Betrayal in the City

Born in 1947 – a decade after literary pioneers such as Grace Ogot, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Okot p’Bitek and Taban lo Liyong – Imbuga was a leading member of what might be termed a “second generation” of East African writers. He came of age at a time when East African literature was forging a tentative early identity, and he participated in the exciting and innovative process of developing and extending that identity. Although he is most widely known for his work as a playwright and actor, Imbuga’s prodigious creative energies also encompassed other genres such as poetry, narrative, television and film, in addition to his work as a teacher, scholar, and university administrator. He was recipient of the Kenya National Academy of Sciences Distinguished Professional Award in Play Writing.