Kenyan Author Mukoma wa Ngugi Sues Trump Over Restrictive Policies
Renowned Kenyan author Mukoma wa Ngugi has filed a lawsuit against former US President Donald Trump, claiming his administration’s policies forced him into self-censorship and silenced critical political discourse.
In a sworn affidavit, Mukoma detailed how these policies have instilled fear, preventing him from freely discussing pressing global issues, particularly US foreign policy and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Mukoma, who resides in Tompkins County, New York, is the son of celebrated Kenyan writer Ngugi wa Thiong’o and is well known for his literary works exploring Africa’s colonial history and liberation struggles.
‘A Climate of Fear and Censorship’
Mukoma described how he is unable to have open political discussions with his close associate, Momodou Taal, due to restrictive policies implemented under Trump’s administration.
“As a result of the executive orders, Momodou and I have stopped engaging with each other in public in the way we used to. It has been hard for me, as someone who always values what he has to say, to reconcile my desire to keep teaching others with my desire to speak up against his being silenced,” he lamented.
Taal, whom Mukoma described as “a very bright young intellectual,” has been forced into silence, making academic collaboration nearly impossible.
“I want to help him develop his scholarship, but this is very hard to do under conditions where I am worried about whether the university or outside forces will monitor and report the things that we say to each other, either in class or in departmental meetings or otherwise,” Mukoma explained.
A Book Launch Marred by Fear
Mukoma further expressed deep frustration over Taal’s inability to attend his book launch, calling it a major personal and professional setback.
“For an author, a book launch is a critical moment in one’s academic and intellectual life, especially the first book. There is something about shaking hands with one’s readers, hearing their thoughts, talking to them in person, signing their copies—Momodou missed out on all of this because he has a legitimate fear of being turned away at the border for no good reason other than the things he said in the US,” Mukoma revealed.
Criticism of Israel: A Dangerous Line to Walk
Mukoma also raised serious concerns over the broad and vague language of an executive order referencing anti-Semitism. He fears potential criminal prosecution for his critiques of Israel, a stance that his Jewish colleagues share without facing similar repercussions.
“I don’t know what type of speech might constitute anti-Semitism, but I know that many of my Jewish friends and colleagues have criticised Israel in the same way that I have, and that doesn’t make them anti-Semitic,” he noted.
The author warned that such policies are creating a dangerous precedent, where freedom of speech is increasingly under threat.
‘Irreparable Harm’—Mukoma’s Emotional Toll
Beyond professional setbacks, Mukoma described the deep personal toll these restrictions have taken on him, saying he feels trapped in an environment that punishes free thought.
“I certainly feel that I’ve been harmed in a way that I can’t repair unless and until I’m able to speak freely and openly with my dear colleague Momodou Taal again,” he said, calling for an urgent reassessment of these policies.
Mukoma’s lawsuit is a powerful statement on the far-reaching consequences of political decisions and their impact on intellectual and artistic freedoms. As the debate over free speech continues to rage, his case could set a precedent for academics and activists fighting for their rights.
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Kenyan Author Mukoma wa Ngugi Sues Trump Over Restrictive Policies