Kenyan literary giant and globally acclaimed author, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the age of 87.
His death was announced by his daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngugi, in a heartfelt Facebook post that paid tribute to his remarkable life and enduring legacy.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, this Wednesday morning, 28th May 2025. He lived a full life and fought a good fight. As was his last wish, let’s celebrate his life and work.
“The family’s spokesperson, Nducu wa Ngugi, will announce details of his celebration of life soon,” she wrote.
Born on January 5, 1938, in the heart of rural Kenya, Ngũgĩ emerged as one of Africa’s most influential literary voices, revered not only for his storytelling prowess but also for his unyielding commitment to cultural identity, social justice, and the empowerment of African languages.
Through groundbreaking works such as Weep Not, Child, The River Between, Petals of Blood, and A Grain of Wheat, he painted vivid portraits of colonialism and its aftermath, stirring consciousness across generations.
Ngũgĩ’s life was marked by both triumph and turbulence. In 1977, his critique of government repression led to his detention without trial.
Following his release, he entered a long period of self-imposed exile, continuing his work abroad while remaining a vocal champion of freedom and justice.
A respected academic, he held teaching positions at prestigious institutions including Yale University and the University of California, Irvine, where he served as a Professor of English and Comparative Literature.
Beyond his literary accomplishments, Ngũgĩ was a passionate advocate for the decolonisation of African literature and the elevation of indigenous languages on the global stage, a cause that defined his life’s mission.
As tributes pour in from across the world, his family prepares to honour a man whose words, wisdom, and unwavering spirit shaped not just African literature but the global literary landscape.
