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Ngugi wa Thiong'o dies at 87
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Celebrated Kenyan author, scholar, and activist Ngugi wa Thiong'o, best known for his landmark novel A Grain of Wheat, has passed away at the age of 87.
A monumental figure in African literature, Ngugi's impact transcended continents, generations, and languages. His family confirmed his death on the evening of Wednesday, 28 May 2025, describing his life as one of resilience, purpose, and unrelenting advocacy.
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o," his daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngũgĩ, wrote in a heartfelt social media post. "As was his last wish, let's celebrate his life and his work. Rîa ratha na rîa thŭa. Tŭrî aira!" - a Gikuyu phrase that loosely translates to "with joy and sorrow. We are proud."
Plans for memorial services and public tributes are expected in the coming days. The family's spokesperson, Nducu wa Ngugi, will release further details regarding his celebration of life.
Born in 1937 in Kamiriithu, Limuru, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's literary and political journey mirrored Kenya's own struggles with colonialism, independence, and the quest for cultural reclamation. A fearless critic of oppression in all its forms, Ngũgĩ was among the first major African writers to deliberately shift from English to indigenous languages, particularly Gikuyu, as a form of cultural and political resistance.
His most acclaimed works, including Petals of Blood, Devil on the Cross, and Decolonising the Mind, explored themes of exploitation, identity, and liberation. Ngũgĩ viewed language as a tool of empowerment and a vital medium through which Africans must reclaim their stories and agency.
Over the decades, Ngũgĩ taught at top universities around the world, received numerous literary honors, and remained a steadfast voice for decolonisation, freedom of expression, and African unity.
His legacy endures in the countless writers, activists, and thinkers he inspired — and in the words that continue to shape the narrative of Africa's past, present, and future.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o is survived by his children and grandchildren.
A monumental figure in African literature, Ngugi's impact transcended continents, generations, and languages. His family confirmed his death on the evening of Wednesday, 28 May 2025, describing his life as one of resilience, purpose, and unrelenting advocacy.
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o," his daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngũgĩ, wrote in a heartfelt social media post. "As was his last wish, let's celebrate his life and his work. Rîa ratha na rîa thŭa. Tŭrî aira!" - a Gikuyu phrase that loosely translates to "with joy and sorrow. We are proud."
Plans for memorial services and public tributes are expected in the coming days. The family's spokesperson, Nducu wa Ngugi, will release further details regarding his celebration of life.
His most acclaimed works, including Petals of Blood, Devil on the Cross, and Decolonising the Mind, explored themes of exploitation, identity, and liberation. Ngũgĩ viewed language as a tool of empowerment and a vital medium through which Africans must reclaim their stories and agency.
Over the decades, Ngũgĩ taught at top universities around the world, received numerous literary honors, and remained a steadfast voice for decolonisation, freedom of expression, and African unity.
His legacy endures in the countless writers, activists, and thinkers he inspired — and in the words that continue to shape the narrative of Africa's past, present, and future.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o is survived by his children and grandchildren.
Source - online
