Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o – a giant of African literature – dies aged 87
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, the acclaimed Kenyan author and a significant figure in modern African literature, passed away on May 28, 2025, in the United States after a prolonged illness. He was 87 years old.
His family confirmed the news on social media, with his daughter, Wanjiku, expressing their sorrow and urging people to celebrate her father’s life and contributions to literature. “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o,” she wrote. “He lived a full life and fought a good fight.”
A Life Shaped by Struggle
Born in 1938 during Kenya’s colonial period, Ngũgĩ, originally named James, grew up in Limuru in a family of agricultural laborers. His parents sacrificed to afford his education at a British missionary school. Tragically, upon returning home after a term, he discovered his village burned to the ground as part of a government crackdown against the Mau Mau independence movement.
The Mau Mau uprising of 1952-1960 deeply influenced Ngũgĩ’s life, resulting in personal tragedy when his brother was killed by British soldiers. His experiences contributed to his literary voice, which chronicled Kenya’s struggles for freedom and justice.
A Literary Career
In 1959, Ngũgĩ commenced his studies at Makerere University in Uganda. His debut novel, Weep Not, Child, published in 1964, marked a significant milestone as the first major English-language novel by an East African, earning broad critical acclaim.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1964 | Published Weep Not, Child, first major East African novel in English |
| 1977 | Changed name to Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o and began writing exclusively in Kikuyu |
| 1977 | Imprisoned for 12 months without trial after the government banned his play |
Ngũgĩ’s subsequent works, A Grain of Wheat and The River Between, established him as a preeminent voice in African literature. In a pivotal moment in 1977, he chose to abandon English in favor of writing in Kikuyu, rejecting colonial influences.
Legacy of Activism and Advocacy
Throughout his life, Ngũgĩ emerged as a prominent advocate for literature in African languages. His seminal work, Decolonising the Mind, challenged the dominance of European languages in African literary expression. His powerful views often led to tensions with literary contemporaries, including Chinua Achebe.
Despite enduring personal challenges, including a prolonged health battle and the trauma of political violence, Ngũgĩ’s legacy as one of Africa’s foremost literary figures remains unshakeable. His works have inspired generations and continue to ignite passion for African storytelling.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s departure marks the end of an era, leaving a profound impact on the landscape of African literature. As Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie once noted, he was indeed a guiding light in the literary world.
