Mugumo fig trees
In Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s stories, Mugumo fig trees are places of worship and symbolize the presence of the gods and the spirits of the ancestors, as the tree has survived many generations because of its long lifespan.
White
In “Gone with the Drought,” white represents death as it symbolizes the color of barren land. Even people are described as turning "white and mad" during the drought.
Nairobi
In several of Ngugi’s short stories, Nairobi represents the key to prosperity as many of his characters leave their villages behind to start a better life in the Kenyan capital.
The cry of the night bird
In “The Martyr,” Njoroge hears “the cry of the night bird, this time louder than ever” while plotting to kill Mrs. Hill. The narrator explains that the cry is “a bad omen. It always portended death.”
Honia river
The Honia river provides vital water for the population along its banks, and it is therefore seen as a symbol of prosperity. At the same time, it seems to have supernatural powers associated with it and also represents cleansing in a spiritual sense. For example, in “The Return,” Kamau throws his bundle into the river in an attempt to erase his past.
