29/05/2025
We have learnt with sadness about the death of Kenya's beloved teacher, writer, playwright, and public intellectual, Prof Ngugi wa Thiong'o. The towering giant of Kenyan letters has put down his pen for the final time.
Always courageous, he made an indelible impact on how we think about our independence, social justice as well as the uses and abuses of political and economic power.
In his bold and creative career, Prof Thiong'o showed us how to make contributions that cannot be ignored and speak in ways that both supporters and opponents cannot ignore.
His patriotism is undeniable, and even those who disagree with him will admit that Prof Thiong'o's discourse always sprang forth from a deep and earnest quest for truth and understanding, devoid of malice, hatred or contempt.
Many Kenyans cannot remember a time when we were not united in the hope that Prof Thiong'o would finally receive the Nobel Prize for Literature, which we all felt he more than deserved.
Be that as it may, he will always remain the champion of literary emancipation and innovation in our hearts and minds.
May his family find peace and comfort in this period of mourning, and may Prof Thiong'o rest in eternal peace.
