Kifo Kisimani by Kithaka wa Mberia

Call Number: 896.392 K649k 

UIUC Library Catalogue: https://go.library.illinois.edu/Kifo

Kifo Kisimani, a Kenyan Swahili play, is set in the fictional country of Butangi. This setting is a backdrop for exploring themes such as corruption, dictatorship, political detentions, and resistance. The play vividly portrays how political leaders, through their misuse of power, siphon funds, and resource mismanagement, reflect the prevalent state of many African governments at the time. It also brings to light the struggles of those who dare to challenge such leadership, often facing oppression and even death at the hands of the authorities.

Mashetani Wamerudi  by Ebrahim N. Hussein

ISBN: 978996570321

UIUC Library Catalogue: https://go.library.illinois.edu/mashetani

Mashetani (Devils) was written in 1971 by Tanzanian playwright Ebrahim Hussein. The play, set in Tanzania shortly after the country's political independence, provides a unique lens into the societal changes and challenges accompanying this period. The play's narrative is deeply intertwined with the political landscape of the time, which is crucial to understanding the characters' motivations and actions. The play centers around the relationship between Juma and Kitaru, who navigate this new political reality. The play is four acts with some absurdist elements, including a play within the play and a dream sequence. Hussein also adds descriptions in the stage directions, giving the play a more abstract, surreal impression. In Swahili, shetani (singular) is the word for an East African spirit. These spirits are primarily evil and appear as distorted figures.

Mstahiki Meya by Timothy Arege

ISBN 9789966773531

UIUC Library Catalogue: https://go.library.illinois.edu/meya

Mstahiki Meya loosely translates to his lordship, the mayor. The play delves into themes such as corruption, poor governance and leadership, and the use of the police force by those in authority to silence those who oppose power. For instance, we witness cases of embezzlement and bribery within the government, highlighting the rampant corruption. This further shows how religious institutions and their leadership have also been corrupted to be part of the governments that perpetrate crimes against humanity. Additionally, we see how workers use demonstrations to make their voices heard by those in power, a clear sign of poor governance. Through characters like Bili, we know how those around them mislead those in authority, contributing to the theme of corruption. 

Aliyeonja Pepo by Farouk Topan 

Call Number: 896.392 T63A

UIUC Library Website: https://go.library.illinois.edu/pepo

Aliyeonja Pepo, or The one who has Tasted Heaven, is a Swahili play by Farouk Topan that probes into the role of religion in the modern world. The play's preface zeroes in on Topan's secularist beliefs , which are are also explicitly stated within the play. The play is set in heaven, a realm of extraordinary nature, overseen by bureaucratic angels whose whose work is typically flawless. However, a severe mistake occurred this time leading to a dramatic mix-up in the lives and deaths of Juma Hamisi, a fishmonger from Bagamoyo, and John Houghton, a barkeeper from Bournemouth. John, who was meant to pass away, is still alive, while Juma, who still has a year to live is basking in the luxuries of Heaven. This sets the stage for a gripping conflict: will the angels restore order, or will chaos reign under the devils influence? The play's preface focuses on Topans secularist beliefs and explicitly state those beliefs. 

Ningekuwa na Uwezo by Katama Mkangi 

ISBN 978 019 573475 1

UIUC Library Catalogue: https://go.library.illinois.edu/uwezo

Katama Mkangi, a celebrated Swahili author, has significantly influenced Swahili Literature. Ningekuwa na Uwezo's play is a profound exploration of African leadership and politics. The play's exploration of these themes is thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating, engaging the reader's mind: What changes would you make in your environment if given the opportunity? How would you implement these changes? Where would you begin? The play also delves into the awakening of an African individual who lacks self-belief, prompting us to consider who should facilitate this awakening and where this individual might be found. 

Kilio cha Haki by Alamin Mazrui

ISBN: 0582628253

UIUC Library Catalogue: https://go.library.illinois.edu/kilio

Kilio Cha Haki, a Kenyan Swahili play authored by Dr. Alamin Ali Mazrui and published by Longhorn Publishers in 1981, is a work of profound significance. The title, 'a cry for justice' in English, is a gateway to a narrative exploring repression, politics, and the heroism of a woman and her compatriots in Kenya. The play also delves into corruption, ignorance, dictatorship, and poor governance. This seminal work is widely acknowledged for its transformative impact on how people perceive leadership.

Bembea ya Maisha by Timothy M. Arege

ISBN: 978-9966-1945-3-4

UIUC Library Catalogue: https://go.library.illinois.edu/Bembea

Timothy M. Arege, an accomplished Swahili Literature author, has published various literary works, including plays, novels, and short stories. Bembea ya Maisha, a well-crafted Swahili play (Tamthilia), poignantly reflects the realities of life in African communities. The play's exploration of themes such as family, marriage, community relations, and tensions resonates deeply with life in African communities. The play also gives hope through themes such as cooperation and collaboration, faith, hope, and love.  The play creatively delivers its intended message through well-drawn characters Sara and Bunju.

Nyota ya Tom Mboya by Emmanuel Mbogo 

ISBN: 978-9987-777-05-1

UIUC Library Catalogue: https://go.library.illinois.edu/nyota

Prof. Emmanuel Mbogo is an author who has long written several Swahili plays, novels, and short stories. His famous works include Giza Limeingia, Tone la Mwisho, Watoto Wetu, and Mizungu ya Manabii, among other exciting reads. Nyota ya Tom Mboya is a historical play that focuses on the Late Thomas Joseph Mboya's abilities and potential to bring positive change and development to all Kenyans. Despite the ups and downs of ethnic politics, Tom Mboya was well-received and accepted by all the voters in his constituency. Mboya was also well-versed in global and continental politics. He was, however, assassinated on May 7th, 1969, cutting short not only his dreams and aspirations but also the hopes of those who elected him.