Renowned Kenyan Author and Activist Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o Passes Away
The literary world is mourning the loss of Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o, a celebrated Kenyan author, and human rights activist. Born in 1938, Ngugi wa Thiong’o was a giant of letters who left an indelible mark on the world of literature. His passing on May 28, 2025, has sent shockwaves across the globe, with Kenya and the literary community coming together to pay tribute to his life and legacy.
I had the privilege of meeting Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o in 2004, when he was recovering from a brutal attack at his home in Nairobi. His wife, Njeeri, had been raped, and he was adamant that the media should report the incident accurately, without downplaying its severity. "My wife was raped, not sexually violated. There was penetration, and you can’t downplay that in your paper," he told me, his words laced with a chilling tone.
As a News Editor at The Standard, Kenya’s oldest newspaper, I was struck by Prof. Ngugi’s courage and conviction. Despite his own trauma, he was determined to speak out against the injustices he and his wife had suffered. His words had a profound impact on me, and I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of respect for this man who had dedicated his life to fighting for justice and human rights.
Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s life was marked by his unwavering commitment to his craft and his people. He was a thorn in the side of oppressive regimes, using his pen to challenge the status quo and give voice to the voiceless. His writings, which included novels like "A Grain of Wheat" and "The River Between," were a testament to his boundless talent and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience.
In his later years, Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o turned to writing in his mother tongue, Agikuyu, as a way of reclaiming his cultural heritage and defying the legacy of colonialism. His book "Decolonising the Mind" is a powerful exploration of the impact of colonialism on African cultures and languages.
As we mourn the passing of this literary icon, we remember his tireless advocacy for social justice, his unwavering commitment to his craft, and his unshakeable optimism in the face of adversity. Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o may be gone, but his legacy will live on, inspiring generations of writers, activists, and freedom fighters to come.
In his own words, "Weep Not, Child." Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o lived his life, conquered his world, and kept tyrants and their agents awake. His passing is a loss, but his memory will continue to inspire and motivate us to fight for a better world. Fare thee well, Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o, your pen may be silent, but your legacy will never be forgotten.
