Matigari
Matigari is the protagonist of the story. His full name, Matigari ma Njiruungi, literally means "the patriots who survived the bullets," referencing Matigari's history as a legendary fighter against imperialism. Committed to peace after destroying his oppressor, Settler Williams, Matigari buries his weapons. At some points, Matigari is described as an old man wearing rags, and he claims to have been alive for hundreds of years. However, when he musters to courage to face the new oppressors, his face appears young again. Matigari believes in communist and anti-colonial principles, arguing that the products of labor belong to the laborers.
As he searches for truth and justice, stories about him spread throughout the country, growing wild and surreal.
In the end, however, Matigari realizes that a peaceful revolution is impossible because the oppressors cannot be stopped with words and reason. He then decides to dig up his weapons and fight for his country with violence. This leads to his likely death, but his ideas live on in the minds of the people.
Mũriũki
Mũriũki is a poor orphan boy who lives in a scrapyard, sheltering in the wreck of a Mercedes-Benz. After Matigari saves him, Mũriũki becomes Matigari's loyal companion. He demonstrates his exceptional bravery when he rescues Matigari from prison and later from the mental asylum. In the end, he is the only one who survives the manhunt for Matigari. Mũriũki digs up Matigari's weapons and vows to continue fighting for his cause.
Ngarũro wa Kĩrĩro
Ngarũro wa Kĩrĩro is a factory worker and strike leader. He saves Matigari from the scrapyard children before returning to organize a workers' strike, demanding better conditions and higher salaries. He speaks against the Minister for Truth and Justice and is brought to a mental asylum. Shortly after having escaped from the asylum, he is killed by the police.
Gũthera
Gũthera is an exceptionally beautiful woman who became a sex worker after her father was executed by the police during the revolution. She appears confident and flirtatious and refuses to sleep with police officers, though they harass her. After Matigari intervenes on her behalf against the police, she helps Matigari find his people and even has sex with a police officer to help Matigari escape prison. Gũthera is passionate about avenging her father and helping liberate all women. During the final manhunt, she is shot and falls into the river with Matigari.
The Minister for Truth and Justice
The Minister for Truth and Justice is the face of the ruling party. A born loyalist to the British crown, he suppresses strikes and protests and hosts a radio show, spreading propaganda and misinformation. Though he exploits and kills people, he is presented as an incompetent buffon and a hypocrite.
Howard ("Settler") Williams
Howard Williams, whom Matigari calls "Settler Williams," was a European colonist who exploited Matigari. Settler Williams owned a massive plantation and forced Matigari to build him a mansion, among other labor-intensive jobs. Settler Williams mistreated and underpaid Matigari, compelling Matigari to use violence to claim Settler Williams's house. The two men chased each other through the wilderness for decades until Settler Williams eventually died. Settler Williams's son, Robert Williams, inherited his father's businesses.
John Boy
John Boy was Settler Williams's servant. Though one of Matigari's countrymen who suffered racism and oppression, John Boy sided with the colonists for personal and financial gain. John Boy defended Settler Williams from Matigari and joined the manhunt for Matigari before being killed. John Boy's son, John Boy Junior, was sent to elite British schools and inherited Settler Williams's mansion.
Robert Williams
Robert Williams is Howard Williams's son and co-owner of Anglo-American Leather and Plastics factory. He also serves on numerous boards and associations, such as the Anglo-American International Conglomerate of Insurance, the Agribusiness Co-ordinating International Organization, and the Bankers International Union. Like his father, Robert exploits workers for financial gain and attempts to destroy and discredit Matigari.
John Boy Junior
John Boy Junior is John Boy's son. After the local community raised money for his education, John Boy studied at numerous prestigious universities abroad, yet returned home and oppressed workers for financial gain. John Boy Junior is a loyalist, a capitalist, and an individualist. Along with Robert Williams, he attempts to destroy Matigari and suppress the influence of his political ideas.
The Priest
The priest is a Christian leader who is loyal to the government. When Matigari comes to him seeking truth and justice, the priest encourages him to accept exploitative social conditions, as His Excellency Ole Excellence and The Minister for Truth and Justice claim to be Christians. The priest does not engage in any charitable works, instead hosting masses and moralizing to downtrodden workers.
Gĩcerũ (The Hood of Truth and Justice)
Gĩcerũ is an inmate with Matigari who spies for the government. Wearing a white hood reminiscent of the Ku Klux Klan, Gĩcerũ sells out Matigari and the other prisoners.
