The Portrayal of the 21st Century Kenya

Abstract

The article examines the enduring relevance of three plays by Francis Imbuga—The Successor, Game of Silence, and Betrayal in the City—to Kenya's 21st-century socio-political landscape. Despite being written in the 20th century, these plays address contemporary issues such as corruption, poor governance, nepotism, cruelty against women, and disillusionment among citizens, which are still significant in Kenya today. The study uses Marxist literary theory to analyze the plays. This theoretical framework helps uncover socio-political ideologies and dynamics, including the mistreatment of peasants and workers, that fuel political revolution. Imbuga’s plays are revealed to portray powerful truths about the social and political challenges in Africa. They highlight themes of betrayal, irresponsibility, greed, and disunity, critically exposing injustices faced by workers and peasants. These themes remain pertinent to current socio-political conditions in Kenya. The analysis confirms that Imbuga's works are timeless, providing critical insights into socio-political issues not only in Kenya but across Africa. Their relevance underscores the continued importance of addressing systemic corruption, oppression, and inequality