Is Kenya Truly Honoring Ngugi wa Thiong'o's Legacy?

Ngugi wa Thiong'o: A Legacy of Resistance and the Question of Modern Kenyan Identity Kenya mourns the loss of literary giant Ngugi wa Thiong'o, but the video by Joel M Kariuki raises questions about the nature of this mourning. Is it genuine remembrance, or a superficial gesture? Kariuki's video, uploaded on May 29th, 2025, challenges Kenyans to consider if their current actions truly honor Ngugi's fight for cultural preservation. "Are we remembering Ngugi, or are we silencing him with flowers?" Kariuki asks, highlighting the continued dominance of English in Kenyan education despite Ngugi's advocacy for African languages. He points out the irony of celebrating Ngugi while neglecting the very principles he championed. The video's powerful message resonates with the ongoing debate about cultural identity in post-colonial Africa. Kariuki's call for a deeper engagement with Ngugi's legacy is a timely reminder of the importance of preserving one's cultural heritage. His words, "We can do more than mourn him; we can fulfill him," offer a powerful message of hope and action.