Ngugi wa Thiong’o Will Always Remain a Legend: Here is Why.

Globally, a legend rested.  Ngugi wa Thiong’o, the illustrious writer, rested on 28 May 2025, aged 87 years. An iconic writer who will always inspire generations to think through their life struggles and the roots of their struggles, whether on water, food, shelter, education, health, roads, governance, and all good things one pursues in life - socially, culturally, economically, politically and even spiritually. Ngugi will remain an international script writer, inspirational in all dynamics.

Ngugi wrote many story books, plays, and memoirs, and they all covered varied themes. They all touched on the liberation of the mind, culture, and emancipation of the people. A look at some of the moving write-ups shows the kind of person he was and what inspired him. As a tribute to the distinguished global citizen, who will remain a true nationalist author, I reflect on what kind of man Ngugi was, through a review of some of his greatest works.

Weep Not, Child(1964) is a true mythical work. The story book primarily reflects the complex realities of colonialism in Kenya during the Mau Mau uprising. It evokes the experiences of a young boy, Njoroge, whose dreams of education and a brighter future are shattered by the violence and injustice of the colonial era. With a truly reflective title, the book serves as a plea for resilience and hope amidst adversity, urging readers to find strength in the face of despair. Yes, weep not, even under all circumstances one has to weep not, to go through. 

The book evokes trauma and loss. It directly addresses the emotional and psychological impact of colonialism on individuals and communities. The title is an interpretation or a warning against succumbing to despair and hopelessness. It acknowledges the realities of loss, pain, and suffering experienced by those affected by the Mau Mau uprising and colonial rule. The book explores how Njoroge and his family were caught in the crossfire of the conflict, experiencing personal tragedies, including the loss of land, education, and ultimately, the loss of innocence.

It goes further to symbolize resistance and resilience to those who fight for change. The book acts as a call to action, urging individuals to resist oppression and fight for a better future. It highlights the resilience of the Kenyan people in the face of adversity, demonstrating their determination to preserve their culture, land, and dignity. It goes further to showcase people who fight should be determined despite facing immense hardship. They should find ways to maintain hope and strive for a better tomorrow. Njoroge's aspirations for education and his family's struggle to maintain their land are examples of their resilience and determination. 

Beyond the personal experiences of Njoroge and his family, the book offers a broader commentary on the devastating effects of colonialism on Kenya and its people by underscoring the theme of exploitation and the loss of indigenous culture and identity, highlighting the destructive nature of colonial rule. 

The complex interplay of colonialism, anti-colonial violence, and the struggles for independence and liberation are also highlighted and these keep constituting the daily struggles of freedom, human rights and adherence to the rule of law. The book is a powerful and poignant tool that encapsulates the complexities of several themes, including the impact of colonialism on a community, the struggles for freedom and independence, and the resilience and hope of the human spirit in the face of difficulties and danger. Yes, Ngugi inspired and brought hope. 

The River Between (1965) followed with symbolism. The book showed how a river separated two villages of Makuyu and Kameno for multiple symbolic purposes. The book represents the growing divisions between tradition and modernity, particularly the clash between Gikuyu ethnic customs and the new religion of Christianity. The river also symbolized the interdependence and unity of the two villages, as they both relied on it for their survival and livelihood. Ultimately, the river acted as a metaphorical barrier that Waiyaki, the protagonist, must overcome to unite the community and forge a path towards a unified future. Indeed, rivers were instrumentalized to divide communities and kingdoms in Africa by colonialists and the uniting force of cross country waters for African unity.

Further, the river's symbolic purpose can be extended in various ways in society, for instance, on communal divisions and conflicts. The river physically divides the two villages, reflecting the growing cultural and ideological divide within the Gikuyu community, but this can be reflected in any other community. The introduction of Christianity, particularly through the efforts of symbolic Joshua, a Christian pastor, exacerbated the division between those who embraced the new religion and those who clung to traditional ways. 

