President Ruto Leads Kenyans in Mourning the Passing of Literary Giant Ngugi wa Thiong’o
President William Ruto has joined Kenyans and the global literary community in mourning the death of renowned Kenyan author and academic, Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o. The celebrated literary figure passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2025, at the age of 87 while receiving treatment at a hospital in Buford, Georgia, USA.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on his official X account, President Ruto hailed Ngugi as a courageous intellectual who profoundly influenced the way Kenyans and Africans understand independence, social justice, and the dynamics of political and economic power.
“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,” the President stated.
President Ruto also reflected on Ngugi’s bold and thought-provoking contributions, noting that his voice resonated deeply across the political divide, commanding attention from both critics and supporters alike.
He further recalled the collective national hope that Ngugi would one day be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, highlighting how his work united Kenyans in admiration and pride.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also paid tribute to the literary icon, describing him as a respected figure whose influence extended far beyond Kenya’s borders.
“He was admired by many across the globe, and even those who disagreed with his views respected him,” Kindiki noted, adding, “The world’s academia is left very much the poorer without this great son of Kenya.”
Ngugi wa Thiong’o leaves behind a rich literary legacy that includes globally acclaimed works such as Petals of Blood, which led to his detention in 1977, A Grain of Wheat, and Weep Not, Child. He was also a staunch advocate of indigenous languages, penning significant works in Gikuyu, including Ngaahika Ndeenda (I Will Marry When I Want) and Devil on the Cross (Caitaani Mũtharaba-Inĩ).
