28/05/2025
African literary icon Ngugi wa Thiong’o dies at 87.
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Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
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Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who died aged 87, was a titan of modern African literature – a storyteller who refused to be bound by jail, exile and illness.
His work spanned roughly six decades, primarily documenting the transformation of his country, Kenya, from a colonial subject to a democracy.
His daughter, fellow writer Wanjiku wa Ngugi, confirmed his passing in a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
She said, “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, and fought a good fight. As was his last wish, let’s celebrate his life and work. Rîa ratha na rîa thŭa. Tŭrî aira!
“The family’s spokesperson, Nducu Wa Ngugi, will announce details of his celebration of life soon.”
Born on January 5, 1938, in rural Kenya, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o rose to global prominence for his powerful storytelling, political activism, and commitment to African languages and identity. He authored numerous influential novels, essays, and plays that explored colonialism, post-colonial struggles, cultural heritage, and social justice.
Among his most celebrated works are: Weep Not, Child (1964) – the first English-language novel by a Kenyan author. A Grain of Wheat (1967) – a powerful novel set during Kenya’s independence movement, Petals of Blood (1977) – a fierce critique of corruption in post-independence Kenya and Devil on the Cross (1980) – originally written in Kikuyu as a political act of resistance.
Ngũgĩ’s outspoken criticism of government oppression led to his imprisonment without trial in 1977. After his release, he went into self-imposed exile and continued his literary and academic work abroad.
He taught at top universities including Yale University and the University of California, Irvine, where he served as a Professor of English and Comparative Literature.
Throughout his life, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o remained a staunch advocate for decolonising African literature and elevating indigenous languages in global discourse.
Credit: Solace Base
