UGALI AND UBUNTU: A CULINARY JOURNEY THROUGH BELONGING IN THE SELECT WORKS OF NGUGI WA THIONGO

Abstract

Ubuntu emphasises the value of interpersonal relationships, group accountability, and interdependence. Ubuntu essentially represents the ideas that a person's identity is shaped by their relationships with other people and that a community's health is a prerequisite for a person's personal health. It is a tenet that fosters compassion, empathy, and teamwork in order to advance social cohesiveness and peace. Ubuntu is a prominent African philosophical idea that has received international popularity, especially in relation to debates over social fairness, leadership, and how to resolve conflicts. Ngugi wa Thiong'o explores deep themes of identity, community, and belonging in her chosen works by deftly combining the ideas of Ugali and Ubuntu. A common dish in many African cultures, ugali signifies more than just sustenance, it is a symbol of community, nourishment, and the shared experiences of meals spent together. The African ideology of Ubuntu, which states, "I am because we are," emphasises the interconnectedness and shared humanity of communities. This culinary tradition symbolises this principle. In the context of Kenya's sociopolitical environment, Ngugi's stories explore the lives of people who struggle with colonial tyranny, cultural upheaval, and the desire for autonomy. Ngugi highlights the value of community values and solidarity as crucial for overcoming adversity and restoring cultural identity through his moving stories.