In the wake of the passing of celebrated Kenyan author and intellectual Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, his son, Mukoma wa Ngugi, has publicly addressed the deep-seated family tensions that marked their relationship in recent years. Mukoma revealed that he had been estranged from his father for the last four years and was unaware of his passing until notified by his brother.
Reflecting on the loss, Mukoma shared that his farewell to his father had occurred long before his death, citing unresolved conflicts stemming from past family struggles. He disclosed that the rift originated from incidents of domestic abuse involving his mother, Nyambura wa Ngugi, which led to a breakdown in communication between father and son.
Mukoma also expressed his shock upon learning that his father had been cremated, stating that he had no prior knowledge of the ceremony and only discovered it afterward. Despite the estrangement, he acknowledged his father’s profound influence on his life and career, emphasizing that he still loved and respected him.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a towering figure in African literature, passed away on May 28, 2025, at the age of 87. His contributions to postcolonial thought, language advocacy, and literary excellence remain unparalleled. While his family navigates the complexities of their personal history, the world continues to celebrate his enduring legacy.