What are the motifs in Petals of Blood by Ngugi wa Thiong'o?

A recurring idea involves the struggles of the freedom fighters, many of whom gave up their lives to achieve independence, or Uhuru, for Kenya. The village elder Nyakinyua recounts her husband's exploits and his proud refusal to be humiliated by the British. Karega's brother, Nding'uri, gave up his life for the cause as a Mau Mau rebel. And Abdullah, who has lost his leg during the resistance, is a reminder of the sacrifices made by the common people in the struggle for freedom from colonial rule.