Ngugi wa Thiong'o is a Kenyan writer, scholar, and social activist. Born on January 5, 1938, as James Ngugi in Limuru, Kenya, he is best known for his work in promoting African languages and for his novels that delve into the social and political issues arising from the legacies of colonialism and independence in Africa. Ngugi began his writing career in English but later decided to write primarily in his native Gikuyu and to translate his works into other languages, including English. His well-known novels include "Weep Not, Child" (1964), "The River Between" (1965), and "Petals of Blood" (1977). His writing often focuses on the clash between traditional African culture and the pressures of modernity and colonialism. Ngugi's political activism led to his imprisonment without charge in Kenya in 1977, and after his release, he went into self-imposed exile. His contributions to literature and his advocacy for the use of vernacular languages in African literature have earned him several international honors and the reputation of being one of Africa's leading writers and intellectuals.