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Professor Ngugi wa Thiong’o teaches at UC Irvine in Southern California. He is very sharp, articulate, and his sense of humor is out of this world. Spent time with him on the 13th, and here are my 13 takeaways.
1. He pointed out remarkable attributes of Professor Micere Mugo, portraying her as a combination of beauty, intelligence, and eloquence. She truly encompassed a well-rounded persona. And when she stood on stage to dramatize the play “Trial of Dedan Kimathi,” she was simply marvelous.
2. He laughed at "colonialism embedded in Patriarchy. He explained, for example, how some (married) women hide their given names and adopt foreign names along with their husband's surname. For instance, Eunice W. Mwangi might opt to be known only as Eunice (the colonial name) or Mwangi (the husband's name with patriarchal connotations) and hide Waitherero (W). This act, in a way, reflects a submission to the husband's authority and the traditional role he envisions for women. “Nikiii marakunîkîra rîtwa ithaka” he wondered.
3. He expressed the notion that a society is as great as the prevailing music and religion. Sadly, today’s church is no longer interested in welfare of the masses like “Kanitha wa Karing’a” of yesteryears. We reminisced on good ol’ music, listening to Kamaru and also explored Makibi James' music.
4. He emphasized the universal truth that no matter the extent of one's education, there will always be gaps in knowledge. Even if you hold ten degrees, encountering a broken lock would require seeking help from someone who possesses the necessary skills, often without any formal degrees.
5. His face lit up remembering Professor Micere Mugo. He highlighted her quick thinking, recounting how she declined an offer of about 30 acres of land from Moi. This created an ideological schism between her and her brother in law.
6. He touched on the concept he referred to as "normalizing the abnormality." It's that situation where what is weird in normal circumstances is mainstreamed and considered “woke.” For example, someone transitions from their rural roots (Assume Kîamûtûgû) to Nairobi, secures a job, and as soon as
they don a suit and polish their English, they disconnect from their mother tongue and soon start thinking their grandparents are less knowledgeable because they don’t speak that kind of English. Another example is where less qualified or tainted people are given the mandate to lead, which is actually an abnormality. But we have normalized it.
7. He wondered how in the name of Kaimosi I got the name “Mukurima” in a society that glorifies foreign names. îî weee
8. The professor got some dance moves. I told him we have to go head to head soon. He laughed. I laughed. Man, I have to represent the Njaangai warriors who could move like contortionists.
9. He expressed his admiration for Carey Baraka's recent article in The Guardian. He wants readers, especially men, to prioritize their health and undergo regular check-ups: He appreciated how the article shed light on his prostate cancer, a hidden disease affecting many African men and misattributed to supernatural causes by society. “nîararogiro” people say, yet it’s prostrate cancer doing a number on the body.
10. The professor maintains a stance of not harboring personal hatred or disdain for anyone, including figures like Moi. His strong aversion is directed towards ideologies that dehumanize individuals.
Isitoshe,
12. From Makibi’s lyrics in the song “Ngûhe Kîrîra,” Mîciî nî ndogo..
13. We both share a love for “kamûkimo ka minji”.
May the day break.
English
