Abstract
This paper interrogates the effects of colonialism on the African ecology in Wangari Maathai's memoir Unbowed. Through a critical ecocritical lens, it explores how colonialism has led to the dislocation and despoliation of cultures, indigenous ecosystems, and communities in Kenya. The analysis reveals how Maathai's narrative resists the colonial legacy of environmental degradation, cultural erasure, and ecological exploitation, while promoting a vision of ecological sustainability, social justice, and indigenous self-determination. By interrogating the dynamics of colonized ecology, this paper highlights the importance of decolonizing environmentalism and recognizing the agency and knowledge of indigenous communities in shaping their own ecological futures. The study concludes that Maathai strongly kicks against the ecological dislocation, exploitation and other ecological practices that do no adhere to international required standards. Humans must satisfy their basic needs, but how these needs are met become her primary concern. It becomes pertinent for humanity to strike a balance between satisfying their basic needs and unrestricted exploitation of the environment.
Keywords: Colonialism, Ecology, Ecocriticism, Despoliation, Maathai