Telling the Truth Laughingly: Politics of Francis Imbuga's Drama

Telling the Truth Laughingly is a critical literary study by John Ruganda that provides a detailed analysis of the political plays of renowned Kenyan dramatist Francis Imbuga. Ruganda meticulously examines the theatrical strategies—which he terms the "Dialectics of Transparent Concealment"—Imbuga employs to convey sharp social and political critiques while deftly navigating censorship in an oppressive society. This essential work explores how Imbuga uses humor, distancing, and serio-comic characters to expose issues of post-colonial disillusionment, corruption, and misuse of power in East Africa. For scholars and students, this book is an indispensable guide to understanding Imbuga’s genius and the complex relationship between art and politics.