Martha Karua recalls her final moments with Ngugi wa Thiong’o
People’s Liberation Party (PLP) party leader Martha Karua has recalled her final moments with celebrated author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who died on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
In a moving tribute passed via her official X account on the night of Wednesday, May 28, 2028, Karua said she treasured the time she spent with him recently.
She shared a photo of her with the celebrated author, which was taken during Africa Day on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
Karua further stated that she had spent the time with Ngũgĩ laughing, reminiscing and listening as he shared with her his dreams of the Kenya everyone aspires to.
“I treasure the time I spent with him recently, laughing, reminiscing and listening as he shared his dreams of the Kenya we all aspire for. Kenya has lost a true patriot. May he rest well,” Karua stated.
She also mourned Ngũgĩ as a renowned literary giant and scholar, a son of the soil and great patriot whose footprints are indelible.
“My condolences to the family and friends of Professor Ngugi wa Thiong’o, a renowned literary giant and scholar , a son of the soil and great patriot whose footprints are indelible,” she stated.
Leaders mourn Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
Karua joins a long list of Kenyan leaders who have shared their heartfelt messages in honour of the celebrated writer.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Masika Wetang’ula, was among the leaders who penned messages of tribute to the giant in African literature.
Wetang’ula described the deceased as a mighty voice.
“Prof. Ngũgĩ was not confined by the ordinary constraints of storytelling. He bore the soul of a continent and the cry of its people within every line he penned. His writings were not just literary artefacts; they were acts of defiance, declarations of dignity, and hymns of remembrance,” Wetang’ula wrote.
“His novels, Weep Not, Child, The River Between, A Grain of Wheat, Petals of Blood, unfurled the layers of a wounded yet resilient nation. But it was his decision to write in Gikuyu that truly elevated his mission to restore to the African language its rightful rhythm, power, and prestige. He walked with the quiet audacity of those who know their place in the lineage of liberation. His intellect refused to bow to comfort. His words tore through falsehood, reawakened identity, and summoned us toward a more conscious future,” he added.
Kalonzo’s tribute
On his part, the opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka wrote, “Prof. Thiongo’s dedication to his craft brought him into conflict with the political regime, leading to his imprisonment at the Kamiti Maximum Prison without trial for over a year. Undeterred even with the one-hour allotment for sunshine, Prof. Thiong’o continued to write, refusing to let his mind be chained. As we mourn him, we also take time to celebrate Prof. Thiong’o’s incredible courage as a champion for academic and political freedom that is now under threat.”
Ngugi’s last wishes
His daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngugi, confirmed his death through a brief message published on her Facebook page on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
According to the daughter, his last wishes were that people should celebrate his life and work.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, this Wednesday morning, 28th May 2025. He lived a full life, fought a good fight. As was his last wish, let’s celebrate his life and his work,” Wanjiku wrote.
