Nairobi, Kenya| The literary world mourns the loss of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, the celebrated Kenyan novelist, playwright, and scholar, who passed away at the age of 87 on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
His daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngugi, herself an author, announced his passing on Facebook, stating, “He lived a full life, fought a good fight. As was his last wish, let’s celebrate his life and his work.”
Ngũgĩ’s death marks the end of an era for African literature, but his towering legacy as a fearless advocate for cultural liberation, decolonization, and the reclamation of African identity will endure for generations.
A Literary Titan and Cultural Revolutionary
Born James Ngugi in Kamirithu, Kenya, in 1938, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o rose from humble beginnings to become one of Africa’s most influential literary figures.
His early works, written under his colonial name, include Weep Not, Child (1964), the first novel in English by an East African author, and The River Between (1965), both of which explored the devastating effects of British colonialism on Kenyan communities.
These novels, alongside A Grain of Wheat (1967), became staples in African literature curricula, resonating with high school students and scholars alike for their poignant examination of identity, resistance, and cultural fracture.
In the late 1960s, Ngũgĩ made a radical decision to reject his English name and embrace his Gikuyu heritage, adopting the name Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o. This act was more than symbolic—it was a rejection of cultural appropriation yo fit into the eurocentric views.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s family confirmed his passing through a heartfelt statement by his daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngugi, on Facebook.
The statement read, It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, this Wednesday morning, 28th May 2025. Rîa ratha na rîa thŭa. Tŭrî aira!” (Every sun that rises must set. We are strong!). The family’s spokesperson, Nducu wa Ngugi, will provide further details about a celebration of his life in the coming days.
Tributes Pour In
Leaders and literary figures across Kenya and beyond paid tribute to Ngũgĩ’s monumental contributions. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir described him as “a towering figure in African literature and an unrelenting advocate for cultural liberation.”
In a moving statement, Nassir noted, “His pen was mightier than the sword, and through it, he awakened generations to the richness of African identity, history, and language.”
He extended condolences on behalf of the people and County Government of Mombasa, emphasizing that Ngũgĩ’s words “will live on forever.”
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga also expressed deep sorrow, recalling a 2019 encounter with Ngũgĩ during the launch of his Gikuyu books and the unveiling of statues honoring liberation hero Dedan Kimathi and Nelson Mandela at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.
“In the books you wrote, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o will live forever. In our memories of you, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o will live forever,” Kahiga said, echoing Ngũgĩ’s own words: Rìrì kùratha no rìrì thùa (Every sun that rises must set).
A Life of Courage and Conviction
Ngũgĩ’s journey was not without hardship. His outspoken criticism of colonial legacies and his adoption of Fanonist Marxism led to his imprisonment by British colonial authorities in Kenya.
Later, during Kenya’s post-independence era, his play Ngahika Ndeenda (I Will Marry When I Want), co-authored with Ngũgĩ wa Mĩriĩ, provoked the ire of the Kenyan government for its critique of neocolonialism and social inequality. The play’s performance in Gikuyu led to his detention without trial in 1977 under the regime of President Daniel arap Moi.
Forced into exile in 1982, Ngũgĩ continued his work from abroad, teaching at prestigious institutions like Yale, New York University, and the University of California, Irvine, while producing seminal works like Decolonising the Mind (1986), a manifesto on the politics of language and culture.
A Lasting Legacy
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s contributions extend beyond literature. He was a trailblazer in advocating for African languages in creative expression, challenging the dominance of colonial languages like English.
His later works, including the epic Mũrogi wa Kagogo (Wizard of the Crow, 2006), blended satire, magical realism, and political critique, cementing his reputation as a visionary storyteller.
His numerous accolades, including the Nonino International Prize, the Catalonia International Prize, and multiple nominations for the Nobel Prize in Literature, underscore his global impact.
Ngũgĩ’s influence is felt in classrooms, literary circles, and cultural movements worldwide. His insistence on centering African worldviews and languages reshaped global intellectual discourse, inspiring writers, scholars, and activists to reclaim their narratives.
As tributes continue to pour in, Ngũgĩ’s words remain a beacon for those seeking to understand and celebrate the richness of African identity.
Celebrating a Life Well-Lived
In line with his daughter’s call to celebrate his life, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s passing is not only a moment of loss but also an opportunity to reflect on his extraordinary contributions.
His family has promised further details about memorial plans, and the literary community is already organizing events to honor his legacy.
From the hills of Kamirithu to the global stage, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s voice will continue to echo, urging future generations to write, think, and live authentically.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his words inspire forever.
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