ABSTRACT This Study Is an Analysis of Ngugi Wa Thiong'o's Portrayal Of
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ABSTRACT This study is an analysis of Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s portrayal of neo-colonial elitism and its influence in Kenya in his postcolonial novels, Petals of Blood (1977), Devil on the Cross (1982a) and Matigari (1989). The study employed a content analysis approach where the three novels were read and studied in depth before emerging themes, relating to neo-colonial elitism in Kenya, were unpacked. The analysis was informed by two theoretical frameworks, namely the Postcolonial and Marxist literary theories. The Postcolonial theory, as used in this context, deals with literature produced in countries that were once colonies of other countries. This theory assisted in examining the relationship between the colonisers, the British, and the Kenyan elite in the new government. The Marxist literary theory postulates that emancipation of the masses from exploitation, oppression, discrimination and inevitable linkage between the privileged people and the miserable ones can only come from the struggle by the exploited and disadvantaged group. The Marxist literary theory assisted in analysing how the masses are trying to defend themselves against their exploiters, the ruling elite. An example is how the ex-freedom fighter, Matigari, mobilises the workers and the masses in the search for truth and justice in Kenya, which leads to the wrath of the Government. The findings of this study show that the most persistent concern of Ngugi’s literary work is exploitation generated by colonial injustice and perpetuated through unaltered colonial structures and policies. There is a complex linkage between colonial exploitation and violations of the rights of the masses in postcolonial Kenya. Furthermore, the study revealed that there is a continuous struggle for freedom from the ruling elite by the masses. Finally, the study concluded by indicating the possibility of a new political revolution that will bring a new Kenya. i It can be concluded that the masses are aware of the cunning of their leaders, and they see a light at the end of their economic and social struggle. Another possible conclusion is that the people are aware of the acts of their rulers and they are planning a revolution to free themselves from the claws of the elite. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s literary works, as well as the contribution literature makes in conscientising the masses regarding their plight. It, furthermore, offers possible solutions to their political and socio-economic woes, not only in Kenya, but also elsewhere in the world. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). All praise and thanks are to God, The Almighty, who has enabled and guided me through this study; to Him be the honour and the glory, Amen. The research and writing of this dissertation was a demanding task that would not have been possible without the assistance of others. In this regard, I wish to acknowledge all the colleagues for their encouragement and The University of Namibia for the funding that made it possible for this work to be put together. My deepest gratitude and respect goes to Prof. Jairos Kangira, for the patience, humble supervision and brotherly advice I received from him in the course of this study. My thanks and appreciation also goes to my co-supervisor, Prof Jacob Mapara of the Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe, for his sensitive readings, encouragement and advice. I consider myself most fortunate to have worked with them, for they were firm and yet very humane; they showed great concern for personal situations which often interfered with my programme. My special thanks goes to my beloved children, Manga, Namasiku, Saya and Chika, for their tremendous support, their love, their patience, their understanding and their dedication through the ups and downs experienced in the writing process. Without them this work could not have been completed. Their courage and sacrifices have strengthened my resolve and determination to complete this study. However, above all others, a special mention goes to my loving husband, John since, without an accommodative, supportive and understanding spouse, my success would have never been realised. I cannot imagine having been able to complete the process without you: the tears, the joys, the love, and the elation at finally holding the dissertation in my hand echoes your love, always! iii DEDICATION In appreciation to my daughter, nicknamed “Mamino”, for her tireless efforts in going from one bookstore to another, looking for material for my study. She even went to the extent of interviewing Ngugi wa Thiong’o, the author of the novels analysed in this study, on my behalf when he visited the University of the Free State (South Africa) where she was studying. God bless you. iv DECLARATIONS I, Josephine Ntelamo Sitwala declare hereby that this study is a true reflection of my own research, and that this work, or part thereof has not been submitted for a degree in any other institution of higher education. I, Josephine Ntelamo Sitwala, grant The University of Namibia the right to reproduce this dissertation in whole or in part, in any manner or format, which The University of Namibia may deem fit, for any person or institution requiring it for study and research, providing that The University of Namibia shall waive this right if the whole dissertation has been or is being published in a manner satisfactory to the University. ……………………….. [Signature] Date……………. Josephine Ntelamo Sitwala v TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE(S) Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... i Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................... iii Dedication ..................................................................................................................................... iv Declaration..................................................................................................................................... v CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION AND ORIENTATION ........................................................ 1 1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Orientation of the study ...................................................................................................... 6 1.2.1 Neo-colonialism in Kenya ............................................................................................ 9 1.2.2 The manipulation of the masses by the elite ............................................................. 15 1.2.3 The value of literature ................................................................................................ 17 1.3 Statement of the problem ................................................................................................. 23 1.4 Research questions ............................................................................................................ 24 1.5 Significance of the study ................................................................................................... 25 1.6 Limitations of the study .................................................................................................... 32 1.7 Methodology ...................................................................................................................... 32 1.7 1 Research design........................................................................................................... 32 1.7.2 Population.................................................................................................................... 33 1.7.3 Sample.......................................................................................................................... 33 1.7.4 Research instruments ................................................................................................. 34 1.7.5 Procedure .................................................................................................................... 34 1.8 Research ethics…………………………………………………………………………35 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW AND THE THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK ... 37 2.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 37 2.1.1 Neo-colonial elitism and its influence in kenya ........................................................ 40 2.1.2 Neo-colonial elitism in the three novels .................................................................... 53 2.2 Theoretical framework ..................................................................................................... 70 2.2.1 Postcolonial theory ..................................................................................................... 71 vi 2.2.2 The Marxist literary theory ....................................................................................... 74 2.3 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 84 CHAPTER 3: THE INFLUENCE OF NEO-COLONIAL ELITISM IN KENYA………...85 3.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 85 3.2 The land issue as a means of exploitation ......................................................................