On 5 July 2025, the Rift Valley Forum—in collaboration with the British Institute in Eastern Africa, IFRA, Cheche Books and Twaweza Communications— brought together scholars, authors, activists and politicians to celebrate Ngugi’s literary brilliance, political courage and enduring influence: A tribute to a towering figure whose voice empowered generations. The Forum explored how his work inspired movements and continues to shape discourse on democracy, identity and freedom in Kenya and beyond.