Renowned Kenyan Author Ngugi wa Thiong’o Passes Away, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Literary Excellence and Activism
The literary world is mourning the loss of Ngugi wa Thiong’o, one of East Africa’s most celebrated authors, who passed away on Wednesday. His daughter, Wanjiku Wa Ngugi, announced the news on Facebook, saying, "He lived a full life, fought a good fight." Ngugi wa Thiong’o was a towering figure in Kenyan literature, known for his powerful writings on post-colonial identity, social justice, and the struggles of the working class.
Born in 1938 in Kamiriithu, near Nairobi, Ngugi grew up under British colonial rule and witnessed the Mau Mau struggle for independence. His experiences shaped his writing, which often critiqued colonialism and the elites who inherited its privileges. His notable works include "Weep Not, Child," "A Grain of Wheat," and "The River Between," which reflected his commitment to social justice and political empowerment.
Ngugi’s decision to stop writing in English and switch to his native Kikuyu language made him a symbol of post-colonial African identity. His book "Decolonising the Mind" (1986) analyzed the role of language in shaping national culture and identity, and he argued that the imposition of European languages was a form of "mental enslavement." This radical choice to write in Kikuyu was a testament to his dedication to promoting African languages and cultures.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe, with Kenya’s President William Ruto describing Ngugi as "the towering giant of Kenyan letters" who has "put down his pen for the final time." Amnesty International’s Kenya branch praised Ngugi as a "freedom writer" who had "already earned his place in Kenyan history" and would "transition from mortality to immortality."
Ngugi’s life was not without controversy, however. In 2024, his son, Mũkoma wa Ngũgĩ, accused him of physically abusing his mother, Ngũgĩ’s former wife, the late Nyambura. The allegations sparked a heated debate about the complexities of power and abuse, with some arguing that even powerful men like Ngugi wa Thiong’o can be abusers.
Despite the controversies, Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s legacy as a literary giant and a champion of social justice remains unparalleled. His commitment to economic emancipation and the empowerment of marginalized communities continues to inspire writers, activists, and scholars around the world. As he once said, "I am committed to campaigning for the economic emancipation of the working classes… For me, it is the only path to a more just world." Ngugi wa Thiong’o may be gone, but his words and ideas will continue to shape the literary and social landscape of Africa and beyond.
