No explanation on Ngugi ‘cremation’ as celebration held
From left: Kenya Publishers Association CEO Kiarie Kamau, the late Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s nephew Thiongo Njinju, and the late Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s son Tee Ngugi during the celebration of the life and works of the late writer at Taifa Hall in Nairobi on June 20, 2025.
During Friday’s event held at UoN’s iconic Taifa Hall, nearly 10 family members spoke, including spokesman Nducu wa Ngugi who addressed the gathering virtually.
In all the speeches, there was no mention of the interment or the wishes Prof Ngugi had before his departure.
Whoever expected an explanation on what happened to literary icon Ngugi wa Thiong’o after his May 28 death would have left disappointed at an event held in his honour on Friday at the University of Nairobi (UoN).
Officially, the family has not announced that he was cremated, only saying he did not want a “formal” funeral. Information on the cremation was disclosed by Prof Mukoma wa Ngugi, an estranged son who disclosed recently that he had not spoken with his father in his last three years on earth. Prof Mukoma had been informed about the cremation by a sibling. However, the family has not denied the cremation claims.
