“With joy and sorrow. We are proud.” — Rîa ratha na rîa thŭa. Tŭrî aira!
The world is mourning the loss of one of Africa’s most celebrated literary voices. Renowned Kenyan author, scholar, and activist Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o has died at the age of 87.
His family confirmed his passing on the evening of Wednesday, 28th May 2025, saying he “lived a full life, fought a good fight.”
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o,” his daughter Wanjiku wa Ngugi shared in a heartfelt Facebook post.
She added, “As was his last wish, let’s celebrate his life and his work. Rîa ratha na rîa thŭa. Tŭrî aira!” — a Gikuyu expression meaning “With joy and sorrow. We are proud.”
A Global Voice for African Identity
Ngũgĩ’s literary footprint spans continents, cultures, and generations. Known for iconic works such as A Grain of Wheat, Petals of Blood, and Devil on the Cross, he championed the use of African languages and tirelessly resisted colonial and neocolonial narratives.
Born in 1937 in Kamiriithu, Limuru, Ngũgĩ was a pioneering force in postcolonial literature. His bold 1977 play Ngaahika Ndeenda (I Will Marry When I Want), performed entirely in Gikuyu, led to his arrest and detention under the Moi regime; a pivotal moment that prompted him to abandon English for his native tongue in all future works.
Though he spent decades in exile and taught at institutions like Yale and the University of California, Irvine, Ngũgĩ remained spiritually and intellectually rooted in Kenya, using his pen as a weapon against injustice.
A Nation and World in Mourning
Tributes have poured in globally from readers, scholars, and political leaders alike.
Governor Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay said:
“Prof. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s words shaped African thought and inspired generations… Though he has left us, his legacy lives on in every story, every struggle, and every dream of a just world. Rest in power.”
Kong’amano la Mapinduzi described him as:
“A comrade whose words gave voice to the oppressed… His stories live on in books, classrooms, and the hearts of generations.”
Dr. Ezekiel Mutua added:
“A literary legend and one of Africa’s greatest voices has passed. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends around the world.”
Looking Ahead: A Celebration of Legacy
Plans for memorial services and public tributes will be announced by the family in the coming days. His son, Nducu wa Ngugi, is expected to share details on how his life will be celebrated.
Ngũgĩ is survived by his children and grandchildren — many of whom continue his legacy as writers, scholars, and activists.
As the world bids farewell to a literary titan, his words remain, echoing through libraries, classrooms, and hearts. In death, as in life, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s legacy continues to speak powerfully of truth, resistance, and the enduring power of language.