The theme of interdependence and unity is also expounded. Despite the communal division, the river symbolizes the shared dependence of both villages on its resources for water, agriculture, and spiritual practices. This shared dependency highlights the inherent interconnectedness of two communities, even in the face of their differences. Human beings are interdependent and should unite in seeking solutions to their communal or collective problems and challenges. 

In the book, Waiyaki, the protagonist, sees the river as a barrier that must be overcome to unite the two villages and achieve a common purpose. He strives to bridge the divide by promoting education and understanding, hoping to create a shared identity for the Gikuyu people and this can be read to mean any other community. In today’s application of the River Between, how quickly do “educated people” move to provide solutions to people’s problems without their involvement and participation or even try to understand what divides them? How quick do we want swift fixes on serious interethnic divides, and even shutting down other people's ideas that could provide sustainable solutions? Would the collapsing of the river provide a long-lasting solution or could it have worsened the communal problems? 

The theme of transformation is vital in the book. The use of a river in the book is undeniably a symbol of transformation. A river carries with it the potential for renewal and progress in people's lives. It carries and sustains livelihoods. By overcoming the obstacles presented by the river, Waiyaki hopes to guide the Gikuyu people towards a future where they can reconcile their differences and achieve unity. Indeed, water is life and should always be the foundation of true transformation of people’s livelihoods with appropriate education on its use. Ngugi was truly a transformational leader. 

And then A Grain of Wheat (1967) follows. The novel further explores the complexities of Kenya's struggle for independence from British colonial rule, the impact of colonialism, and the search for national identity, which up to date is being sought.  It delves into the individual and collective experiences of Kenyans during the Mau Mau uprising and its aftermath, highlighting themes of betrayal, redemption, and the sacrifices necessary for freedom. A true foundation of what ails the nation to date. 

Under colonialism and its aftermath, the book examines the profound psychological and social impact of colonialism on the Gikuyu people (read Kenyans for a broader nationalistic perspective) and the challenges faced in establishing a new national identity after independence, which remains a work in progress in nation building. Thabai Village depicted in the book serves as a microcosm of Kenyan society, reflecting the diverse experiences and challenges faced by its people. 

Through various national struggles, different actors keep making choices. In the book Mugo, whose past actions weigh heavily on his present-day life, is a clear example of how redemption and guilt apply to those fighting for change. The individual characters, like Mugo, Gikonyo, and Mumbi, embody different aspects of the Kenyan experiences, from courage and betrayal to love and loss. Themes that keep affecting the daily people's struggles. 

The contradictions on whether the struggle is for communal or individual benefits are also depicted. The novel raises questions about the balance between individual desires and the needs of the community, highlighting the sacrifices one has to make for the collective good. And this remains a challenge even in today’s fight for people's economic and political liberation. 

The struggle for independence came under different banners and the book provides a vivid portrayal of the Mau Mau uprising, the state of emergency, and the political landscape surrounding Kenya's independence up to date as a grain of wheat planted. The social and moral issues are also presented as a Grain of Wheat confronts the moral dilemmas and social inequalities that arise from the struggle for independence and its aftermath. 

The book is indeed figurative, representing resilience and hope for the future, as a grain of wheat must die on the earth to grow and bear fruit. The key question remains, even in a plantation, how many grains of wheat survive to produce more healthy grains after being planted?

Overall, A Grain of Wheat will remain a powerful and complex book that explores the historical, social, economic and psychological dimensions of Kenya's struggles since the fight for independence. The book will keep reminding us of the sacrifices made and the challenges faced in the pursuit of freedom and a new national identity. Ngugi was a true nationalist. 

With a grain of wheat not being enough, Petals of Blood (1977) came in. The book explored the complex realities of post-colonial Kenya, highlighting the betrayal of the ideals of the anti-colonial struggle and the perpetuation of oppression by the new ruling elite. Yes, the book examines the lingering effects of the Mau Mau rebellion and its impact on individual lives, as well as the social and economic problems that continue to plague independent Kenya. Ultimately, the book aims to awaken a revolutionary spirit in Kenyans, urging them to challenge the system and strive for social justice. 

