William Ruto Pays Touching Tribute to Author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o: "His Patriotism is Undeniable"
- President William Ruto mourned the death of celebrated author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, describing him as a towering giant of Kenyan letters
- Ruto praised Ngũgĩ’s courageous impact on independence, social justice, and political discourse in Kenya
- The president recalled how Kenyans united in hoping Ngũgĩ would win the Nobel Prize for Literature
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi – President William Ruto has joined Kenyans and the world in mourning the celebrated author Ngugi wa Thiong'o, who died aged 87.
Source: Facebook
How William Ruto mourned Ngugi wa Thiong'o
In his heartfelt condolence message on Thursday, May 29, the president expressed deep sadness over the passing of Kenya’s revered teacher, writer, playwright, and public intellectual.
In his touching tribute, Ruto described Ngũgĩ as a towering giant of Kenyan letters who has now put down his pen for the final time.
“Always courageous, 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,” Ruto said.
According to the head of state, Ngũgĩ’s bold and creative career was marked by contributions that commanded attention from both supporters and critics alike.
“His patriotism is undeniable, and even those who disagreed with him acknowledged that his discourse sprang forth from a deep and earnest quest for truth and understanding, free from malice, hatred, or contempt,” the president stated.
Ruto narrated how Kenyans once united in the hope that Ngũgĩ would one day receive the Nobel Prize for Literature, an honour many felt he richly deserved.
"Many Kenyans cannot remember a time when we were not united in the hope that Prof Thiong'o would finally receive the Nobel Prize for Literature, which we all felt he more than deserved.
"Be that as it may, he will always remain the champion of literary emancipation and innovation in our hearts and minds," he added.
Source: Getty Images
The president extended his condolences to the late professor’s family, wishing them peace and comfort during this difficult period.
Ngugi’s death was confirmed by his daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngugi, in a Facebook post. She revealed that the renowned author passed away on the morning of Wednesday, May 28.
In her message, Wanjiku encouraged Kenyans to honour Ngugi’s life and legacy, emphasising that he lived fully and fought bravely throughout his journey.
Inside Wetang'ula's poetic tribute to Ngugi wa Thiong'o
Speaker Moses Wetang'ula paid tribute to Ngũgĩ with a moving poem, describing him as a fearless guardian of African identity.
In his condolence message, Wetang'ula used poetry to highlight how Ngugi boldly addressed African issues through his artistic work on the global stage.
He lauded the author’s choice to write in Gikuyu, noting that it restored pride and musicality to African languages.
Like President Ruto, Wetang'ula affirmed that although Ngugi has passed on, his legacy will remain deeply etched in the hearts and minds of all who engage with his writings.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
