President William Ruto has led the country in mourning the death of celebrated Kenyan writer and public intellectual, Prof Ngugi wa Thiong'o.
In a heartfelt tribute posted on his official X account, President Ruto hailed the late author as a courageous literary giant whose work left a lasting impact on Kenyan and global literature.
"I have learnt with sadness about the death of Kenya's beloved teacher, writer, playwright, and public intellectual, Prof Ngugi wa Thiong'o. The towering giant of Kenyan letters has put down his pen for the final time. Always courageous, he made an indelible impact on how we think about our independence, social justice as well as the uses and abuses of political and economic power," Ruto said.
I have learnt with sadness about the death of Kenya's beloved teacher, writer, playwright, and public intellectual, Prof Ngugi wa Thiong'o. The towering giant of Kenyan letters has put down his pen for the final time.
Always courageous, he made an indelible impact on how we... pic.twitter.com/bHPJcWfVCF - William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) May 29, 2025
"Many Kenyans cannot remember a time when we were not united in the hope that Prof Thiong'o would finally receive the Nobel Prize for Literature, which we all felt he more than deserved. Be that as it may, he will always remain the champion of literary emancipation and innovation in our hearts and minds," he added.
Ruto's tribute echoed a widespread national sentiment that Ngugi deserved the Nobel Prize for Literature, a recognition many Kenyans had long hoped to see.
Other prominent leaders also joined in paying tribute to the legendary author.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga described Ngugi as a towering figure in African literature.
"A giant African has fallen. Rest in Eternal Peace author Prof Ngugi wa Thiong'o!" Odinga posted on X.
Odinga had previously met the author nearly a decade ago, highlighting his legacy as a former political detainee and criticizing the Jubilee administration at the time for allegedly failing to uphold post-independence ideals.
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro also celebrated the late writer, saying: "An Icon has rested. Ngugi wa Thiong'o will remain legendary. We celebrate the phenomenal contribution the great man made to the world and for elevating the name of our Country."
Renowned legal scholar Prof Makau Mutua praised Ngugi as a visionary thinker and fearless critic of colonialism:
"Ngugi wa Thiongo, one of the greatest literary giants and pioneering anti-colonial thinkers the world has ever seen, has left us at 87. His indelible imprint on the cultural rupture when Europe cannibalized Africa will live in the eternal sands of time. You will never die."
Ngugi wa Thiongo, one of the greatest literary giants and pioneering anti-colonial thinkers the world has ever seen, has left us at 87. His indelible imprint on the cultural rupture when Europe cannibalized Africa will live in the eternal sands of time. You will never die ?!... pic.twitter.com/KAqFsWTLT3 - Prof Makau Mutua (@makaumutua) May 28, 2025
Ngugi's literary journey began with English-language novels such as Weep Not, Child and The River Between, but he later made a deliberate shift to writing in his native Gikuyu as part of his mission to promote African languages and cultural identity.
His commitment to decolonizing the mind and defending indigenous languages inspired generations of African writers and intellectuals.
Despite facing political imprisonment, years in exile, and even assassination attempts, Ngugi remained an unwavering advocate for social justice and cultural pride.
According to his family, Prof Ngugi wa Thiong'o passed away on the morning of Wednesday, May 28, at the age of 87, following a long battle with health complications. In his final years, he was battling kidney issues and had limited mobility.
Ngugi leaves behind a powerful legacy of resistance, creativity, and a deep love for his people and their stories.
