This study examines the factors responsible for environmental exploitation in Ngugi wa Thiongo’s Matigari. Ecocriticism from the standpoint of Lawrence Buell’s position is used as theoretical framework in this study because it centres on anthropocentric attitudes that are considered inimical for the environment while the interpretive design is adopted for critical analysis. Ngugi’s Matigari is selected because it reflects on ecological concerns and depicts the motif of exploited urbanity and environmental frictions. Through Ngugi’s Matigari, the reader is shown the intricacies and conspiracies that create socio-ecological imbalances in the society. There is a sharp environmental contrast between the exploiters and the exploited which foregrounds the significance and urgency of Ngugi’s intervention. Conspiracies between the privileged locals and the settlers distort and violate environmental harmony in a way that provokes tension inimical to ecological regeneration and social tranquility. The text studied submits that environmental rot is largely man-made. In the novel, Ngugi cautions against activities that are inimical to environmental purity and harmony.