NewStats: 3,263,946 , 8,182,011 topics. Date: Sunday, 08 June 2025 at 10:27 PM k6j5j

Celebrated Kenyan author, playwright, and academic Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o has ed away at the age of 87, his family confirmed in a heartfelt statement issued on Wednesday, 28th May 2025.

In a moving tribute shared by his daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngugi, the family described him as a man who “lived a full life” and “fought a good fight.” She wrote:

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the ing of our dad, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, this Wednesday morning, 28th May 2025. He lived a full life, fought a good fight. As was his last wish, let’s celebrate his life and his work. Rîa ratha na rîa thûa. Tûrî aira!”

Tributes continue to pour from around the globe following the author’s death. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga mourned Thiongó through a message she posted on X saying ”Sad to learn of the ing 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.” she stated.

Another X by the name Peter Gathunuku said ”Kenya and indeed Africa can never thank you enough for all your work. My first encounter was the classic Ngahīka Ndēenda. RIP Ngugi wa Thiongo.”

An Organization by the name Kongamano la Mapinduzi stated ”Through Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o words, he gave voice to the oppressed.”

Ngũgĩ, born in 1938 in Kamirithu, Kiambu, rose from modest beginnings to become a literary giant, penning works that challenged colonialism, championed African languages, and redefined post-colonial African literature. His groundbreaking novels, including Weep Not, Child, The River Between, Petals of Blood, and Devil on the Cross cemented his place in the global literary canon.

Beyond writing, Ngũgĩ was a fearless political thinker. He endured arrest, exile, and censorship for his unapologetic stance on African self-determination and cultural identity. His decision to stop writing in English and instead embrace his native Gikuyu language was a revolutionary act that redefined literary discourse across the continent.

A long-serving professor at several global universities, including Yale and the University of California, Irvine, Ngũgĩ remained intellectually active well into his later years. He authored dozens of works, including novels, plays, essays, and memoirs.

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Weep not child,
Weep not my darling
With these kisses let me remove your tears
The ravening clouds shall not be long victorious
They shall not long possess the sky.

back in the JSS and our plays during Lit classes.... Me as Njoroge and my bestie, JJ as Mwihaki

Rest on, Prof

weep not child

Weep not child
Ngugi Wa Thiongo
Zambia shall be free
Kenneth Kaunda
Long Walk to freedom
Nelson Mandela
Books that made me
This generation don't read again, the knowledge gap keeps widening. So sad

Rest in peace Sir

Eyaaaaaa. Rest well sir. On a second note, if you haven't read forest of a thousand daemons by D. O fagunwa and translated or edited by wole Soyinka,more than 55 years ago, pls do so now. Soyinka no be just human being

I enjoyed reading his novels. He is just like Achebe.

Igwe Nile GA Ala n'uzu.....


Rest on Sir. May God grant your family the fortitude to bear everything.

🪦

I've definitely heard the name..

Whats his famous work??

Oops! Author of the famous novel; "Weep Not Child." Rest in peace sir.

Weep Not Child and The River Between are his two prominent books dealing with the historical and legendary uprising in Kenya. Ngugi Wa Thiongo popularly writing under the name James Ngugi is the greatest African acclaimed author after Soyinka and Achebe. He was indeed African literary giant. Salute and Rest in peace great father of Africa.

Lègéñd only in the mould of Achebe and Wole Soyinka... Remain green!!

Ngugi drew our attention to the dialectical backgrounds of all guerilla groups, which is equally applicable to bandits everywhere.
There must be an idealogy that resonates with the people where such a group must operate.
A common enemy
A common friend

Without the active of the host community, no movement can succeed.

The bandits operating in Nigeria are using religion as the common base of their communuality.
For MAU MAU, which is the thrust of Ngugi's writings, it was land. The red earth the Whiteman had stolen from the people.
The ion Ngugi put into his books are deeply touching and elegantly told.
Baba was gifted with narration. True legend

I will marry when I want

You tried

I read one of his novels, 'Weep Not, Child'
Rest on, Legend

Were you people online waiting for the next topic to drop Loll

Walai:
Weep not child
Ngugi Wa Thiongo
Zambia must be free
Kenneth Kaunda
Long Walk to freedom
Nelson Mandela
Books that made me
This generation don't read again, the knowledge gap keeps widening. So sad

Rest in peace Sir

na only to they shake their skinny nyash for tiktok them sabi!

Rest on sage.

Africa and the world at large will miss u.

You helped shape African literature and politics ...

RIP African literary legend.
May the culture of appreciating well made literature not be totally lost on us as we bask in this digital emoji emoticon age... Where people use more signs and gestures than talk or write

oOoOO RIP Sir 🙏

Walai:
Weep not child
Ngugi Wa Thiongo
Zambia must be free
Kenneth Kaunda
Long Walk to freedom
Nelson Mandela
Books that made me
This generation don't read again, the knowledge gap keeps widening. So sad

Rest in peace Sir

Daz why dem dey fail yakataaa for Jamb

fergie001:


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Wow!

Ngugi Wa Thiongo

Great author, back in the days.

RIP kasongo

Starboytwo:
I've definitely heard the name..

Whats his famous work??

Weep not, Child

I no fit forget weep not child..

Pronouncing the author’s name was always jaw breaking even though I’m not sure I pronounced it correctly

Rest in power legend…

Haaa. May his soul rest in absolute peace.

Weep not, Child.
This time tomorrow.

Can't forget reading those books growing up.

Now, his watch is ended..

Rest on, great man!

RIP Sir

Petals of blood came to my mind straight up.
RIP legend…