Matigari: A Novel (1986), a novel by Kenyan author Ngugi Wa Thiong’o, centers on Matigari, a mysterious figure who has survived his country’s war for independence and emerges from the mountains, making strange claims and demands. Searching for his family, he begins a quest for peace and justice as he battles the forces of corruption, fear, and misery that have taken over his country. As rumors spread that he has unique, supernatural abilities, people start to debate whether he could be the resurrection of Jesus in Africa. Exploring themes of religious faith, decolonization, betrayal, and the struggles of a newly independent nation, Matigari achieved widespread critical acclaim both in the author’s native Kenya and following its translation abroad. It is still read widely today as an …show more content…
Matigari is approached by a prostitute named Guthera, who is hiding from the police. She harasses him, but he helps her when she’s attacked by police dogs. He stands up to them with no fear, and the police are stunned and let her go. Guthera tells him that she hates police for killing her freedom-fighter father. She decides to stay with Matigari and help him get home. They arrive at a mansion that Matigari says is his, but it’s occupied by the Robert Williams and John Boy Junior, the sons of Williams and Boy. They won’t let Matigari into his mansion without a deed, and he refuses to cooperate and is arrested. He finds himself in a cell with other inmates, all of whom are there for crimes they committed out of desperation or passionate belief. Matigari shares his food with them, which reminds an inmate of the last supper. He explains the circumstances of his arrest, which impresses the other inmates. They want to support this mysterious freedom fighter. They’re released under mysterious circumstances, and this leads to Matagari’s legend growing stronger as he leaves