Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, the towering Kenyan novelist, playwright, and scholar, passed away on May 28, 2025, at the age of 87 in Atlanta, Georgia. A relentless critic of colonialism and post-independence authoritarianism, Ngũgĩ’s literary and political activism made him one of Africa’s most influential intellectuals. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from world leaders, academics, and readers across the globe.
Global Tributes to a ‘Literary Giant’
Kenyan President William Ruto led national mourning, describing Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o as a “towering figure in African literature” whose work “shaped Kenya’s intellectual and cultural identity.” He noted that Ngũgĩ’s writings challenged both colonial oppression and post-independence injustices, marking him as a “fierce advocate for justice and freedom”.
In the United States, former President Barack Obama praised Ngũgĩ’s ability to tell “a compelling story of how the transformative events of history weigh on individual lives and relationships,” highlighting the global resonance of his narratives.
Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie called Ngũgĩ “a literary ancestor,” acknowledging his profound influence on African writers and his unwavering commitment to linguistic decolonization. She emphasised how his decision to write in Gikuyu inspired many to embrace their native languages in literature.
Academics worldwide have also paid homage. The University of California, Irvine, where Ngũgĩ served as a Distinguished Professor of English and Comparative Literature, released a statement honouring his dedication to language, literature, and social justice. They noted his pivotal role in reshaping African literary studies and his advocacy for indigenous languages.
In Kenya, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula referred to Ngũgĩ as a “mighty voice” whose influence was far-reaching, underscoring his role in inspiring generations to engage critically with their history and culture.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s Life Was Dedicated to Language and Liberation
Born James Ngugi in 1938 in Kamiriithu, near Limuru, Kenya, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s early life was deeply affected by the Mau Mau Uprising. His family endured significant hardships: his half-brother was killed, another brother was shot, and his mother was tortured during the colonial crackdown.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o attended Alliance High School before enrolling at Makerere University College in Uganda, where he published his first short stories and staged his debut play, “The Black Hermit,” at the 1962 African Writers Conference. He later studied at the University of Leeds in England, further honing his literary skills.
His early novels, including “Weep Not, Child” (1964) and “The River Between” (1965), were among the first by an East African writer to be published in English. However, after his imprisonment in 1977 for co-writing the politically charged play “Ngaahika Ndeenda,” Ngũgĩ made a pivotal decision to abandon English in favour of his native Gikuyu language, viewing this shift as essential to decolonising African literature.
During his detention, he authored “Devil on the Cross” on prison-issued toilet paper, a testament to his resilience and commitment to storytelling. Exiled in 1982 due to threats from President Daniel arap Moi’s regime, Ngũgĩ continued his literary and academic work abroad, eventually settling in the United States.
His later works, such as “Wizard of the Crow” (2006), blend satire, folklore, and political critique, solidifying his reputation as a master storyteller and a relentless advocate for social justice. Ngũgĩ’s legacy endures through his writings, which continue to inspire and challenge readers worldwide.
As tributes continue to pour in, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o is remembered not only for his literary genius but also for his unwavering dedication to cultural authenticity and political liberation. His life and work remain a beacon for those striving to understand and transform the postcolonial world. He is a true modern icon of academia.
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