Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o was a renowned Kenyan author and academic who made significant contributions to African literature. His powerful quote, “In colonial conquest, language did to the mind what machetes did to the bodies of the colonised,” highlights the profound impact of colonialism on African cultures and languages.

Ngũgĩ’s literary career was marked by a diverse body of work, including novels, plays, and essays that explored themes of colonialism, identity, and social justice. Among his most celebrated books are A Grain of Wheat (1967), which chronicles Kenya’s struggle for independence; The River Between (1965), which examines the tension between tradition and modernity; Petals of Blood (1977), a critique of corruption and inequality in post-colonial Kenya; and The Perfect Nine (2018), an epic poem reimagining the origin story of the Gĩkũyũ people.

His books have been widely studied and featured as set texts in schools and universities across Africa—a testament to their enduring relevance and influence. A staunch advocate for African literature and languages, Ngũgĩ championed the use of indigenous languages in both education and literary expression.

Beyond his literary achievements, Ngũgĩ was an outspoken critic of colonialism and imperialism, often using his writing to expose the injustices faced by Africans. His activism came at a personal cost: in 1977, he was imprisoned for co-writing the play Ngaahika Ndeenda (I Will Marry When I Want), which was deemed politically subversive. Remarkably, during his detention, he penned the novel Devil on the Cross on toilet paper—an enduring symbol of resilience and creative defiance.

Ngũgĩ’s work was recognized globally. He received several prestigious awards, including the International Nonino Prize (Italy) and the Park Kyong-ni Prize. Notably, during an award ceremony in Spain, he delivered his acceptance speech in his mother tongue, Kikuyu—underscoring his lifelong dedication to the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages.

Although he was often cited as a frontrunner for the Nobel Prize in Literature, he never received the honour. Still, his influence is unquestionable.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o passed away on May 28, 2025, at the age of 87, as announced by his children on social media. His legacy continues to inspire writers, scholars, and activists across Africa and the world. His fearless voice, literary brilliance, and unwavering commitment to cultural authenticity have left an indelible mark on African literature.