Renowned Kenyan writer, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o has died at the age of 87.
His family confirmed that he passed away on the morning of Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
Ngũgĩ, a towering figure in African literature, was celebrated globally for his lifelong commitment to language, liberation, and justice.
In keeping with his final wishes, his family has called on the public to celebrate his life, legacy, and the ideals he stood for.
“Rîa ratha na rîa thŭa. Tŭrî aira!” they said—a Gikuyu phrase that loosely translates to, “Let there be both mourning and rejoicing. We are children of the land.”
Over the course of a remarkable literary career that spanned decades, Ngũgĩ authored numerous influential works, including The River Between, A Grain of Wheat, and Petals of Blood.
Beyond fiction, he became a leading voice in postcolonial studies with theoretical works like Decolonising the Mind, which challenged the cultural and linguistic consequences of colonialism and championed the use of African languages in literature.
Ngũgĩ’s writing and activism often put him at odds with political authorities, including a period of imprisonment in Kenya.
The family noted that arrangements for celebration of the deceased life will be shared in due course by his son and family spokesperson, Nducu wa Ngugi.
They expressed gratitude for the global outpouring of love and support and asked that the world remember Ngũgĩ not only in mourning, but as a beacon whose words and vision continue to inspire.
