Ngugi wa Thiong'o: Celebrated Kenyan Author and Scholar is Dead, Daughter Confirms

• Renowned Kenyan author, scholar, and activist Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o died on Wednesday, May 28, aged 87
• His daughter Wanjiku Wa Ngugi announced his passing, saying he “lived a full life and fought a good fight"
• Ngugi, who spent many years in exile, will be remembered for writing award-winning novels such as A Grain of Wheat and Petals of Blood

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Celebrated Kenyan scholar and author Ngugi wa Thiong'o has died aged 87.

When did Ngugi wa Thiong'o die?

His daughter Wanjiku wa Ngugi shared the news of the death via her Facebook page.

Wanjiku disclosed that the celebrated author passed away on Wednesday, May 28, in the morning.

In her message, the lady urged Kenyans to celebrate Ngugi's life and his work, arguing that he lived a full life and fought a good fight.

She stated that the family spokesperson will give further details regarding Ngugi's burial arrangements.

"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, fought a good fight. As was his last wish, let's celebrate his life and his work. Rîa ratha na rîa thŭa. Tŭrî aira! The family's spokesperson Nducu Wa Ngugi will announce details of his celebration of life soon," Wanjiku announced.

What books did Ngugi wa Thiong'o write?

Ngugi is a prominent Kenyan author and academic, recognised as a leading novelist in East Africa.

Initially writing in English, he later transitioned to writing in Gikuyu and other indigenous Kenyan languages, reflecting his commitment to decolonisation and linguistic self-determination. His works often explore themes of colonialism, cultural identity, and social justice.

Ngugi spent many years in exile, teaching at prestigious universities overseas such as Yale and the University of California, Irvine.

Even while far from home, the celebrated author and activist stayed deeply connected to Kenya through his use of language, activism, and fearless criticism of injustice.

Among the renowned novels that Ngugi wrote are A Grain of Wheat, Petals of Blood, Devil on the Cross and The River Between.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o was born on January 5, 1938, in Limuru, Kenya. His father, Thiong'o wa Nducu, was a farmer forced out of his land by British settlers. His mother was Wanjiku wa Ngũgĩ, one of his father’s several wives.

Why did Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o go the US?

Ngugi's writings became a thorn in the flesh of the ruling KANU government under then-president Daniel Moi. He was a marked man, but Ngugi defiantly continued to step on the toes of the mighty through his literary works.

In 1977, the KANU regime got fed up with his unending scathing attacks and arrested and detained him. He had staged a critical play that portrayed the government of the day as a class representing "the death of hopes".

He was adopted by Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience and was freed after one year. He continued with his work unbothered, a bold and defiant move that angered Moi's handlers.

In 1982, Ngugi learned of a plan by security officers to eliminate him. The intel came after the government banned all theatre performances in the country. Sensing danger, Ngugi fled to the UK, where he stayed for some time before moving to the US.

While in the US, he became a university lecturer. He taught at Northwestern University, Yale University, and New York University. He was later appointed as a Distinguished Professor of Comparative Literature at California University, Irvin.

When Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's family dismissed death claims

In 2021, the family of the celebrated author had to address and dispel rumours about his death.

Despite widespread claims that Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o had passed away, his family confirmed that he was in good health at home.

Mukoma Wa Ngugi, one of his sons, revealed that he and his father even shared a laugh over the false rumours during a phone call.

Masolo Mabonga, HOD Current Affairs and Politics, updated this article with details on why Ngugi wa Thiong'o moved to the US

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke