Ngugi wa Thiong'o is a renowned Kenyan writer and academic, known for his influential works in literature. Born in 1938, he initially wrote in English but later switched to writing in his native language, Gikuyu, to promote African culture and identity. His notable works include novels like A Grain of Wheat and Petals of Blood, which explore themes of colonialism, identity, and social justice.
In addition to his fiction, Ngugi is a prominent critic of colonialism and has been an advocate for the use of indigenous languages in literature. He has also been involved in political activism, which led to his imprisonment in the 1970s. Today, he is celebrated as a key figure in African literature and continues to inspire new generations of writers.