Last week, Too Early for Birds (TEFB) staged the much-anticipated re-run of its Tom Mboya edition, a production that has become a staple in Kenyan theatre since its debut in 2019.
The show brought the late Tom Mboya’s story to life with fresh, dynamic details, weaving together the complexities of his legacy—the good, the bad, and the hauntingly tragic.
Mboya’s tale is one of patriotism and a nation grappling with the ghosts of its past.
Through the gripping narrative, the audience was transported to a pivotal era in Kenya’s history, one fraught with grief, nostalgia, and unresolved questions.
Yet, this wasn’t just a history lesson; it was a call to action, a mirror reflecting our shared identity and the unspoken weight of the sacrifices that shaped our nation.
True to TEFB’s bold style, the show peppered its storytelling with sharp political innuendos, frequently teasing the audience into taking part.
The musical choices were equally profound—merging arbantone hits, early 2000s pop, and stirring patriotic anthems that underscored the emotional arc of Mboya’s life and death.
The experience was nothing short of transformative as an air of patriotism engulfed the theatre, connecting the audience to the country’s history.
The cast masterfully captured Mboya’s journey as one of the country’s youngest leaders whose triumphs are unforgettable despite a political career characterised by political obstruction.
The production wasn’t shy about addressing lingering mysteries surrounding Mboya’s assassination and in true TEFB fashion, they teased conspiracy enthusiasts (dubbed those with “sanpaku eyes”), posing questions that left the audience pondering long after the curtains fell.
A particularly admirable aspect was the inclusion of a sign language interpreter, a testament to the show’s dedication to inclusivity.
Despite a brief setback when the amphitheatre roof caved in during Sunday’s show—a moment humorously interpreted by fans as a sign of the production’s destined comeback—the re-run was an undeniable success.
Social media buzz has kept the spirit of the show alive, with many eagerly anticipating its return next year.
TEFB’s Tom Mboya edition is more than a theatrical masterpiece; it’s a cultural phenomenon, scratching at our conscience and urging us not to forget the stories that define us.
