Ngugi wa Thiong’o, a towering figure in Kenyan literature and a beacon of African storytelling, bid farewell to this world at the age of 87. The news of his passing was shared by his daughter, Wanjiku Wa Ngugi, who lovingly expressed,
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngugi wa Thiong’o this Wednesday morning.”
She continued, reflecting on his impactful life journey by stating,
“He lived a full life, fought a good fight.”
Ngugi’s legacy transcends mere words on paper; he etched his name into history not only through his literary prowess but also through a bold decision that set him apart. He made a profound choice to abandon English, the language of colonial rule, and embraced his native Kikuyu language for his literary works. This shift was revolutionary as it defied the norm prevalent among many African writers of that era who predominantly wrote in European languages. His deliberate use of Kikuyu sent ripples across Africa and beyond—a powerful assertion of African pride and identity in the post-colonial era.
Reflecting on Ngugi’s monumental decision to write in Kikuyu instead of English,
”
“
His choice spoke volumes about reclaiming cultural heritage and challenging linguistic imperialism,”
as reported by [businessday.ng]. This pivotal moment not only reshaped African literature but also ignited conversations about decolonization and cultural revival.
Following Ngugi’s passing, an outpouring of tributes flooded social media platforms from admirers near and far. Martha Karua, an influential Kenyan politician, paid her respects by acknowledging him as
“a renowned literary giant and scholar”
, emphasizing his unwavering patriotism and invaluable contributions to Kenya’s cultural tapestry.
However, Ngugi’s fearless pen did not come without consequences. Throughout his career, he fearlessly critiqued those in power through his writings—an act that landed him in hot water with the authorities. In 1977,
“the Kenyan government unjustly imprisoned him without formal charges for co-authoring ‘Ngaahika Ndeenda’ (‘I Will Marry When I Want’), which dared to critique post-independence governance,”
elucidated [businessday.ng].
Amnesty International swiftly intervened on Ngugi’s behalf during this dark period, labeling him a
“prisoner of conscience.”
This term encapsulated not just legal incarceration but symbolized being jailed for one’s beliefs rather than criminal acts.
“The global outcry for Ngugi’s release painted a poignant picture—his plight resonated beyond borders as an emblematic struggle against oppression,”
noted [businessday.ng].
Even after regaining freedom from prison in 1978 due to international pressure,
“Ngugi faced further adversities when forced into exile following governmental crackdowns on artistic expression,”
revealed [businessday.ng]. His resilience shone bright as he navigated life outside Kenya—first residing in Britain before settling in the United States.
Reflecting on Ngugi’s enduring impact,
“His book ‘Decolonising the Mind,’ published while living in exile in 1986,went beyond being just another literary work—it became a manifesto that dissected how language shapes culture and identity,”
highlighted [businessday.ng]. This seminal piece delved deep into questioning colonial legacies entrenched within societal structures.
As we bid farewell to this literary luminary whose ink quelled tyranny,Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o leaves behind an indelible mark; though mortal chains may have been broken,his immortal legacy continues to inspire generations worldwide.
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**Attribution:**
This article contains information sourced from businessday.ng (Link: https://businessday.ng/news/article/ngugi-wa-thiongo-kenyan-literary-giant-dies-at-87/)
