Following the passing of renowned author and scholar Ngugi wa Thiong’o, leaders from across the political spectrum took to their social media platforms to mourn the loss of the literary icon.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen were some of the leaders who sent their messages of condolences to Ngugi’s family.
Ngugi passed away on Wednesday, May 28, aged 87, after health problems in a development which was communicated by his daughter Wanjiku wa Ngugi.
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, on the morning of Wednesday, May 28, 2025," she stated.
"He lived a full life and fought a good fight. As per his last wish, let us celebrate his life and his work," Wanjiku added.
Raila, in his brief statement, referred to Ngugi as a giant in the literary space, both in Africa and beyond.
“A giant African has fallen. Rest in Eternal Peace author Prof Ngugi wa Thiong'o!” he stated.
Gachagua, in his message, drew upon Ngugi’s works, noting that they inspired him politically. He further credited his contribution to African literature.
“The passing of Prof. Ngùgì Wa Thiong’o has orphaned Africa; we, the students of literature, have borne it all,” he noted.
“His inspiration to me went beyond the classroom into my political world; when I left office late last year, I read and re-read his book, ‘A Grain of Wheat’. His words, “…then nobody noticed it; but looking back, we can see that waiyaki’s blood contained within it a seed, a grain, which gave birth to a movement…” Gachagua added.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi hailed Ngugi as a literary great, citing his numerous works and the impact they had on Kenya, Africa and beyond.
“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,” he stated.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen also highlighted Ngugi’s role in putting Kenya and Africa on the global stage through his literary works.
“Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o, the literary and academic icon who passed on today, played a pivotal role in hoisting Kenya’s and Africa’s name high on the global stage,” he stated.
“Through his highly innovative approach to literature, he inspired countless authors and leaders across generations, for which we are eternally grateful. His legacy also endures in the books that many generations of Kenyans studied or read for enjoyment,” Murkomen said.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula also sent his condolences, describing Ngugi as a writer “who was not confined by the ordinary constraints of storytelling.”
He was joined by his Senate counterpart Amason Kingi, who noted that Ngugi's works and intellectual discourses exemplified linguistic decolonisation and addressed critical issues affecting ordinary citizens, including identity and social justice.
At the time of his demise, the award-winning Ngugi resided in California, United States, where he spent most of his years.
Ngugi’s family disclosed that details regarding his funeral would be revealed in due course.
"The family's spokesperson Nducu wa Ngugi will announce details of his celebration of life soon," Wanjiku, his daughter, noted.
