Renowned Kenyan Writer Ngũgĩ Wa Thiong’o Passes Away at 87

At the age of 87, renowned Kenyan author and literary legend Ngugi wa Thiong’o passed away.

After a protracted illness, the renowned novelist died Thursday night in the United States, according to his family.

We regret to inform you of the death of our father, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who passed away on Wednesday morning, May 28, 2025. He battled valiantly and lived a long life. Let’s honor his life and work, as he requested in his final words. Thŭa rîa na rîa ratha. On Facebook, his daughter Wanjiku wa Ngugi posted, “Tŭrî aira!”

James Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o was born on January 5, 1938. He was a pioneering writer, playwright, essayist, and scholar who had an incalculable impact on African literature and political philosophy.

Ngũgĩ was renowned for his literary works, including Weep Not Child, A Grain of Wheat, and The River Between. He started his career writing in English before adopting his native Gikuyu language.

Nducu wa Ngũgĩ, the family’s spokesperson, will make an announcement in the next few days regarding the specifics of his life celebration.