By Phyllis Mwende
Kenya is mourning the loss of its celebrated author and intellectual, Prof. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who died at the age of 87 in Buford, Georgia, USA, on May 28, 2025.
President William Ruto expressed his condolences, stating, “I have learnt with sadness about the death of Kenya’s beloved teacher, writer, playwright, and public intellectual, Prof Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o. The towering giant of Kenyan letters has put down his pen for the final time.”
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki mourned him as one of Kenya’s finest public intellectuals who was admired by many across the globe, and those who disagreed with his views respected him.
“Profoundly sad to learn of the demise of the distinguished Prof. Ngugi Wa Thiong’o…The world’s academia is left very much the poorer without this great son of Kenya,” expressed the DP.
Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi mourned him as a true trailblazer, who has left a legacy so profound that will be difficult for any to match.
“Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o stands tall as one of the most distinguished literary giants ever to emerge from Kenya, and indeed, East Africa. Through timeless works like The River Between, Petals of Blood, and A Grain of Wheat, he illuminated the soul of a nation, challenged the status quo, and gave voice to generations. His pen stirred thought, provoked dialogue, and shaped the landscape of African literature. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the PCS condoled.
“The passing on of Prof. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o has orphaned Africa; we, the students of literature, have borne it all,” Rigathi Gachagua mourned.
Ngũgĩ’s literary journey began with his debut novel, Weep Not, Child (1964), the first major English novel by an East African. He later chose to write in his native Gikuyu language to promote African linguistic identity, producing works like Devil on the Cross and Matigari.
In 1977, his politically charged play led to his imprisonment, after which he went into exile in 1982. Despite challenges, including a politically motivated attack upon his return to Kenya in 2004, Ngũgĩ remained a steadfast advocate for African languages and cultures.
Throughout his career, Ngũgĩ received international acclaim, including a nomination for the International Booker Prize in 2021 for The Perfect Nine. His works, such as Decolonising the Mind, continue to influence discussions on language and identity in post-colonial Africa.
Ngũgĩ’s children remain to honour his memory, several of whom have followed in his literary footsteps. His legacy endures through his profound contributions to literature and his unwavering commitment to cultural sovereignty.