Kenyan literary giant Ng?g? wa Thiong’o, the renowned writer and cultural activist, passed away on Wednesday at age 87. Furthermore, his daughter announced the news on social media. Born James Ngugi in Limuru, Kenya, in 1938, he witnessed British colonial rule during the Mau Mau rebellion. As a result, he became a strong voice against colonial influence.
Kenyan Literary Giant’s Revolutionary Writing Decision
Initially, this Kenyan literary giant wrote his works in English. However, Ng?g? later made a bold decision to write only in his native Gikuyu language. Moreover, he became a fierce champion for African languages in literature. Additionally, his decision made him a powerful symbol of African identity after independence.
Meanwhile, his early novels, including Weep Not, Child (1964), helped establish African literature in English. Notably, Weep Not, Child was the first major East African novel in English. Subsequently, he published Petals of Blood (1977). This book criticized Kenya’s government after independence. Consequently, authorities imprisoned him.
During his time in prison, Ng?g? wrote Devil on the Cross on toilet paper. Therefore, this act showed his move away from English writing. Furthermore, it proved his commitment to cultural authenticity and resistance.
Later, Ng?g? argued that colonizers used language to control culture. He explored this idea in his 1986 essay collection Decolonising the Mind. As a result, this work challenged the literary world. It also started important talks about language and cultural control.
Eventually, President Daniel arap Moi’s government forced him into exile. However, he returned to Kenya in 2004. Unfortunately, attackers brutally assaulted him in what seemed politically motivated. Nevertheless, he continued writing while teaching at the University of California, Irvine.
Global Recognition of the Kenyan Literary Giant
Ng?g? wa Thiong’o received the 2022 PEN/Nabokov Award for Achievement in International Literature. This is the most important career award from PEN America Literary Awards Program. Additionally, he served as Distinguished Professor of English at UCI.
In recent years, many considered this Kenyan literary giant a top candidate for the Nobel Prize. Furthermore, he received multiple Nobel Prize nominations. Also, he remains a major figure in world literature and activism. Moreover, his novel “The Perfect Nine” became the first Gikuyu novel to win a Booker nomination.
Meanwhile, his works include the famous novel The River Between. He also wrote plays, short stories, and essays. These range from literary criticism to children’s books. Additionally, he founded and edited the Gikuyu-language journal M?t?iri.
Therefore, Ng?g?’s books include many acclaimed titles like A Grain of Wheat, The River Between, and Petals of Blood. Schools across Africa study these works extensively. They analyze colonial and post-colonial societies.
The Kenyan Literary Giant’s Lasting Legacy
By choosing to write in his native Gikuyu language, this Kenyan literary giant showed the importance of cultural identity. Furthermore, his strong support for African languages in literature challenged colonial language dominance. As a result, he inspired generations of writers and scholars worldwide.
Ng?g? wa Thiong’o is one of the most important African authors after independence. Moreover, he is a groundbreaking post-colonial theorist. His work completely changed how people view African literature. Additionally, it created new ways for indigenous storytelling.
On Wednesday evening, May 28, 2025, his family announced his passing. They said he “lived a full life, fought a good fight.” Therefore, this Kenyan literary giant’s legacy includes championing African cultural awareness. He also promoted literature in indigenous languages. Furthermore, he fought against both colonial and post-colonial injustices.
Meanwhile, his influence reaches far beyond Kenya’s borders. He inspired writers, scholars, and activists worldwide to embrace their cultural identities. Also, he encouraged resistance against language colonization. Through his revolutionary approach to language and literature, this Kenyan literary giant leaves an unforgettable mark on world literary discussion.
The literary world mourns the loss of this extraordinary figure. His courage to write in his mother tongue changed African literature forever. Additionally, his theoretical contributions continue to shape post-colonial studies worldwide. Therefore, his legacy serves as a guide for future writers committed to cultural authenticity and social justice.
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