Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: A Literary Giant Who Redefined African Literature

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, one of Africa’s most influential literary figures, passed away on May 28, 2025, at the age of 87. His death marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of writers and thinkers across the world.

A Voice for Africa

Born James Ngugi in 1938 in colonial Kenya, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o initially wrote in English and gained international recognition with novels such as Weep Not, Child (1964) and The River Between (1965). These works explored the clash between traditional African values and colonial influences, establishing him as a powerful voice in African literature.

However, in the 1970s, Ngũgĩ made a radical decision: he abandoned English and committed to writing exclusively in Gikuyu, his mother tongue. This was not just a personal choice—it was a political statement against linguistic imperialism. His groundbreaking book Decolonising the Mind (1986) argued that language carries culture, and that African writers should embrace their native languages to reclaim their identity.

A Life of Resistance

Ngũgĩ’s activism and literary works often put him at odds with the Kenyan government. In 1977, his play I Will Marry When I Want was banned, and he was imprisoned without trial. While in detention, he wrote Devil on the Cross on prison toilet paper—a powerful symbol of resistance. After his release, continued government harassment forced him into exile, where he spent decades teaching in American universities while advocating for African languages1.

A Legacy That Lives On

Ngũgĩ’s influence stretched far beyond Kenya. His decision to write in Gikuyu inspired countless African writers to embrace their mother tongues, proving that African languages were not only suitable for literature but essential for authentic African expression. His novels, essays, and plays remain a cornerstone of African literary studies, and his ideas continue to shape discussions on language, identity, and resistance.

As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his life and work. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o was more than a writer—he was a revolutionary thinker who challenged the world to rethink the role of language in shaping identity. His words will live on, reminding us that literature is not just about storytelling, but about reclaiming history and shaping the future.