‘Dictatorship is rampant in Kafira.’ Write an essay to show the validity of the above statement - Betrayal in the City – Francis Imbuga.

Introduction:

The dictatorial political system of Kafira is an epitome of many African governments. This kind of government, which is very conservative, is characterized by oppression to human rights, both social and political. This is clearly seen in the text, ‘Betrayal in the City’ where any individual who tries to speak his mind is either jailed unconstitutionally or is killed.

1. University students:
   The government suppresses human rights expression through shooting Adika, the student’s leader accusing him of inciting students. The students had gone to the roads to critisize the policy of having influx of expatriates/ external personnel in the universities. Jere tells Mulili that Adika “........... was slaughtered like a goat and sacrificed for non existent peace and harmony.” pg 14. 
2. The  old couple:
   Jusper’s parents, Doga and Nina, were both murdered in their own hut. This is because they had insisted to carry out a key traditional rite, the shaving ceremony, but Mulili could not allow. Jere tells them, “Old people, you waste your time. There is to be no ceremony.” He even adds that the ceremony has been cancelled in the interest of peace. Later, the two old people are found murdered in their house. (pg 20).
3. Mosese:
   Mosese speaks out his mind during Adika’s funeral. The funeral had been turned to political rally. “The service was not supposed to take more than ten minutes. The coffin should not be carried by students. Weeping in public is illegal for the academic staff.” Pg 25. Moses should not understand this. He spoke his mind. Due to this, one kilogram of opium was planted on him, leading to his arrest and being jailed.
4. Jere:
   Jere is imprisoned for expressing his discontentment with Mulili. When Jere shouts at Mulili at Adika’s graveside, Muliliforebonds that “.......You shall pays for it.” And sure to the word, Jere finds himself behind the bars. In the prison, Jere expresses his opinion about the social’ oppression in society. “.........the outside of this cell maybe well in the inside of another.” (pg. 16). The Askari does not allow any freedom of expression to the inmates. He says “Now don’t ask any other foolish question.” (pg 18) D)
5. Prisoners:
   The prison cells are a form of oppression. When Musese asks many questions, they suppress his freedom of expression. “We calculated that two mature strokes would ease the tension” pg 19. This is corporal punishement which is unwarranted. The prisoners have to be morally broken. “Your breaking point would be just before the end of our present jail term.” Pg 19. The Askari tells Mosese, “It does’nt pay to have a hot mouth............ silence is the best ship home..........” (pg 19). In jail you cannot stick to your principles in Kafira. Jusper has been suppressed into silence. Moses becomes withdrawn.

​​Related Topics ...

• ​​Caucasian Chalk Circle
• The River and The Source
• The Whale Rider
• The Pearl
• Memories we Lost
• Blossoms of the Savannah
• Betrayal in The City

​Conclusion: 

In a nut-shell, it is evident that Kafira government is bedeviled by social and political oppression. The citizens’ lives have been terminated. Others have their freedom of expression curtailed, others jailed and many other social injustices.
NB: Expect 4 well illustrated points

Introduction—2mks,
Body -12 mks (3:3:3:3),
Conclusion—2mks,
​Language competence: - (4mks)

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