Celebrated Kenyan writer and intellectual Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o has passed away at the age of 87. His daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngugi, announced his death in a heartfelt Facebook post on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
“With deep sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved father, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, this morning. He lived fully and fought bravely. As he wished, let us honor his life and legacy,” she wrote. The family’s spokesperson, Nducu wa Ngugi, is expected to provide further details regarding his memorial soon.
Born on January 5, 1938, in rural Kenya, Ngũgĩ rose to become one of Africa’s most respected literary voices. His works—spanning novels, essays, and plays—delved into themes of colonialism, post-independence realities, cultural identity, and social justice.
Among his most acclaimed books are Weep Not, Child, The River Between, Petals of Blood, and A Grain of Wheat.
In 1977, Ngũgĩ was detained without trial for his criticism of government oppression, an experience that led to his exile. Despite the challenges, he remained dedicated to his craft, continuing to write and teach abroad.
He held academic positions at several top universities, including Yale and the University of California, Irvine, where he was a professor of English and Comparative Literature.
A tireless advocate for African languages and cultural sovereignty, Ngũgĩ dedicated his life to reshaping the narrative around African literature and promoting indigenous voices on the global stage.