18 pages 36 minutes read

Francis Imbuga

Betrayal in the City

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1976

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Character Analysis

Boss

Boss is the president of Kafira. He personifies the draconic style of the harshest dictators. Above all, his priorities are evading censure, obliterating any who speak critically of his administration, and enriching himself through various corrupt activities made possible through his status. Not only is he arrogant, brutal, cruel, credulous, and paranoid, he is also highly incompetent at his job. It is a tragic irony that even if he were a good person, his ineptitude would still likely render him an inefficient leader.  

Mulili

Mulili is Boss’s distant cousin. He is interested solely in his own advancement by any means necessary. He is willing to kill, lie, and finally, to betray Boss when he thinks that it will save his life. He is the personification of greed and disloyalty, demonstrating that there is no one less dependable than a mercenary so long as there is someone willing to pay him a higher price. Mulili illustrates that people who act primarily out of self interest often make disastrous public officials.