NGUGI WA THIONG'O CREMATED IN THE UNITED STATES

Kenya’s celebrated literary icon, Professor Ngugi wa Thiong’o, was cremated in the United States on June 5 2025 in line with his final wishes, his son and writer Mukoma wa Ngugi confirmed. Thiong’o passed away on May 28, 2025, in Buford, Georgia, at the age of 87, after battling multiple health complications, including kidney failure that required regular dialysis in his final years.
His son Mukoma revealed that the decision to cremate the late professor’s remains honoured his personal request. “He wished instead to be remembered in spirit, through the ideals he stood for and the lives he touched,” the family said.
Honouring Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s final wishes, his family has announced that there will be no public burial, but a series of commemorative events will be held in Kenya and the United States to celebrate his life and legacy.