Petals of Blood

by

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o

Akinyi is a factory working at Theng’eta Breweries and a member of the workers’ movement Karega has helped organize. When the police arrest Karega after the murders of Kimeria, Mzigo, and Chui, Akinyi alerts the other workers; subsequently, she visits Karega at the jail with a message from the workers: they will continue striking and fighting for justice. She also hints that Ilmorog’s corrupt MP Nderi wa Riera has been assassinated. Her message gives Karega new hope and resolve to struggle against oppression; as such, Akinyi represents the resilience of Kenyan workers and workers in general.
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Akinyi Character Timeline in Petals of Blood

The timeline below shows where the character Akinyi appears in Petals of Blood. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 1
Colonialism and Capitalism Theme Icon
...other union members and whether the forbidden strike will occur, is driven to the station. Akinyi, seeing a car drive away from Karega’s house, goes to his door and finds it... (full context)
Chapter 13
Colonialism and Capitalism Theme Icon
Outside, Karega sees through barbed wire a girl who introduces herself as Akinyi. She works in the Theng’eta factory. She says the other workers sent her to tell... (full context)
Colonialism and Capitalism Theme Icon
Religion, Hypocrisy, and Delusion Theme Icon
When Akinyi asks what’s going to happen to Karega, he tells her they’re going to hold him.... (full context)