Kenyan Popular Writer, James Ngugi wa Thiong’o Dies @ 87
Renowned Kenyan author, scholar, and activist James Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o is dead.
Renowned Kenyan author, scholar, and activist James Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o is dead.
His family announced his passing Wednesday evening, May 28, 2025, saying he “lived a full life, fought a good fight.”
He was born James Ngugi was born on January 5, 1938 and died on May 28, 2025.
Announcing his death in a Facebook post on Wednesday night, his daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngugi, said, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o.
“As was his last wish, let’s celebrate his life and his work. Rîa ratha na rîa thŭa. Tŭrî aira!”—a Gikuyu phrase loosely translating to “With joy and sorrow. We are proud.”
Plans for memorial services and public tributes are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
“The family’s spokesperson, Nducu Wa Ngugi, will announce details of his celebration of life soon,” Wanjiku said.
A towering figure in African literature, Ngũgĩ’s influence stretched across continents, languages, and generations.
Known for novels such as A Grain of Wheat, Petals of Blood, and Devil on the Cross, Ngũgĩ championed the use of African languages in literature and resisted colonial and neocolonial systems of oppression throughout his life.
Born in 1937 in Kamiriithu, Limuru, Ngũgĩ’s work was deeply intertwined with Kenya’s struggle for independence and postcolonial identity.
In 1977, his radical play Ngaahika Ndeenda (I Will Marry When I Want), performed entirely in Gikuyu, led to his detention without trial by the Arap Moi regime.
It marked a turning point in his career—he later abandoned writing in English altogether, opting instead to write in Gikuyu and translate into other languages.
Ngũgĩ spent decades in exile, lecturing at major universities abroad, including Yale and the University of California, Irvine.
Despite the distance, he remained tethered to Kenya through his language, activism, and unflinching critique of injustice.
Tributes have already begun pouring in from around the world. Writers, scholars, and readers are remembering him not only for his literary genius but for his unwavering commitment to truth and justice.
Tributes
Homa Bay Governor Glady Wanga: “Sad to learn of the passing on of a literary giant whose words shaped African thought and inspired generations. Prof. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s works challenged oppression and celebrated the power of indigenous voices with courage, globally advocating for African languages. Though he has left us, his legacy lives on in every story, every struggle, and every dream of a just world. Rest in power, Prof. Ngũgĩ. Heartfelt condolences.”
Kong’amano la Mapinduzi: “Thiong’o words, he gave voice to the oppressed. Through his courage, he challenged systems. He taught us the power of language, memory and resistance. His stories live on in books, classrooms and in the hearts of generations. Rest in Power comrade!wa NgugiThrough Prof.”
Dr Ezekiel Mutua: “Thiong’o became a towering figure and a celebrated thinker. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends around the world. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Ngugi A literary legend and one of Africa’s greatest voices has passed away. Through masterpieces like Petals of Blood and Ngahika Ndenda, written in both Kikuyu and English.”
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o is survived by his children and grandchildren, many of whom have followed in his footsteps as writers, academics, and activists.
As the world mourns, it also celebrates. As he wished, his life and legacy will not be marked by silence, but by song, stories, and the enduring power of words.
Plans for memorial services and public tributes are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
“The family’s spokesperson, Nducu Wa Ngugi, will announce details of his celebration of life soon,” Wanjiku said.
A towering figure in African literature, Ngũgĩ’s influence stretched across continents, languages, and generations.
Known for novels such as A Grain of Wheat, Petals of Blood, and Devil on the Cross, Ngũgĩ championed the use of African languages in literature and resisted colonial and neocolonial systems of oppression throughout his life.
Born in 1937 in Kamiriithu, Limuru, Ngũgĩ’s work was deeply intertwined with Kenya’s struggle for independence and postcolonial identity.
In 1977, his radical play Ngaahika Ndeenda (I Will Marry When I Want), performed entirely in Gikuyu, led to his detention without trial by the Arap Moi regime.
It marked a turning point in his career—he later abandoned writing in English altogether, opting instead to write in Gikuyu and translate into other languages.
Ngũgĩ spent decades in exile, lecturing at major universities abroad, including Yale and the University of California, Irvine.
Despite the distance, he remained tethered to Kenya through his language, activism, and unflinching critique of injustice.
Tributes have already begun pouring in from around the world. Writers, scholars, and readers are remembering him not only for his literary genius but for his unwavering commitment to truth and justice.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, wrote "Weep Not, Child". The novel was his debut and was originally published in 1964 under the name James Ngugi. It's considered a seminal work in African literature, exploring themes of colonialism, nationalism, and the struggles for Kenyan independence, particularly during the Mau Mau Uprising. Thiong'o's works are known for their powerful portrayal of the African experience and their critique of colonial rule.
"Weep Not, Child" has received significant acclaim for its emotional depth, richly drawn characters, and poignant portrayal of Kenya's struggle for independence.
Tributes
Homa Bay Governor Glady Wanga: “Sad to learn of the passing on of a literary giant whose words shaped African thought and inspired generations. Prof. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s works challenged oppression and celebrated the power of indigenous voices with courage, globally advocating for African languages. Though he has left us, his legacy lives on in every story, every struggle, and every dream of a just world. Rest in power, Prof. Ngũgĩ. Heartfelt condolences.”
Kong’amano la Mapinduzi: “Thiong’o words, he gave voice to the oppressed. Through his courage, he challenged systems. He taught us the power of language, memory and resistance. His stories live on in books, classrooms and in the hearts of generations. Rest in Power comrade!wa NgugiThrough Prof.”
Dr Ezekiel Mutua: “Thiong’o became a towering figure and a celebrated thinker. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends around the world. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Ngugi A literary legend and one of Africa’s greatest voices has passed away. Through masterpieces like Petals of Blood and Ngahika Ndenda, written in both Kikuyu and English.”
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o is survived by his children and grandchildren, many of whom have followed in his footsteps as writers, academics, and activists.
As the world mourns, it also celebrates. As he wished, his life and legacy will not be marked by silence, but by song, stories, and the enduring power of words.
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