Son Recounts Father's Exile: A Personal History of Ngugi wa Thiong'o's Struggle

Son Recounts Father's Exile: A Personal History of Ngugi wa Thiong'o's Struggle. Kenya. Mukoma Wa Ngugi, son of acclaimed author Ngugi wa Thiong'o, recently shared a moving account of his father's experiences with political persecution. In an interview with TV47, Mukoma detailed the years of separation from his father, from 1982 to 1990, due to his father's detention and subsequent exile. "From 1982 to 1990, we did not meet him at all," Mukoma stated, highlighting the profound impact on their family. The interview also touched upon Ngugi wa Thiong'o's advocacy for African languages and his often-controversial stances, providing context to the political climate of the time. Mukoma's personal story offers a humanizing perspective on a significant chapter in Kenyan history, reminding us of the sacrifices made by those who fight for their beliefs. The absence of his father during those formative years shaped Mukoma's perspective, yet he expressed gratitude for the strength and convictions his father instilled in him.