Rigathi Gachagua, Raila Honour Ngugi Wa Thiong’o with Heartfelt Tributes: "Has Orphaned Africa"
- Kenya’s leading politicians, including Rigathi Gachagua and Raila Odinga, publicly mourned the death of literary icon Ngugi wa Thiong’o
- Gachagua praised Ngugi as a versatile mentor, writer, poet, and political leader who shaped African identity through his powerful works
- Raila, on the other hand, described Ngugi as an "African giant," honouring his legacy and contributions to African literature and culture
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Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
Kenya’s top political figures, including former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and former prime minister Raila Odinga, have voiced profound sorrow over the passing of literary titan Ngugi wa Thiong’o.
Source: Facebook
How did Gachagua, Raila mourn Thiong'o?
In heartfelt posts on social media, Gachagua and Raila paid tribute to Ngugi. Gachagua said the death has left not only Kenya but all of Africa orphaned.
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He described Ngugi as a versatile figure who was a mentor, teacher, prolific writer, poet, honest man, and influential political leader.
"Ngùgì’s great works of literature among them; The River Between, Weep Not Child, A Grain of Wheat, I Will Marry When I Want, Devil on the Cross, Decolonizing the Mind, Wizard of the Crow, Matigari, Dreams in the Time of War, among others have created an original African desire, identity and the African literary philosophy," Gachagua's statement read in part.
He said Ngugi was a genius who helped him to improve in his literary language and communication skills through the use of symbolism, figurative language, metaphors, metonymy and poetry.
"The African literary champion never shied from writing in his native language and his quest to tell the African story through the African lens. This inspiration lives on through works like Matigari, Ngahìka Ndeenda, Caitaani Mutharaba-Inì, among others, true to African heroism," Gachagua added.
The former Mathira MP also extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and expressed his sympathies.
"May Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o rest in peace. My sympathies to his family," he added.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila also mourned Ngugi in a brief, heartfelt message, describing him as an African giant.
"A giant African has fallen. Rest in eternal peace, author Prof Ngugi wa Thiong'o!" he said.
Did Wetang'ula mourn Ngugi wa Thiong'o?
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula wasn’t left behind as he joined millions of Kenyans in mourning the passing of the internationally acclaimed author.
Wetang’ula expressed his deep condolences by composing a heartfelt poem that celebrated Ngugi’s fearless dedication to shedding light on critical African social and political issues through his writing.
The speaker praised Ngugi’s courage in using literature as a platform to challenge injustices and amplify African voices on the global stage.
Source: Facebook
In his moving tribute, Wetang’ula highlighted some of Ngugi’s most influential works, including The River Between and Petals of Blood.
He underscored how Ngugi not only crafted powerful narratives but also played a crucial role in restoring dignity and respect to African languages, championing cultural identity through his commitment to writing in indigenous tongues.
Wetang’ula emphasised that although Ngugi has passed away, his enduring legacy remains firmly etched in the minds of readers and scholars worldwide.
The speaker assured that Ngugi’s groundbreaking contributions to African literature and his unwavering spirit will continue to inspire future generations for many years to come.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
