Samidoh Painfully Mourns Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Remembers Unfulfilled Plans They Had Together
- Samidoh reflected on his meeting with Ngugi wa Thiong’o in Atlanta, where they discussed the author’s powerful works condemning poor governance in Kenya
- The late author encouraged Samidoh to continue creating art in the Gikuyu dialect, affirming the singer’s positive influence on the Kikuyu culture and language
- Samidoh expressed deep sorrow over not fulfilling his promise to return and get help from the penman with editing a book he was writing
Award-winning Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong'o’s passing has left the nation in deep mourning, with many Kenyans sharing heartfelt tributes to the literary giant.
Source: Facebook
How did Samidoh mourn Ngugi wa Thiong'o?
Among those publicly expressing their sorrow is popular Mugithi singer Samuel Muchoki, popularly known as Samidoh.
Shortly after news of Ngugi's death broke, Samidoh took to social media to honour the celebrated author and cultural icon.
He shared a series of photos from his visit to Ngũgĩ in the United States, showing the late author smiling and looking vibrant during their meeting.
In his tribute, Samidoh revealed that during their encounter in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2024, the two had meaningful discussions about Ngugi's works, particularly those condemning poor governance across Kenya’s four regimes.
Ngugi had also encouraged Samidoh to continue creating art in the Gikuyu dialect, affirming that the singer’s work was having a positive impact on their community.
The singer expressed deep sadness over an unfulfilled promise he had made to Ngũgĩ, to return and help in editing a book he is writing.
“I actually promised him I would go back to see him soonest so that he would help me in correction and editing of a book I am writing,” Samidoh shared.
He lamented the loss, saying:
“We have truly lost as a country, community and society at large.”
Ending his message with a heartfelt farewell, he wrote:
“Huruka uhoro (Rest well), Mwalimu Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o.”
Ngugi passed away at the age of 87.
See the post below:
Here are some reactions from social media users mourning the wordsmith:
Kim's Kelly:
"He rests. The pen writes. The story continues."
Marie Shii:
"When your name is mentioned , it takes me back to the major contribution you have made to literature. We will never forget you as long as we have "The River between" "Devil on the cross" name them...Rest in Peace Legend."
Ken Nderitu:
"'The two ridges lay side by side. One was Kameno, the other was Makuyu. Between them was a valley. It was called the valley of life.' Through Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong'o words, he gave voice to the oppressed. Through his courage, he challenged systems. He taught us the power of language, memory and resistance. His stories live on in books, classrooms and in the hearts of generations. Rest in Peace Mwalimu Ngùgì wa Thiong'o."
Esther Hadasa:
"R.I.P legend, you gave your best I wish this politicians can get your message but they tend to have a deaf ears."
Betty Shee:
"His soul continues to live on. May the great man rest in peace."
John Ngugi:
"His soul may rest but his work will continue to inspire generations,rest well sir."
Source: Facebook
Were there Ngugi wa Thiong'o's fake death reports?
In 2021, Ngugi's family was forced to set the record straight after false reports of his death began circulating.
His son, Mukoma Wa Ngugi, reassured the public that the author was alive and well.
He noted that they had even laughed about the misleading rumours during a phone conversation.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
