Celebrated Kenyan Author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o Cremated in the U.S. as Per His Wishes

Renowned Kenyan author, playwright, and scholar Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o has been cremated in the United States in accordance with his personal wishes, his son Mukoma wa Ngũgĩ has confirmed.

Ngũgĩ passed away on May 28, 2025, at the age of 87 in Buford, Georgia. In recent years, the celebrated literary icon had been grappling with various health challenges, including kidney failure, which required him to undergo regular dialysis.

Best known for his powerful critiques of colonialism and advocacy for African languages in literature, Ngũgĩ’s work has left an indelible mark on global literary and academic landscapes. From *Weep Not, Child* and *The River Between* to *Decolonising the Mind*, his writings have shaped generations of readers and thinkers both in Africa and around the world.

Ngũgĩ's final wish was to be cremated rather than buried, a decision his family honored in a private ceremony. “It was what he wanted,” said Mukoma wa Ngũgĩ. “As a family, we’re at peace knowing we respected his wishes.”

Tributes have poured in from fellow writers, academics, cultural institutions, and political leaders across the globe, celebrating Ngũgĩ not only for his literary genius but also for his unwavering commitment to African identity, language, and liberation.

Plans are underway for public memorials in Kenya and the U.S. to honor his extraordinary legacy.