By Jones Gadama

Renowned Kenyan author and academic Ngugi wa Thiong’o has passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shape the literary world for generations to come. His daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngugi, announced his passing on Facebook, writing, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o this Wednesday morning, 28th May 2025. He lived a full life, fought a good fight. As was his last wish, let’s celebrate his life and his work”.

Ngugi wa Thiong’o was a celebrated author, playwright, and essayist, known for his uncompromising stance on language, culture, and post-colonial identity. Born on January 5, 1938, in Kamiriithu, Kenya, Ngugi wa Thiong’o rose to prominence with his early novels, including “Weep Not, Child” (1964) and “The River Between” (1965), which explored themes of colonialism, nationalism, and identity.

Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s writing career spanned over five decades, during which he penned numerous novels, plays, and essays that challenged the status quo and inspired a generation of writers and thinkers.

His notable works include “Weep Not, Child”, “The River Between”, “A Grain of Wheat” (1967), “Petals of Blood” (1977), “Devil on the Cross” (1980), and “Matigari” (1987).

Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s commitment to writing in his native Gikuyu language was a defining aspect of his career. He believed that African writers should express themselves in their native languages, rather than European languages, to build authentic African literature. This conviction led him to translate some of his works into English, making them accessible to a broader audience.

Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s life was marked by periods of exile and activism. In 1977, he was imprisoned for over a year for his play “Ngaahika Ndeenda”, which was deemed a threat to the Kenyan government.

His experiences in prison inspired some of his most powerful works, including “Devil on the Cross”. After his release, he was forced into exile, living in England and the United States, where he continued to write and teach.

Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s passing has drawn tributes from across the literary world. Kenyan leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, have praised his contributions to literature and African identity. International organizations, such as Amnesty International, have also paid tribute to his work, describing him as a “literary teacher” whose influence extends far beyond Kenya.

As the literary world mourns the loss of this giant, his daughter Wanjiku wa Ngugi’s words serve as a reminder to celebrate his life and work.

Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of writers, thinkers, and activists, ensuring that his impact on literature and African identity will be felt for years to come.