Renowned Kenyan Author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o Passes Away at 87
The literary world is mourning the loss of a giant, as Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a celebrated Kenyan author and vocal critic of social injustice, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 87 in Bedford, Georgia. Ngũgĩ’s remarkable life and work left an indelible mark on the world of literature, and his legacy will continue to inspire and challenge readers for generations to come.
Through his extensive body of work, including novels like "The Wizard of the Crow" and "Petals of Blood," as well as memoirs like "Birth of a Dream Weaver," Ngũgĩ chronicled Kenya’s complex history, from British colonialism to the struggles of independence. His writing was not only a testament to his mastery of language but also a courageous exploration of the human condition. As a perennial candidate for the Nobel literature prize, Ngũgĩ’s work was widely acclaimed, and his influence extended far beyond the literary circle.
Simon Kihura, a neighbor and friend of Ngũgĩ, remembered him as a "very kind man" who loved Kenya dearly. "We are very saddened… He was a man who loved his fellow Kenyans and loved this country. May God rest his soul in eternal peace," Kihura said, capturing the sentiments of many who knew and admired Ngũgĩ.
Ngũgĩ’s life was marked by exile, having spent decades abroad after being imprisoned for a year in the 1970s and facing harassment for his criticism of President Daniel Moi’s administration. Despite these challenges, he continued to write and teach, eventually settling in California, where he became a Distinguished Professor of English and Comparative Literature at the University of California, Irvine.
Derek Warker, publicist for Ngũgĩ’s US publisher The New Press, confirmed the author’s passing to The Associated Press. While details of his death are still emerging, it is known that Ngũgĩ had been receiving kidney dialysis treatments.
In Kenya, preparations are underway to receive mourners and visitors at Ngũgĩ’s home in Limuru, where workers were seen trimming fences and clearing bushes. Kenya President William Ruto paid tribute to Ngũgĩ, describing him as "the towering giant of Kenyan letters" whose courage shaped thoughts around social justice and abuse of political power.
As the world bids farewell to this literary icon, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on the world through their words and actions. His unwavering commitment to telling the truth and exploring the complexities of human experience will continue to inspire writers, artists, and thinkers for years to come.
