Following the passing of celebrated Kenyan author and intellectual Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, his son Mukoma wa Ngugi, a writer and scholar in his own right, has shared a deeply personal tribute.
“It tears my heart to say that my father, Ngugi Wa Thiong’o, passed away earlier today,” Mukoma wrote, hours after the family announced Ngũgĩ’s death on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
In a short but heartfelt message, Mukoma reflected on the profound influence his father had on him—not just as a parent, but as a thinker and artist.
“I am me because of him in so many ways, as his child, scholar, and writer. I love him – I am not sure what tomorrow will bring without him here. I think that is all I have to say for now.”
The pain in his words mirrors the national and global mourning for Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a man whose literature, activism, and lifelong defence of African languages and dignity touched countless lives.
Ngũgĩ’s impact on his son’s life and career has long been evident.
Prof Mukoma wa Ngugi (Ngugi(in a black and white top) with his father, the late Ngugi wa Thiong’o during one of their public conversations together./COURTESYThe relationship between the two was more than familial—it was also intellectual.
Mukoma has frequently engaged in public conversations about postcolonial identity, African literature, and the politics of language, themes central to Ngũgĩ’s life’s work.
The elder Ngũgĩ, known for landmark works like Decolonising the Mind, Petals of Blood, and Matigari, was a pioneer in advocating for African languages in literature.
His decision to write in Gikuyu rather than English became a radical act of resistance—one that challenged colonial legacies and reshaped African literary thought.
As Mukoma grieves the loss of his father, his words echo the quiet, intimate side of a man many knew as a giant.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s passing leaves an immense void in African letters.
Ngugi’s family announced his passing Wednesday evening, 28th May 2025, saying he “lived a full life, fought a good fight.”
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o,” her daughter Wanjiku wa Ngugi said in a Facebook post on Wednesday night.
“As was his last wish, let’s celebrate his life and his work. Rîa ratha na rîa thŭa. Tŭrî aira!”—a Gikuyu phrase loosely translating to “With joy and sorrow. We are proud.”
Plans for memorial services and public tributes are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
“The family’s spokesperson, Nducu Wa Ngugi, will announce details of his celebration of life soon,” Wanjiku said.
Ngũgĩ was 87.
