Ngugi wa Thiong’o (born 1938) is a Kenyan novelist, playwright, essayist, and literary theorist. He is a prominent figure in African literature, known for his powerful and often politically charged works.

*Champion of African Languages: Ngugi is a strong advocate for writing in African languages, believing that using them is crucial for cultural liberation and intellectual self-determination. He even stopped writing in English in 1977, choosing to write in Gikuyu, his native language.
*Political Activism: Ngugi’s writing often addresses issues of colonialism, neocolonialism, and the struggles for social justice in Africa. He was imprisoned in Kenya in the 1970s for his political activism.
*Key Works: His most famous works include:
—The River Between (1965): Exploring the clash between traditional African beliefs and Christianity in Kenya.
—A Grain of Wheat (1967): Set during the Mau Mau rebellion, examining the complexities of freedom and independence.
—Petals of Blood (1977): A powerful critique of post-colonial society in Kenya, exploring themes of class, corruption, and revolution.
* Literary Theorist: Ngugi has developed a significant body of work on African literature, including influential essays on decolonization, language, and culture.

Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s work is considered essential reading for understanding the complexities of Africa’s cultural and political landscape. He continues to be a powerful voice advocating for the liberation of Africa and its people