Kenyan Literary Giant Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o Dies at 87

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a legendary Kenyan author and one of the most influential voices in African literature, has died at the age of 87, his family confirmed.

His son, Mukoma wa Ngũgĩ, announced that the renowned writer passed away early on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

In an emotional tribute posted on Facebook, his daughter Wanjiku wa Ngũgĩ wrote: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. He lived a rich, full life and fought the good fight. Today, we honor his life and celebrate his work."

Ngũgĩ had been living in the United States, where he taught at several prestigious universities, including the University of California.

Over the past six decades, Ngũgĩ became internationally acclaimed for his extensive and powerful body of work, which includes novels, plays, short stories, children’s books, and critical essays. His writings have been widely studied in African high schools and universities, inspiring generations of students and scholars.

Among his most celebrated works are:

§  Weep Not, Child (1964)

§  The River Between (1965)

§  A Grain of Wheat (1967)

§  Devil on the Cross (1980)

§  Decolonising the Mind (1986)

§  Nairobi Noir (2020)

In the last 30 years of his life, Ngũgĩ dedicated himself to writing in Gikuyu, his mother tongue, as part of his strong advocacy for African languages and cultural identity. He firmly believed that true liberation for African nations required reclaiming indigenous languages in both literature and education.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s passing is a profound loss to the world of literature and African intellectual thought. His legacy, however, remains deeply rooted in the minds of readers across the globe — a timeless voice for justice, language, and the African spirit.

NSENGIMANA Donatien