Wetang’ula reserves Tuesday for MPs to honour Ngugi wa Thiong’o in Parliament

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has set aside Tuesday next week for MPs to formally eulogise renowned Kenyan author Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o, who died on May 28 at the age of 87.

On Thursday, Wetang’ula led the House in observing a moment of silence for the celebrated writer, describing him as one of Kenya’s greatest sons in literature and a global icon of African storytelling.

"This country has lost one of its greatest sons in the literary world, Professor Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o. A prolific writer of global repute, Prof. Ngũgĩ stood in the league of African literary giants such as Chinua Achebe, Elechi Amadi, Flora Nwapa, and many others who helped illuminate the African narrative through literature. His work not only shaped Kenya's literary heritage but also positioned African storytelling on the world stage," Wetang’ula said.

He told MPs that thirty minutes will be allocated next Tuesday for them to pay tribute to the late professor, who played a key role in shaping Kenya’s literary landscape.

"Next week on Tuesday, I shall allocate thirty minutes for this House to formally eulogise Professor Ngũgĩ. But for now, as a patriotic and conscious House, we must recognise this great son of Kenya. Prof. Ngũgĩ was instrumental in founding, developing, and nurturing the Department of Literature at the University of Nairobi," he added.

Wetang’ula highlighted Ngugi’s collaboration with other literary pioneers, noting that their collective work laid the foundation for modern Kenyan literature.

According to the Speaker, Prof. Ngũgĩ worked alongside other literary luminaries such as Okot p’Bitek, Micere Githae Mugo, Chris Wanjala, Francis Imbuga, John Ruganda, and many others whose collective efforts laid the foundation of modern Kenyan literature.

He criticised local media for failing to give Ngugi’s death the prominence it deserved, saying the writer’s legacy should have made national headlines.

"I must, however, express my disappointment with the media. I had expected to see Prof. Ngũgĩ’s image gracing the front pages of every newspaper in this country just as we do when other global figures such as the Pope or Chinua Achebe pass on. Sadly, that was not the case today. Instead, we continue to see front-page coverage of less deserving matters," he said.

Wetang’ula called on the House to collectively express its disappointment and push for greater recognition of national heroes.

"As your Speaker, I invite this House to join me in recording this collective disappointment and calling for greater recognition of our heroes. Let us now, together, observe a minute of silence in memory of Professor Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, an indomitable voice of African letters, a patriot, and a teacher of nations," he said.