Renowned Nigerian authors and scholars have paid heartfelt tributes to Kenyan literary titan Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 87.
The celebrated writer, widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest literary voices, died after a lifetime dedicated to decolonizing African literature and championing cultural identity through language. His death was announced by his daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngũgĩ, in a moving Facebook post that celebrated his life and legacy.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad,” she wrote. “As was his last wish, let’s celebrate his life and his work… We are proud.”
Ngũgĩ’s prolific body of work including Weep Not, Child, The River Between, Petals of Blood, Wizard of the Crow, and Decolonising the Mind earned him a revered place in world literature. He was especially acclaimed for abandoning English to write in his native Gikuyu, challenging linguistic imperialism and advocating for African languages in literature.
In Nigeria, his death has prompted an outpouring of emotion and reflection.
Professor Chima Anyadike, retired scholar from Obafemi Awolowo University, described Ngũgĩ as a thinker who “thoroughly understood the real problems of Africa,” citing his battles against imperialism, religious exploitation, and social inequality.
Ademola Adesola of Mount Royal University, Canada, recalled how Ngũgĩ influenced his academic journey. “Your candor, contradictions, and controversies challenged the mind… I look forward to the many celebrations of his life and legacy.”
Another Ngũgĩ scholar, Professor Chijioke Uwasomba, lamented the loss of “a leading voice in the reclamation of Africa,” warning that Ngũgĩ’s death comes at a time when imperialist ideologies are resurging.
Literary icon Segun Adekoya offered a poetic eulogy: “May the slumbering spirit of Africa awaken and strive for the realization of his dream: liberation from all forms of oppression.”
Wale Okediran, Secretary-General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), called Ngũgĩ’s death “a deep vacuum in the African literary landscape.” He revealed plans for a new literary prize dedicated to works in Indigenous African languages a cause close to Ngũgĩ’s heart.
As the literary world mourns, preparations are underway to honor Ngũgĩ’s life with events and reflections that celebrate his fierce intellect, cultural vision, and unyielding pursuit of African liberation.
