“I am because of Him”: Mukoma wa Ngugi pays tribute to his father

Mukoma wa Ngugi, the son of the late celebrated Kenyan writer Ngugi wa Thiong’o, has paid a moving tribute to his father, hours after the family announced his passing on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

"It tears my heart to say that my father, Ngugi Wa Thiong'o, passed away earlier today," Mukoma wrote in a heartfelt post.

"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."

Mukoma’s words reflect a deep personal loss, but also honour the intellectual bond he shared with his father.

More than a father and son relationship, the two were also thinkers in dialogue, engaging over the years on themes that defined Ngugi’s life work, including postcolonial identity, language politics, and African literature.

Ngugi’s family confirmed his death on Wednesday night, saying he died at the age of 87.

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o," said his daughter Wanjiku wa Ngugi in a Facebook post.

"As was his last wish, let's celebrate his life and his work. Rîa ratha na rîa thŭa. Tŭrî aira!” she added, using a Gikuyu phrase that loosely means "With joy and sorrow. We are proud."

Ngugi, who authored landmark works such as Decolonising the Mind, Petals of Blood, and Matigari, was known for championing African languages and culture.

His bold choice to write in Gikuyu rather than English marked him as a radical voice against colonial influence and helped shape African literary thinking for generations.

Plans for memorial services and tributes will be shared in the coming days.

"The family's spokesperson, Nducu Wa Ngugi, will announce details of his celebration of life soon," Wanjiku said.

Ngugi’s death marks the end of an era in African literature, but through the voices of his children and the legacy of his writing, his spirit lives on.