Academia is poorer without Ngùgì Wa Thiong’o – Kindiki

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has mourned Kenyan author, playwright, and post-colonial theorist Ngùgì Wa Thiong’o, who died on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

In his message of condolence, Kindiki said Ngùgì’s death has left the world of academia poorer.

He described the Professor as one of the country’s finest intellectuals who was adored by many across the world.

The Deputy President said that out of admiration, even those who disagreed with his views on fundamental issues did it with respect.

“Profoundly sad to learn of the demise of the distinguished Prof. Ngugi Wa Thiong’o," Kindiki said on Thursday.

“One of Kenya’s finest public intellectuals, Prof. Ngugi was admired by many across the globe, and those who disagreed with his views respected him. The world’s academia is left very much the poorer without this great son of Kenya."

His death marks the end of an era in the African literary community and beyond.  

Ngugi was 87.

A towering figure in African literature, Ngugi's influence stretched across continents, languages, and generations.

Known for novels such as A Grain of Wheat, Petals of Blood, and Devil on the Cross, Ngũgĩ championed the use of African languages in literature and resisted colonial and neo-colonial systems of oppression throughout his life.

President William Ruto is among the leaders who have condoled with the family of the late renowned Kenyan writer.

President Ruto on Thursday described the death of Ngugi as a towering giant of Kenyan letters.

"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 in his message.

Plans for memorial services and public tributes are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.

"The family's spokesperson, Nducu Wa Ngugi, will announce details of his celebration of life soon," Wanjiku said.