Nairobi: Kenyan writer Ngugi wa Thiong’o, considered one of the greats of African literature, passed away at the age of 87, a spokeswoman for his Nairobi publisher confirmed. Thiong’o, who died in the US state of Georgia, leaves behind a long legacy of critical works.

According to Oman News Agency, Ngugi wa Thiong’o was born in 1938 under British colonial rule and spent a significant part of his life in exile in Britain before moving to the United States. His return to Kenya was brief, yet his impact on literature and culture is enduring.

Thiong’o was both an author and an academic, with his works ranging from novels such as “Weep Not, Child” to non-fiction like the much-acclaimed “Decolonizing the Mind.” His essays explored the role of language in shaping national culture, history, and identity.

Despite being tipped numerous times for the Nobel Prize for Literature, Thiong’o never received the accolade. He initially wrote in English but later switched to his native Kikuyu, reflecting his commitment to decolonizing culture.