Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: Africa’s Literary Giant Dies at 87 in Atlanta
The literary world is mourning the death of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, one of Africa’s most influential writers and intellectual revolutionaries, who passed away at the age of 87 in Atlanta, USA.
Ngũgĩ’s daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngũgĩ, confirmed the news on Facebook, writing: “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. Rĩa ratha na rĩa thũa. Tũrĩ aira!”—a Gikuyu phrase meaning “With joy and sorrow. We are proud.”
Born James Ngugi on January 5, 1938, in Limuru, Kenya, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o rose to global prominence through his critically acclaimed novels, plays, and political essays that boldly confronted colonialism, neocolonialism, and the systematic erasure of African identity. His seminal works—A Grain of Wheat, Petals of Blood, and Devil on the Cross—are cornerstones of African literature.
His revolutionary stance was not confined to the page. In 1977, Ngũgĩ co-authored the play Ngaahika Ndeenda (I Will Marry When I Want), which was banned by the Kenyan government. He was arrested and detained without trial for over a year. During his imprisonment, he wrote Devil on the Cross on toilet paper, an act of defiance that became symbolic of his unyielding spirit.
Following his release, Ngũgĩ went into exile and continued his academic and literary pursuits abroad. He taught at prestigious universities including Yale, Northwestern, NYU, and the University of California, Irvine, where he became Distinguished Professor of Comparative Literature.
A vocal advocate for the use of African languages in literature, Ngũgĩ famously abandoned writing in English and adopted Gikuyu for his creative works. He founded Mũtĩiri, a Gikuyu-language journal, and remained a staunch believer that African stories are best told in African tongues.
His short story, The Upright Revolution: Or Why Humans Walk Upright, was translated into over 100 languages, a testament to the universality and enduring relevance of his work.
Though he never received the Nobel Prize in Literature, Ngũgĩ was consistently considered a frontrunner. He received numerous global accolades, including the Nonino International Prize (2001) and the Park Kyong-ni Prize (2016).
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ngũgĩ was a father, a patriot, and a fearless voice for justice. His children, including authors Mũkoma wa Ngũgĩ and Wanjiku wa Ngũgĩ, continue his literary legacy.
As tributes pour in from across the world, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o is being remembered not just as a writer, but as a cultural warrior whose words redefined African literature and inspired generations to reclaim their history and voice.
The family’s spokesperson, Nducu wa Ngũgĩ, is expected to announce the details of his celebration of life in the coming days.
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Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: Africa’s Literary Giant Dies at 87 in Atlanta