Remembering Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: A Literary Giant
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a towering figure in African literature and thought, has passed away at the age of 87. The news of his death was confirmed by his family on Wednesday, 28th May 2025, in the United States.
In a poignant Facebook post, his daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngũgĩ, shared the sad news: “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. Rîa ratha na rîa thŭa. Tŭrî aira!”
Further details about the celebration of his life will be shared by family spokesperson Nducu Wa Ngugi in the coming days.
A Literary Legacy
Born on 5th January 1938 in Kamiriithu, near Limuru in Kenya, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o leaves behind a legacy as a writer, scholar, and advocate for decolonisation. His literary journey began with impactful novels such as Weep Not, Child, The River Between, and A Grain of Wheat, exploring Kenya’s history through colonialism and independence.
Despite facing imprisonment by the Kenyan government for his play Ngaahika Ndeenda, Ngũgĩ continued to write and champion African languages. His works, including Devil on the Cross and Wizard of the Crow, highlighted the importance of decolonising minds and systems.
A Champion of African Languages
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s commitment to African languages and decolonisation was unwavering. His final book, Decolonising Language and Other Revolutionary Ideas, released this year, emphasized the power of mother tongues and the need to embrace them alongside global languages.
His Gikuyu mythological epic, Kenda Muiyuru (The Perfect Nine), was longlisted for the International Booker Prize in 2021, showcasing his continued creativity and relevance in the literary world.
A Lasting Legacy
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o is survived by his children and grandchildren, who carry on his legacy in literature, academia, and activism. His contributions to African literature and the fight for decolonisation will continue to inspire generations to come.
