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WE ARE ALL PRISONERS ACCORDING TO FRANCIS IMBUGA

“The outside of this cell may be inside of another.” With illustrations from the play Betrayal in the City, write an essay to discuss what Jere means by this statement.
It is hard to tell whether one is free or in detention in countries where disregarding for human rights is prevalent. This is well illustrated in the play Betrayal in the City by Francis Imbuga.
Prisons limit one’s freedoms like the freedom of movement and assembly. However, in Kafira, such freedoms are not extended to the common citizen. When Nina and Doga decide to perform the final burial rites for their son Adika, they are denied by government officials (Mulili and Jere.) Jere says that the ceremony had been canceled in the interest of peace.
The presence of Askari’s in Kafira also creates an imagery of one being watched all the time. The people do not feel safe that is why Regina warns her boyfriend to be careful with what he says or does. Tumbo agrees with what Jusper says but observes that nothing can be done to salvage the situation.
People live in constant fear waiting for the inevitable. Nicodemo and Tumbo find themselves into a rather sticky situation when Kabito is killed. Mulili like a prison warder or a prison brute is ready to tell on them to Boss. Regina too shows unrivaled fear for authority, and like an innocent prisoner filled with guilt, she seeks to beg for her brother’s innocence. It should be noted that it was Regina’s coerced evidence that put Mosese behind bars.
Although Boss’ wife can be looked at as a privileged person, this does not turn out to be the case. When she complains about Boss’ harassment of Regina, she is detained by Boss in the palace.

The fear palpable in Kafira can be explained in Tumbo’s words; “Like caged animals, we move but only inside the cage.” (pg62) It is the fear of losing a life like Adika, Nina, Doga and Kabito and the detention of Mosese, Jere and Mercedes that makes the society of Kafira become a prisoner outside the four walls of the dungeon.  

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