Celebrated Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong'o./COURTERSYTributes are streaming in from across the country and around the world following the death of renowned Kenyan author and intellectual Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
Among those mourning the loss is Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who praised Ngũgĩ as a fearless voice for African dignity and justice.
“Sad to learn of the passing on of a literary giant whose words shaped African thought and inspired generations,” she said.
“Prof. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's works challenged oppression and celebrated the power of indigenous voices with courage, globally advocating for African languages. Though he has left us, his legacy lives on in every story, every struggle, and every dream of a just world. Rest in power, Prof. Ngũgĩ. Heartfelt condolences.”
Activist group Kong'amano la Mapinduzi also honoured the late writer’s lifelong commitment to liberation, language, and truth.
“Thiong'o, through his words, gave voice to the oppressed. Through his courage, he challenged systems. He taught us the power of language, memory and resistance. His stories live on in books, classrooms and in the hearts of generations. Rest in Power, comrade wa Ngũgĩ!”
Chief Executive Officer, Music Copyright Society of Kenya, Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, a prominent media and cultural commentator, described Ngũgĩ as one of Africa’s most powerful minds and literary forces.
“Ngũgĩ, a literary legend and one of Africa’s greatest voices, has passed away. Through masterpieces like Petals of Blood and Ngahika Ndenda, written in both Kikuyu and English, Thiong’o became a towering figure and a celebrated thinker. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends around the world. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
More tributes
Mzilikazi wa Africa: "The baobab tree has fallen: Literature giant, intellectual thinker and award winning author, Ngũgĩ Wa Thiong’o, is no more. He passed away this morning in Atlanta, USA at the age of 87. #RIPNgũgĩ."
Lawrence Kitema: "Thiong’o was more than a writer — he was a revolutionary thinker who used language and literature to fight for freedom, culture, and truth. His legacy will live on through his powerful words and unwavering spirit. Rest in peace, Prof. We have lost a legend. Prof. Ngũgĩ wa."
Kalonzo Musyoka: "I have learned of the passing on of Prof. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o with sadness. Prof. Thiong’o was an exceptional mind, one of the finest not just in Kenya and Africa – more often described as East Africa’s leading novelist—but renowned across the world.
"His works, including the internationally acclaimed “River Between”, “A Grain of Wheat”, and “Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature”, were rites of passage. One of his works, a short story titled “The Upright Revolution: Or Why Humans Walk Upright”, was translated into over 100 languages.
"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. May Prof. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o's soul rest in eternal peace."
Musalia Mudavadi: "Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o stands tall as one of the most distinguished literary giants ever to emerge from Kenya, and indeed, East Africa.
"Through timeless works like The River Between, Petals of Blood, and A Grain of Wheat, he illuminated the soul of a nation, challenged the status quo, and gave voice to generations.
"His pen stirred thought, provoked dialogue, and shaped the landscape of African literature. A true trailblazer, he leaves behind a legacy so profound, it will be difficult for any to match. May his soul rest in eternal peace."
