Leaders, activists hail Ngugi's fight against tyranny, literary genius

Renowned scholar Prof Ngugi wa Thiong'o (left) is handed a gift by Vihiga Cultural Society chairperson Hezron Azelwa at Mbale Primary School when he came to launch Grades 1 to 3 books written in Maragoli language to be used in the implementation of the new curriculum. Ngugi said the government should fully support adoption of local languages in schools. [Eric Lungai, Standard]

Literary icon Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who died on Wednesday at the age of 87, has been hailed for his works which explore Kenya’s colonial legacy and the neocolonialism that replaced it.

In glowing tributes online, Prof Thiong’o, who died in the United States of America, was praised for his patriotism and courage, which remained unshaken even by persecution by the Kanu regime.