Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiongo famed for viral literature works was on Thursday feted by the Catalan government during the Catalonia International Prize.
Thiongo was awarded Premi Internacional Catalunya prize for his push in safeguarding African traditions, culture, and languages.
He later made a moving acceptance speech in his native language saying the news came at a time when he thought his life was over.
He underwent heart surgery in California, US in December last year when the news of the prize was communicated to him.
“Just before they took me to the operating room, I wrote a will. Hence, when I received the news that I had been feted, I felt alive again, like I was being celebrated in the land of the living,” Ngugi recalled in his speech.
“I was so happy that tears were balancing in my eyes,” he added.
Catalonian President Quim Torra who was the chief guest during the ceremony praised Thiongo’s literature works saying that he is among Africa’s most prolific writers.
Thiongo has managed to inculcate some sense of literature in all the genres that he has written about culture and day to day living.
He has also published memoirs, essays and a theatre which borrow a leaf from the socio-political culture in the African setting especially Kenya.
Some of the books he has authored have been used by as set books for secondary school. They include the River Between, A Grain Of Wheat, Petals of Blood among others.
He was among 74 nominees from 35 countries who were awarded in the 31st edition of the awards.