President William Ruto has eulogised the celebrated author and scholar Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o describing him as a ‘towering giant of Kenyan letters’.
In a condolence message on X handle, Ruto described Thiong’o as a courageous man who made an indelible impact on how we think about Kenya’s independence, social justice as well as the uses and abuses of political and economic power.
“I have learnt with sadness about the death of Kenya’s beloved teacher, writer, playwright, and public intellectual, Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o. The towering giant of Kenyan letters has put down his pen for the final time.” Mourned President Ruto.
Adding that: “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. In his bold and creative career, Prof Thiong’o showed us how to make contributions that cannot be ignored and speak in ways that both supporters and opponents cannot ignore.”
Kenyan literary giant Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o died at the age of 87 on Wednesday morning.
On her facebook handle, Ngugi’s daughter Wanjiku wa Thiong’o announced the passing of the dad noting that he lived a full life.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngugi wa Thiong’o this Wednesday morning,” wrote Wanjiku Wa Ngugi. “He lived a full life, fought a good fight.”
Widely regarded as east Africa’s most influential writer, Ngugi sought to forge a body of literature reflecting the land and people from which he came, and not follow in the footsteps of Western tradition.
Tributes continue to pour for the late Prof. Thiong’o with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki eulogising Thiong’o as one of Kenya’s finest public intellectuals.
“Profoundly sad to learn of the demise of the distinguished Prof. Ngugi Wa Thiong’o. 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.”
The Prime Cabinet Secretary mourned the late Prof. as a true trailblazer adding that he leaves behind a legacy so profound, it will be difficult for any to match.
“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 mourned.
In his message, Ugandan politician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu popularly known as Bobi Wine said the world has lost a giant who wielded his pen like a spear, exposing oppression and inspiring generations to fight for justice eulogised Prof. Thiong’o
“Last night, the world lost a giant. Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o. He wielded his pen like a spear: exposing oppression and inspiring generations to fight for justice. His works were not just literature, they were liberation manifestos. I send my condolences to Kenyans and all who cherish freedom for losing this revolutionary storyteller and a great son of Africa. His words live on, though, urging us to build the free and just world that he dreamed of. Rest in lasting power, Prof. Ngugi.”
Also read https://www.kbc.co.ke/giant-of-kenyan-literature-ngugi-wa-thiongo-dead-at-87/
