Wanjiku Ngugi, who is a daughter to renowned writer Ngugi wa Thiong’o is with no doubt a force to be reckoned with when it comes to creative writing, slowly taking after her father who is a globally recognised author.
According to an article by The Standard, Ngugi and Wanjiku will be featured in a compilation of short stories, Nairobi Noir as part of the Akashic Noir series that is set to be released in February 2020.
In the publication, Wanjiku comes first with her story, For Our Mothers, based on the city’s Pangani neighbourhood.
Her father’s story, The Hermit in the Helmet, comes in the later pages and is written in an alliteration-style, set in Nairobi's Kawangware neighbourhood.
In the publication, the two writers base their content on dark themes that clearly indicate how unpleasant the world had become.
Besides the striking similarity between Ngugi and his daughter's writing skills, both borrow from the concept of religion.
As Ngugi uses his usual method of directly challenging Christianity for eroding African traditions, Wanjiku shows how religion is being used by criminals to disguise themselves in society.
She was thrown into the limelight at a moment when her elder brother, Mukoma Ngugi, continues to rise in the publishing industry, a clear indication of how Ngugi’s children are slowly taking after him.
Among the recent books released by Mukoma include Nairobi Heat, Mrs Shaw and Black Star Nairobi.
On December 20, 2019, Ngugi was pronounced the 31st Catalonia International Prize winner by the Catalan government in Spain.
The writer was recognised for the many achievements in his literary works and his defence of African traditions, culture, and languages.
"Ngugi wa Thiong'o is one of the most prolific and renowned African writers.In all the genres he cultivates; novels, essays, memoirs, and theatre.
“He combines the most profound African traditions with a sensitive yet merciless description of the social and political situation in his native Kenya," read a report by Catalan News.
Among Ngugi’s best works include Weep Not Child, Matigari, The River Between, A Grain of Wheat among many others.
