Bearing the Weight of Neocolonialism: Ngugi wa Thiong'o's Critique in Devil on the Cross Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o (born 1938) is a towering figure in African literature and a relentless advocate for cultural liberation. Born in colonial Kenya, his upbringing exposed him firsthand to the effects of British rule and the subsequent challenges of post-colonial nationhood. Thiong'o's unwavering commitment to African languages, particularly his native Gikuyu, stems from his belief that language is not merely a communication tool but a cornerstone of cultural identity and resistance against linguistic imperialism. This philosophy, coupled with his experiences of political imprisonment for his critical plays, profoundly shaped his literary vision. Devil on the Cross (1982), written during Thiong'o's exile, stands as a powerful critique of post-colonial Kenya. It moves beyond the euphoria of independence to expose the insidious grip of neocolonialism, capitalism, and socia...