Following the passing of one of Africa’s most revered literary figures, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, at the age of 87, Kenyan leaders have shared their heartfelt messages in honour of the celebrated writer.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Masika Wetang’ula, was among the leaders who penned messages of tribute to the giant in African literature.
Wetang’ula described the deceased as a mighty voice.
“Prof. Ngũgĩ was not confined by the ordinary constraints of storytelling. He bore the soul of a continent and the cry of its people within every line he penned. His writings were not just literary artefacts, they were acts of defiance, declarations of dignity, and hymns of remembrance,” Wetang’ula wrote.
“His novels, Weep Not, Child, The River Between, A Grain of Wheat, Petals of Blood, unfurled the layers of a wounded yet resilient nation. But it was his decision to write in Gikuyu that truly elevated his mission to restore to the African language its rightful rhythm, power, and prestige. He walked with the quiet audacity of those who know their place in the lineage of liberation. His intellect refused to bow to comfort. His words tore through falsehood, reawakened identity, and summoned us toward a more conscious future,” he added.
“Although his pen now rests, the ink of his legacy remains indelible. It marks our shelves, our syllabi, our sensibilities. He belongs to that rare league of thinkers whose absence deepens our understanding of their greatness.”
On his part, the Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka wrote, “Prof. Thiongo’s dedication to his craft brought him into conflict with the political regime, leading to his imprisonment at the Kamiti Maximum Prison without trial for over a year. Undeterred even with the one-hour allotment for sunshine, Prof. Thiong’o continued to write, refusing to let his mind be chained. As we mourn him, we also take time to celebrate Prof. Thiong’o’s incredible courage as a champion for academic and political freedom that is now under threat.”
Other leaders
People’s Liberation Party (PLP) Party leader Martha Karua described Thiong’o as a patriot whose contributions remain indelible
“My condolences to the family and friends Professor Ngugi wa Thiongo , a renowned literary giant and scholar, a son of the soil and great patriot whose footprints are indelible.”
On his side, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga remembered their last meeting in 2019, where he was launching his Gikuyu books.
“It is with profound sorrow that I have learnt of the passing on of our Kenyan world-renowned Author and Literature Guru, Prof Ngugi Wa Thiong’o who passed on this 28th day of May 2025. I last met Prof Ngugi in 2019 during the launch of his Gikuyu books.”
His Mombasa counterpart, Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, indicated that Kenya had lost one of her boldest voices.
“At 87, Ngũgĩ leaves behind an indelible legacy—his pen was mightier than the sword, and through it, he awakened generations to the richness of African identity, history, and language. His works challenged imperial orthodoxy, reclaimed the dignity of African narratives, and inspired countless readers, writers, and scholars across the world,” his statement read in part.
“Kenya has lost a literary giant. Africa has lost one of her boldest voices. In a world that continues to evolve rapidly, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o stood firm as a custodian of culture, urging us to remember who we are and where we come from. His commitment to writing in indigenous languages and centering African worldviews has profoundly shaped the global intellectual discourse.
“On behalf of the people and the County Government of Mombasa, I convey our heartfelt condolences to his family, the Kenyan literary fraternity, and all who have drawn strength and inspiration from his life and works,” it added.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga on her part wrote,”Sad to learn of the passing on of a literary giant whose words shaped African thought and inspired generations. Prof. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s works challenged oppression and celebrated the power of indigenous voices with courage, globally advocating for African languages. Though he has left us, his legacy lives on in every story, every struggle, and every dream of a just world. Rest in power, Prof. Ngũgĩ. Heartfelt condolences.”
The same sentiments were echoed by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, Kwisero MP Christopher Aseka and Eldas MP Adan Keynan.
His last wishes
His daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngugi, confirmed his death through a brief message published on her Facebook page on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
According to the daughter, his last wishes were that people should celebrate his life and work.
“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,” Wanjiku wa Ngugi wrote.
According to the daughter, the family would issue further communication regarding the burial preparations.
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