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{
    "id": 1623643,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1623643/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 137,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Mungatana, MGH",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise to move this Motion on Celebrating the Life of Professor Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o. This Motion is sponsored jointly by Hon. Sen. Veronica Maina and I. THAT AWARE THAT Professor Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, a prominent author, academician and human rights defender, globally recognised for his foundational contributions to literature and good governance passed away on 28th May, 2025 at the age of 87; COGNIZANT THAT the late Professor Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o had an illustrious career in writing and teaching literature spanning over 6 decades where he authored landmark novels, plays and poems that shaped postcolonial studies, contributed to social justice and inspired generations of writers and thinkers across the world; APPRECIATING THAT the late Professor Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o advocated for indigenous languages and indeed took up writing in his mother tongue, at a time when it was not fashionable to do so; FURTHER COGNIZANT THAT his legacy in inspiring many generations towards cultural sovereignty and the power of indigenous languages in literature and thought, led to numerous international awards being bestowed upon him; NOW THEREFORE the Senate expresses its deep sadness at the death of Professor Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, records its celebration and appreciation of his remarkable life, and extends its heartfelt sympathy and condolences to his family, friends and the nation. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, many of us who grew up in the shadows of this great man during the days when we studied literature in life and school remember him as a man who fought both the colonial regime and resisted dictatorial tendencies of post-colonial Kenya without fear or favour. This great African literature giant died on the Wednesday of 28th May, 2025, aged 87 years. He was born under British colonial rule in 1938. He was anti-colonialist, he was anti-dictatorial and he was also a militant proponent of the use of African languages. He wrote many celebrated plays, including Devil on the Cross and The Wizard of the Crow. He lived through the Mau Mau uprising as a teenager. During that time, he saw hundreds of our people abused, imprisoned and tortured. During this conflict, Professor's father was forced to sell off his land and he also witnessed the death of his two brothers during this struggle. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}