After decades of British rule Kenya has declared its independence, but drought and poor harvests still govern the village of Ilmorog. Undeterred by nature, Munira, Karega, Wanja, and Abdulla, move to Ilmorog in search of a more provincial life, only to find themselves suspects in a crime that signals a sign of the times. 

A modern classic of African literature, Ngugi wa Thiong'o's damning satire of politics and corruption in Kenya would prove the catalyst for his imprisonment by the Kenyan government.