Leaders, activists hail Ngugi's fight against tyranny, literary genius
National
By
Brian Otieno
| May 30, 2025
Literary icon Ngugi 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.
His daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngugi, announced his death in a social media post, saying Ngugi's last wish was that they "celebrate his life and his work."
His son, Mukoma wa Ngugi, credited his father for moulding him into the man and writer he became.
"I am me because of him in so many ways, as his child, scholar and writer. I love him - I am not sure what tomorrow will bring without him here," said Mukoma.
President William Ruto remembered Ngugi as "courageous" and as having 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."
"In his bold and creative career, Prof. Thiong'o showed us how to make contributions that cannot be ignored and speak in ways that both supporters and opponents cannot ignore. His patriotism is undeniable, and even those who disagree with him will admit that Prof Thiong'o's discourse always sprang forth from a deep and earnest quest for truth and understanding, devoid of malice, hatred or contempt," said Ruto.
The President said the literary giant deserved the Nobel Prize for Literature, which eluded him throughout his life.
"Be that as it may, he will always remain the champion of literary emancipation and innovation in our hearts and minds. May his family find peace and comfort in this period of mourning, and may Prof Thiong'o rest in eternal peace," added Ruto.
Many have, indeed, felt Ngugi deserved the Nobel, blaming issues such as racism for the denial. Activist Boniface Mwangi alluded to this in a tribute he posted on social media platforms.
"He was the most deserving of a Nobel prize in literature for over 40 years, but he was racistly denied. Pure racism is the reason he died without one. As he now rests, I am glad that his work will endure and transcend him forever," Mwangi said.
The rights activist also credited Ngugi for empowering his readers "with language to resist colonisation, tyranny, and the yoke of dogma. He decolonised us with words, and for that he was jailed and exiled."
Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka highlighted the writers tribulations in the hands of past governments.
"Prof Thiongo's dedication to his craft brought him into conflict with the political regime, leading to his imprisonment at the Kamiti Maximum Prison without trial for over a year. Undeterred even with the one-hour allotment for sunshine, Prof. Thiong'o continued to write, refusing to let his mind be chained. As we mourn him, we also take time to celebrate Prof. Thiong'o's incredible courage as a champion for academic and political freedom that is now under threat," said the Wiper party leader.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki described Ngugi as one of Kenya's "finest public intellectuals" and said the world's academia was "very much the poorer" with his death.
"Prof. Ngugi was admired by many across the globe, and those who disagreed with his views respected him," said Kindiki.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga described Ngugi as "a giant African", while former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said his death had "orphaned Africa."
Former Chief Justice David Maraga wrote: "With the power of his pen, his works touched countless lives and reshaped the global literary landscape."
Uganda's opposition politician Bobi Wine said: "Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong'o wielded his pen like a spear: exposing oppression and inspiring generations to fight for justice. His works were not just literature; they were liberation manifestos. I send my condolences to Kenyans and all who cherish freedom for losing this revolutionary storyteller and a great son of Africa. His words live on, though, urging us to build the free and just world that he dreamed of. Rest in lasting power, Prof. Ngugi."
Indeed, not everyone agreed with Ngugi's works. His novels and plays always rubbed the ruling elite the wrong way, prompting his jailing and later exile.
The novelist and playwright was critical of the government's excesses and called out the ills of successive regimes.
When Ruto visited of the United States last year and secured Kenya's designation as a major non-Nato ally, Ngugi accused the President of "selling the country cheap."
"I saw you seated on a chair, grinning, while Biden stood behind you, his face beaming with satisfaction. Why not? He had just announced that you had signed off our beloved Kenya to make it a non-member ally of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation). In other words, you had agreed to become Nato's errand boy in America's struggle with Russia and China for access to resources of the continent," the literary giant said in an open letter to Ruto.