Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o Passed Away at 87 (1938-2025

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, one of African literature's guiding lights, as described by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has passed away at the age of 87.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, one of African literature's guiding lights, as described by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has passed away at the age of 87. His literary journey chronicled Kenya's evolution from the colonial rule period to independence, thereby positioning him as a figure who unhesitatingly challenged the politicking in the country.

Beyond his storytelling, Ngũgĩ was a staunch advocate for writing in native African languages. He decried the colonial influence, asking, "What is the difference between a politician who says Africa cannot do without imperialism and the writer who says Africa cannot do without European languages?"

Born in 1938, Ngũgĩ experienced firsthand the brutalities of British rule. His village was destroyed during the Mau Mau uprising, and his brother, Gitogo, was tragically shot by a colonial officer. These tragedies deeply influenced his writings and his quest for change.

“We must be careful with the vocabulary that defines us … to not internalise the negativity.”

Notable Works

Weep Not, Child (1964); The River Between (1965); A Grain of Wheat (1967); Petals of Blood (1977); Matigari ma Njiruungi (1986); Mũrogi wa Kagogo (Wizard of the Crow, 2006)