Ngugi wa Thiong’o, the celebrated Kenyan scholar and author, has been cremated in the United States of America, six days after his sudden passing.
The late renowned scholar’s son, Mukoma wa Ngugi, told journalists that the author’s farewell was carried out in line with his wishes prior to his death, marking the end of an era for a literary giant.
He stated that he clearly understood that it was not in line with the Kenyan traditions, but had to follow the Will of his father.
“Just to clarify, that was his desire. I understand it’s not in line with Kenyan traditions, but in my view, it makes sense,” Mukoma told the Nation.
Ngugi, best known for his novels A Grain of Wheat, Petals of Blood, Devil on the Cross, and The River Between, died on Wednesday, May 28, aged 87, in Atlanta city in US.
Ngugi spent several years in exile, serving as a professor at prestigious institutions overseas, such as Yale University and the University of California, Irvine.