Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, writer, 1938-2025
The Kenyan won both acclaim and enemies for works that explored empire, power and language
The Kenyan won both acclaim and enemies for works that explored empire, power and language

Along with other icons of African writing, Ngũgĩ taught generations how to decolonise literature, language and the mind

Africa’s ‘demographic dividend’ won’t pay off if ageing leaders continue to stifle their aspirations

Watching videos of Hannah Arendt and Nelson Mandela is a reminder of how one’s early heroes can continue to inspire

Former PM helped push boundaries of democracy but came to represent culture of political horse-trading

Inspired by the photography of Oumayma Ben Tanfous

An exhilarating collection distills the late writer’s thinking on power, exile and the importance of the mother tongue