Uhuru Mourns Literary Icon Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Hails His Legacy
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned the death of literary giant Ngugi wa Thiong’o, praising him as a visionary and cultural icon. He hailed Ngugi’s bold use of Gikuyu to champion African identity. Ngugi passed away at 87, with burial details to be announced.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has paid tribute to celebrated Kenyan author and scholar Ngugi wa Thiong’o, who passed away on Wednesday, May 28, at the age of 87. In a condolence message issued by his office, Kenyatta described Ngugi as a visionary whose writings transcended borders and uplifted African narratives.
Kenyatta praised Ngugi’s lifelong commitment to justice, truth, and the promotion of indigenous languages, particularly his bold switch from English to Gikuyu in his writings. The former president said this choice reshaped African literature and helped reclaim cultural identity through storytelling.
"Prof. Ngugi was not just a writer but a prophetic voice who used his pen to liberate minds," Kenyatta stated, adding that his legacy would inspire generations to come. He extended heartfelt condolences to Ngugi’s family, offering prayers of comfort and quoting 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 to console the bereaved.
Ngugi wa Thiong’o, best known for his novels Weep Not, Child, Petals of Blood, and The River Between, spent his final years in the United States. His daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngugi, confirmed the news and said funeral arrangements would be announced later.
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