The portrayal of the dynamics of identity in the selected novels of Henry Rufus Ole Kulet

Abstract

The dynamics of identity in the Maasai community, as depicted in Henry Rufus Ole Kulet's Bandits of Kibi, Daughter of Maa, and Moran No More, are explored in this study. To assess the extent to which the promotion of Western values has shifted Maasai identity and created a dichotomy in Maasai culture, a library study has been used as the research methodology. The research was guided by the post-colonial literary theoretical framework as advanced by Rajeswari Mohan, Edward Said, Bill Ashcroft et al., and Homi K. Bhabha. Post- colonial theory places greater emphasis on the effects of the interaction between indigenous cultures and a Western way of life during colonialism and ongoing imperialism. The interaction produces a hybrid identity marked by uncertainties and a fusion of cultures. The study primarily focuses on the impact of Western values on the Maasai identity. A reduction in their own Maasai cultural identity occurs among the Maasai people who adopt Western cultures. Furthermore, the study highlights the difficulties of achieving the status of Moranhood. The complexity of achieving Moranhood is a result of the traditional criteria for defining Moranhood becoming obsolete in today's Maasai people. Finally, the study demonstrates how the invasion of Western culture into the native Maasai culture leads to a shift in their identity, as Western values continue to erode the Maasai man's masculinity.