This June, Kenyans will have a chance to hear and witness the late literary legend Ngugi wa Thiong’o in action in one of his plays, ‘The Trial of Dedan Kimathi’. The play by the Nairobi Performing Arts Studio will be staged at the Kenya National Theatre from June 19 to 29.
In his last days, Ngugi was busy helping bring to life this iconic plays co-written with the late Prof Micere Githae Mugo, another literary firebrand.
The show will feature a recording of Ngugi, narrating a part of the script.
‘The Trial of Dedan Kimathi’ is a “powerful play that dramatizes the arrest, trial and resistance of Dedan Kimathi,” goes the play’s synopsis.
“The play follows Kimathi’s arrest and his execution, blending courtroom scenes with flashbacks and dreamlike sequences that showcase the history of oppression and the resilience of the Kenyan people.”
The principal cast includes Bilal Mwaura (as Kimathi), Stuart Nash (Shaw Henderson), Bhavnesh Chudasama (Johnie), Frank Kaguura (Gatotia) and Joseph Halt (Judge).
Ngugi was hand throughout the rehearsal process, engaging with cat and crew via conference calls, fielding questions and encouraging them.
He last spoke with the cast on Saturday, May 24th. The play’s director Stuart Nash was scheduled to again speak with the icon on May 29th but this was not to be. Ngugi passed away on May 28.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o this Wednesday morning, 28th May 2025. He lived a full life, fought a good fight. As was his last wish, let’s celebrate his life and his work. Rîa ratha na rîa thŭa. Tŭrî aira,” his daughter Wanjiku wa Ngũgĩ wrote in a social media post.