The book showcases betrayal of ideals by exposing the hypocrisy and corruption of the post-colonial government, which fails to deliver on the promises of independence and instead perpetuates the exploitation of the poor. This keeps forming the foundation of meaningful struggle by all Kenyans. 

The social and economic issues that ignite any demand for change and transformation is vividly portrayed in the book and particularly the economic disparities and the continued exploitation of peasants, the workers, by both foreign and indigenous business interests, highlighting the persistent inequalities in post-independence Kenya. 

The book also highlights the place of individual transformation or one’s liberation. True to this, the characters in the novel undergo significant personal transformations as they grapple with the realities of their society. Each character, in their own way, is compelled to confront the past and its lingering effects on their present lives. This is an awakening revolutionary spirit which the book aims to inspire readers to question the status quo and to embrace a revolutionary mind and spirit similar to that of the Mau Mau rebels, urging them to fight for a more just and equitable society. This cannot be realised without a projection of what it would cost. It suggests the delicate balance of the nature of freedom and the violent means by which it was attained and subsequently betrayed. 

The book explores how the legacy of colonialism manifests in the economic and political structures of post-independence Kenya, highlighting the continued exploitation by foreign powers and the rise of a greedy indigenous bourgeoisie. It also examines the corrupt nature of power, both within the government and among the wealthy elite, and how this corruption undermines the ideals of independence. It is deeply concerned with social justice, advocating for the rights of the marginalized and the need for economic equality and social transformation. 

The characters in the book grapple with their identities in a changing society, struggling to reconcile their individual experiences with the collective history and the challenges of building a new nation. In essence, Petals of Blood is a powerful critique of post-colonial society, and urges readers to confront the injustices of the past and to strive for a more just, inclusive and equitable future. Ngugi was a social justice revolutionary.   

While doing the emancipation struggles, one should not forget the Devil on the Cross (1980), the system. Ngugi uses the story of Wariinga to critique the exploitative nature of capitalism and the corrupt political system not only in post-colonial Kenya but across the world. This book exposes the ways in which the wealthy and powerful, both local and international, exploit the poor, calling for means to change through revolutionary thoughts to change the system. 

Symbolically, Wariinga struggles to survive in Nairobi and this highlights the harsh realities of capitalism, where individuals are reduced to commodities and exploited for profit. Through political exploitation, Ngugi exposes the collaboration between local Kenyan elites and international forces in exploiting the poor, suggesting a need for a political revolution. He imagines the "devil" in the book, often portrayed as a capitalist figure and uses this to represent the forces of oppression and greed that destroy Kenya and the entire human society. 

Through the struggles of Wariinga and her fellow workers, the novel offers a powerful social commentary on the inequalities and injustices inherent in the existing system and calls for revolution. The novel can be seen as an impassioned call for a revolution, urging the poor and marginalized to fight for a better future free from exploitation and corruption. In essence, "Devil on the Cross" is a powerful indictment of the social and political structures that perpetuate injustice in Kenya and a call to action for those who seek a more equitable society is investable in the book. Ngugi the visionary. 

The story around Ngugi wa Thiong’o does not and will not end. It will keep rotating and evolving with generations as Decolonising the Mind (1986) showed. Important to note, Ngugi made a conscious decision to write the book in Gikuyu and then translated it into English. This was his broader commitment in the decolonization of linguistics and he went on to write his books in his mother tongue.  Ngugi’s devotion was to keep exposing the lasting effects of colonialism, particularly in its linguistic and cultural impact across the globe. His call is for people to change their mindset and harness their locally available tools for transformational change, starting with their mother tongue. 

Ngugi’s obituaries are many just like the liberation messages around them are. Rest in peace Ngugi, you were a true legend, an advocate for a return to indigenous languages and cultural practices as frontiers for complete emancipation. This is a special tribute to a global citizen, an icon in the field of true ideological foundation, a visionary and a transformational leader, Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o.

Stephen Musau is a human rights defender currently serving as a Board Member, Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) Kenya, and an expert in human rights, policing, security, conflict, corporate governance and strategic leadership and management. Musau has worked with both the civil society and public service sectors in Kenya, having honed human rights skills with Release Political Prisoners (RPP) since 1999.