The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has deeply mourned the passing of Micere Githae Mugo, a renowned playwright, author, activist, instructor, and poet from Kenya. Micere Githae Mugo, born Madeleine Micere Githae in 1942, transitioned to the eternal realm on June 30, 2023. Her demise is a great loss to the literary world and the African community as a whole.
In a statement released today, Wole Adedoyin, the President of SYNW, expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the society. Micere Githae Mugo’s contributions to literature, activism, and academia have left an indelible mark, inspiring countless writers, scholars, and activists across Africa and beyond.
Forced into exile from Kenya during the dictatorship of Daniel Arap Moi in 1982 due to her activism, Mwalimu Mugo found refuge in Zimbabwe and later the United States. She continued her remarkable career, serving as a literary critic and professor of literature in the Department of African American Studies at Syracuse University. Her expertise encompassed Orature, Literature, and Creative Writing.
Mwalimu Mugo’s body of work includes six books, a play co-authored with Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, and three monographs. Her literary prowess extended to editing journals and shaping the Zimbabwean school curriculum. In 2002, she was honored by The East African Standard, which recognized her as one of the 100 most influential people in Kenya.
Micere Githae Mugo’s literary brilliance and her relentless pursuit of social justice have left an indomitable legacy. Her words echoed the experiences and aspirations of ordinary people, challenging oppressive systems and demanding change. She used her artistry to advocate for equality, human rights, and the empowerment of marginalized voices.
The SYNW acknowledges Micere Githae Mugo’s profound impact on African literature and her unwavering dedication to uplifting the African spirit. Her creative works will continue to inspire generations to come, encouraging a deeper understanding of our shared history, culture, and struggles.
As the SYNW mourns the passing of this literary icon, we extend our deepest sympathies to Micere Githae Mugo’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her legacy live on as a guiding light for future generations.
