Acclaimed Kenyan literary figure and global cultural icon, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, has died at the age of 87.
The news of his passing was confirmed in a heartfelt Facebook post on Wednesday by his daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngugi.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o this Wednesday morning, 28th May 2025,” the statement read. “He lived a full life and fought a good fight. As was his last wish, let’s celebrate his life and work. Rîa ratha na rîa thŭa. Tŭrî aira!”
She also noted that the family’s spokesperson, Nducu Wa Ngugi, will soon release details regarding his celebration of life.
Born on January 5, 1938, in a rural village in Kenya, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o rose to international prominence through his powerful literary voice and unwavering advocacy for African identity and indigenous languages.
His prolific body of work—spanning novels, plays, and essays—grappled with themes of colonialism, cultural erasure, post-independence struggles, and the importance of preserving African heritage.
Ngũgĩ’s legacy endures not only in literature but also in his intellectual resistance and contribution to the decolonization of African thought and expression.
