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!!