Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, the celebrated Kenyan author and playwright whose literary success spanned the globe, has died at the age of 87.
A publicist for Ngũgĩ’s U.S. publisher The New Press, confirmed the author’s death to The Associated Press on Wednesday, adding he had been receiving dialysis treatments for his kidneys. Per the AP, Ngũgĩ’s son said his father died in Bedford, Georgia.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s literary career spanned several decades, during which he produced several novels, essays, and plays. His early works, such as “Weep Not, Child” (1964) and “The River Between” (1965), reflect the struggles of the Kenyan people during the colonial period. However, it was his later works, particularly “Petals of Blood” (1977) and “Devil on the Cross” (1980), that solidified his reputation as a critical voice against neocolonialism and social injustice. These novels not only depict the harsh realities of post-colonial Kenya but also challenge the reader to confront the complexities of identity and the impact of colonial legacies.
In his career as a writer, Ngũgĩ advocated for the use of indigenous languages in literature. In the 1970s, he made a pivotal decision to write exclusively in his native Kikuyu language, a move that was both a personal and political statement. This shift was rooted in his belief that language is a vehicle for cultural expression and a means of reclaiming identity. His book “Decolonising the Mind” (1986) articulates this philosophy, arguing that the use of African languages in literature is essential for the decolonization of the African mind and the restoration of cultural pride.
Ngũgĩ was also an outspoken critic of the Kenyan government, which led to his imprisonment without trial in 1977 for his political activism. His experiences during this time profoundly influenced his later works and reinforced his belief in the power of literature as a tool for social change. After his release, he went into self-imposed exile, during which he continued to write and engage with global audiences, advocating for human rights and freedom of expression.
More on the literary career and activism of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o.
