Renowned Kenyan author and literary icon Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o has died at the age of 87, his daughter Wanjiku wa Ngugi announced on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Wanjiku shared the news of her father's passing: "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."

She added that the family's spokesperson, Nducu wa Ngugi, would soon announce details regarding the celebration of his life.

A Literary Giant's Legacy

Born on January 5, 1938, in rural Kenya, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o rose to become one of Africa's most influential writers and thinkers over the past five decades. His powerful storytelling, political activism, and unwavering commitment to African languages and cultural identity earned him global recognition.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ngũgĩ authored numerous critically acclaimed novels, essays, and plays that explored themes of colonialism, post-colonial struggles, cultural heritage, and social justice. His most celebrated works include "Weep Not, Child," "The River Between," "Petals of Blood," and "A Grain of Wheat."

A Life of Activism and Exile

Ngũgĩ's life was marked by political persecution due to his outspoken criticism of government oppression. In 1977, he was imprisoned without trial, a period that significantly shaped his subsequent work and worldview. Following his release, he lived in self-imposed exile, during which he continued his literary and academic pursuits abroad.

His academic career included teaching positions at prestigious institutions such as Yale University and the University of California, Irvine, where he served as a Professor of English and Comparative Literature.

Throughout his life, Ngũgĩ remained a staunch advocate for decolonizing African literature and elevating indigenous languages in global discourse. His decision to write in his native Gikuyu language rather than English in his later career represented a radical act of cultural reclamation that inspired writers across the continent.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's passing marks the end of an era in African literature, but his legacy as a fearless voice for cultural authenticity and social justice will continue to influence generations of writers and thinkers worldwide.