Celebrated Kenyan author, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, has passed away at the age of 87.
His death was confirmed by his family on Wednesday morning, May 28, 2025.
His daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngugi, shared the news in a heartfelt Facebook post:
“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, fought a good fight. As was his last wish, let’s celebrate his life and his work. Rîa ratha na rîa thŭa. Tŭrî aira!”
The family also noted that further details on his celebration of life will be shared soon by family spokesperson, Nducu wa Ngugi.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o was an iconic figure in African literature and a pioneer of postcolonial writing.
Among his most influential works are Weep Not, Child, The River Between, Petals of Blood, and Wizard of the Crow.
His legacy spans decades of literary activism, political commentary, and cultural scholarship.
