The Atheists In Kenya Society mourns the demise of Professor Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a renowned Kenyan novelist, essayist, and staunch advocate for African languages.
His passing signifies the end of a significant chapter in African literature and the discourse of global post-colonial thought. He leaves a remarkable legacy characterized by innovative narratives, deep critical perspectives, and steadfast intellectual bravery.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, born in colonial Kenya in 1938, has become one of Africa’s most celebrated writers and thinkers. Witnessing the Mau Mau War of Independence and enduring the injustices of neocolonial Kenya, Ngũgĩ’s prolific career spans novels, plays, essays, and memoirs. His works challenge colonial legacies, advocate for cultural decolonization, and highlight the centrality of language in identity and history.
He is part of a dedicated group of writers who consistently fought for the liberation and advancement of the peasant and labor communities in his nation.
In honor of the late Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, we strongly encourage Kenyan and African parents in general to stop assigning English names as the first names for their children. Let us use our indigenous African names.