Titan of African literature, Ngugi wa Thiong’o dies at 87

Irrepressible force in Kenya and Africa’s literary community, Ngugi wa Thiong’o has died at 87. His work spanned roughly six decades, primarily documenting the transformation of his country – Kenya – from a colonial subject to a democracy. From his debut novel, Weep Not, Child (published May 1964) to his final works, Ngugi maintained a fierce, unyielding strength that has immortalized him as one of Africa’s most important postcolonial writers. 

A perennial contender for the Nobel prize in literature, he is one of the very few African writers who wrote primarily in his native tongue (the Kikuyu and Swahili languages) as opposed to the colonial languages of English and French. One of his most famous works, Decolonising the Mind, published in 1986, asserts that it is “impossible to liberate oneself while using the language of oppressors”.

His death was announced by his daughter, Wanjiku Wa Ngugi via a Facebook post on Wednesday; “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, this Wednesday morning 28th May 2025. He lived a full life, fought a good fight. As was his last wish, let’s celebrate his life and his work”. 

Ngugi reportedly died in Atlanta, and at the time of his death, was receiving kidney dialysis treatments, however, his immediate cause of death is still unknown. 

Following the announcement of his passing, praise for his life and work quickly appeared online.

His son, Mukoma wa Ngugi via a post on X (formerly Twitter), left a heartfelt message stating; “It tears my heart to say that my father, Ngugi Wa Thiong’o passed away earlier today. I am me because of him in so many ways, as his child, scholar and writer. I love him – I am not sure what tomorrow will bring without him here.  I think that is all I have to say for now.”

“My condolences to the family and friends of Professor Ngugi wa Thiong’o, a renowned literary giant and scholar, a son of the soil and great patriot whose footprints are indelible,” Kenya’s opposition leader Martha Karua wrote on X.

“Thank you Mwalimu [teacher] for your freedom writing,” wrote Amnesty International’s Kenya branch on X. “Having already earned his place in Kenyan history, he transitions from mortality to immortality.”

Economic Freedom Fighters, South Africa wrote, “We send our deepest condolences on the passing of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a towering figure in African literature and thought. His words challenged systems, inspired generations, and gave voice to the spirit and struggles of our people”.