Renowned Kenyan author and literary icon Ngugi wa Thiong’o has died at the age of 87.
According to his family, the celebrated novelist, passed away on Thursday night in the US after a long illness.
“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. Rîa ratha na rîa thŭa. Tŭrî aira!”, his daughter Wanjiku wa Ngugi wrote on Facebook.
Born on 5 January 1938 as James Ngũgĩ, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o was a trailblazing author, playwright, essayist and academic whose influence on African literature and political thought is immeasurable.
Ngũgĩ began his career writing in English but later embraced his native Gikuyu language, he was known for his literary works with books like Weep not child, A grain of wheat and The River Between.
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The family’s spokesperson, Nducu wa Ngũgĩ, will announce details of his celebration of life in the coming days.
