Ngugi Wa Thiong'o

A Kenyan author and activist who revolutionized African literature by writing in indigenous languages and advocating for decolonization of education.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o (b. 1938) is a Kenyan writer, academic, and political activist renowned for his role in promoting African literature in local languages rather than colonial languages like English. Born in Limuru, Kenya, he rose to prominence in the 1960s with novels like 《Weep Not, Child》, which critiqued colonialism and its aftermath. His work shifted to Gikuyu, his native language, in the 1970s, exemplified by 《Devil on the Cross》, making him a pioneer in decolonizing African literary traditions.

Ngũgĩ’s activism extended beyond writing. He co-founded the University of Nairobi’s theatre group, using drama to address social issues. His criticism of Kenya’s post-independence government led to imprisonment in 1977–1978, after which he went into exile in the US. His essays, such as 《Decolonising the Mind》, argue for rejecting Eurocentric education systems and embracing African cultural heritage.

Despite facing censorship and political persecution, Ngũgĩ’s influence spans global academia and activism. He has taught at institutions like Yale and the University of California, and his works are studied in courses on postcolonial literature. The Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o Centre for African Literature and Culture at the University of Nairobi honors his legacy. His advocacy for linguistic and cultural autonomy continues to inspire movements for African self-determination.