Kenyan literary icon and internationally acclaimed author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o has died at the age of 87.
His daughter, fellow writer Wanjiku wa Ngugi, confirmed his passing in a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
She said, “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. Rîa ratha na rîa thŭa. Tŭrî aira!
“The family’s spokesperson Nducu Wa Ngugi will announce details of his celebration of life soon.”
Kenyan Literary icon Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
Born on January 5, 1938, in rural Kenya, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o rose to global prominence for his powerful storytelling, political activism, and commitment to African languages and identity. He authored numerous influential novels, essays, and plays that explored colonialism, post-colonial struggles, cultural heritage, and social justice.
Among his most celebrated works are:
Weep Not, Child (1964) – the first English-language novel by a Kenyan author.
The River Between (1965) – a tale of tradition versus change.
A Grain of Wheat (1967) – a powerful novel set during Kenya’s independence movement.
Petals of Blood (1977) – a fierce critique of corruption in post-independence Kenya.
Devil on the Cross (1980) – originally written in Kikuyu as a political act of resistance.
Ngũgĩ’s outspoken criticism of government oppression led to his imprisonment without trial in 1977. After his release, he went into self-imposed exile and continued his literary and academic work abroad.
He taught at top universities including Yale University and the University of California, Irvine, where he served as a Professor of English and Comparative Literature.
Throughout his life, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o remained a staunch advocate for decolonising African literature and elevating indigenous languages in global discourse.
