop out with no qualifications. He grabs the milk tender from Kabito and gives Mulili to run it. Mulili is made to head the committee in charge of visitors without consultations with anyone. Tribalism is seen where the Askari offers Mosese a mug of tea as they were from the same tribe and does give the other prisoners like Jere. Through nepotism headed by Boss, hatred was brewed among the citizens of Kafira like Kabito and hence Kafira remained stationary in its progress. Nepotism causes marginalization hence no development occurs to others as few are favoured.

Inefficiency in rule is another demon on the loose in Kafira town. Again Boss tops the list in this category. He employs inefficient people like Tumbo who shoddily do their work. Tumbo was asked to organize a competition for play writing which was never the case as he just picked on Jusper who on short notice was asked to come up with a script. This shows that Mr. Tumbo is lazy. Boss allows prisoners to act in the play using real guns which are lethal. “Prisoners are dangerous people and should not be allowed to mix with people”, as stated by Nicodema.

Boss’ inefficiency leads to his downfall and on the other hand the economy dwindled. Inefficiency will only cause more problems thus a country will never “take off” to higher grounds.

In conclusion the problems facing Kafira revolve around Boss. His role never brought any development in Kafira. In the end of the play Kafira is finally able to see light at the end of the tunnel after Boss is overthrown.

COURTESY OF:  WAHIU 

Well done!!

Best essay on the theme of Change in the Novel "The River and the Source" by Margaret Ogolla.

Using appropriate illustrations from the novel ‘The River and the Source’ by Margaret Ogolla, discuss the theme of change.

In life many changes occur whether good or bad. Only a fool would fail to glance at the amendments that have happened since the universe occurred. Change can take many categories. There is science and technology. Religion and Tradition is another. It is up to an individual to conform accordingly to change. In the book The River and the Source, characters like Akoko, Nyabera, Elizabeth and Peter have demonstrated change all around. They embraced change and it did not let them down.

Firstly, the theme of change has been clearly demonstrated by Akoko, the main character of this work of art. She showed this in her journey for justice to the bartering market of Kisuma. She made contacts with the whites despite the conservativeness of her late husband Owuor Kembo. Akoko was the founder of change in her family as she fought for the chieftainship of her toddler grandchild, Owuor. She managed to have the greedy; ignorant Otieno Kembo removed from power as ordered by the District Officer. This freed Akoko from all the atrocities committed by Otieno to her. Change brings justice to the oppressed.

Another instance where Akoko showed the theme of change was in the naming culture. Her name was changed from Akoko Obanda to Veronica Akoko Obanda. This was attained through baptism as a result of accepting the change brought about by Christianity. She embraced the new religion advocated by her daughter Nyabera and became loyal to it. Change helps us accept evolving trends in life like in the naming of children from Akoko to names like Becky, Peter and the likes.

Marriage and dowry change is another aspect of change illustrated in the book The River and the Source. According to the Luo tradition dowry was to be paid and a girl was to be searched for by the parents like in the case of Akoko. Thirty head of cattle was paid up for her by her husband. The marriage was built on love contrary to tradition as love was a sign of weakness and thus not a factor considered. In the marriage negotiations of Elizabeth Awiti to Mark Oloo Sigu the soldier, dowry as stated by Akoko was only as a token to finish the requirements of Chik. She came to learn that women were not property to be sold. Change helps us to leave behind archaic traditions like dowry that undermine women.

Education is another aspect of change in this novel by Margaret Ogola. It moved from Akoko telling stories to her children about Ramogi, Nyabera performing riddles all the way down to Nyabera going to a seminary to learn about ‘Baptiso’, baptism. Nyabera was able to tell her daughter about the stories of David and Goliath. Elizabeth Awiti is able to become a shining star among men who dominated education those days. She is able to acquire a Doctor of Philosophy and be the first girl in the book to do so.  Education traditionally was not for a girl. A very educated girl was a cause of alarm in the society. Awiti goes against this and gets education. Change educates us on what is beneficial in life and gives useful knowledge.

Leadership is another aspect of change in this book of literature. It moved from chieftainship that involved inheritance all the way to democratic rule by the people. The traditional leadership did not favour women and their rights as human beings. It rather oppressed them.  The democratic leadership equalized everyone whether man or woman and was fair and just. Leadership also moved from being headed by a chief supported by a council of elders to a presidential rule under a government. Change helps embrace a democratic rule that is fair to all and promotes transparency.

In conclusion change in this book has brought a major impact on the positive more than negative. The characters who embraced change were relieved from a backward and oppressive culture. Change whether good or bad, is an individual’s choice. Pick what benefits you as a person, and then pick what will benefit the entire community.

BEST ESSAY COURTESY OF MELVIN.

Good job!!