Famous Kenyan writer Ngugi wa Thiong’o passed away at the age of 87, but he spent his last days doing what he loved—bringing his stories to life on stage.
Even in his final moments, Ngugi was deeply involved in the production of one of his most powerful plays, The Trial of Dedan Kimathi.
This gave him great joy, knowing that his work still mattered and continued to inspire new generations.
The play, which he co-wrote with the late Prof Micere Mugo, tells the story of Dedan Kimathi, a Kenyan freedom fighter who played a key role in the country’s fight for independence.
The story shows his courage and the strength of ordinary people fighting for justice. Prof Micere Mugo passed away in 2023, and now both authors are being honored through this performance.
From June 19 to 29, 2025, fans of theatre and literature will have a chance to see this powerful play at the Kenya National Theatre in Nairobi.
The Nairobi Performing Arts Studio will bring The Trial of Dedan Kimathi (Gutuirwo kwa Dedan Kimathi) back to the stage, giving people a chance to connect with Ngugi’s message of resistance and hope.
This show will be special because Ngugi’s voice and presence will be felt throughout the performance.
It is being described as a final chance to see or hear the great writer on stage, as he was closely involved in shaping the production until his last days.
Ngugi wa Thiong’o believed in the power of storytelling and its ability to bring change. He often used local languages and told African stories from African points of view.
His final moments spent working on this play show how passionate he was about sharing these stories with the world.
By Newshub