Kenya should honour Prof Ngugi now not later, for his contribution

Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o during a past event. [File, Standard]

Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o is a towering figure in African literature and a tireless advocate for decolonising African minds. His literary works tackle the political, social and cultural challenges of post-colonial Kenya and Africa at large. Despite his monumental contributions to literature and intellectual thought, Kenya has yet to give him the recognition he so rightly deserves.

Kenya’s neglect of Ngugi reflects a broader issue: the country’s hesitation to celebrate those who fought to free African thought from the grip of colonialism. As Kenya grapples with the lasting legacy of colonial rule, now is the time to honour Ngugi—not only as a writer but as a national hero whose impact on the intellectual and cultural landscape of Kenya and Africa is immense.

His work goes beyond storytelling—it is a tool for decolonising African thought and reclaiming African identity. His novels, such as The River Between, A Grain of Wheat, Petals of Blood, and Devil on the Cross, serve as critical commentaries on Kenya’s colonial history, the post-independence disillusionment, and the continued exploitation of African resources.

In A Grain of Wheat, he critiques the betrayal of Kenya’s independence by a corrupt elite, while Petals of Blood delves into the oppressive conditions that ordinary citizens face. The novels have become blueprints for understanding Kenya’s political struggles, identity, and the vital role of language in shaping cultural consciousness.

Ngugi’s most profound legacy is his philosophy of “decolonising the mind.” He argued that true liberation could not be achieved without reclaiming African languages, cultures, and stories. Writing in Gikuyu instead of English was a defiant act of resistance against linguistic imperialism. For him, language is a vessel for culture, and using indigenous languages reconnects people with their histories, values, and traditions.

His belief that “language is a tool for liberation” laid the foundation for a broader movement toward linguistic and cultural decolonisation. Ngugi’s writing inspired generations of African writers, thinkers, and activists to reclaim their identities from the remnants of colonialism. His insistence that African literature must be written in African languages remains a powerful message that continues to influence efforts to uplift indigenous cultures.

Ngugi’s contributions went beyond literature. As a professor of literature at the University of Nairobi, he played a pivotal role in reshaping the university’s curriculum. Before his intervention, the syllabus heavily favoured English literature, marginalising African voices. Ngugi and his colleagues pushed for a curriculum that centered African literature and reflected the experiences and struggles of African people.

His leadership at the University of Nairobi transformed the institution into a pioneer in African literature studies. He championed the teaching of African authors in their native languages and advocated for elevating African narratives within academia. This shift faced resistance from the establishment, but Ngugi remained unwavering in his commitment to intellectual decolonisation. One of his most daring contributions was staging the play Ngaahika Ndeenda (I Will Marry When I Want) at the Kamirithu Educational and Cultural Center. Written in Gikuyu, the play criticised the social injustices and exploitation faced by ordinary Kenyans. Its popularity alarmed the government, which viewed the play as politically subversive. As a result, Ngugi was arrested and detained without trial. However, even in prison, he continued writing, famously composing Devil on the Cross on toilet paper.

Kenya’s failure to honuor Ngugi wa Thiong’o is more than an oversight—it reflects a reluctance to confront the uncomfortable truths his works expose. While the global community has celebrated Ngugi’s genius with numerous honorary degrees and awards, his home country has been slow to recognise his immense contributions. Honouring Ngugi means embracing Kenya’s ongoing journey toward true liberation, both politically and intellectually.

Kenya must act now to officially recognise Ngugi’s contributions. Renaming the Literature Department at the University of Nairobi in his honour, awarding him the nation’s highest honours, and naming public buildings, streets, or cultural centers after him are just some ways to pay tribute. These acts would serve as lasting reminders of his influence and legacy.