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<knjogu@africaonline.co.ke> The Kenyan literary icon, Professor Ngugi wa Thiong'o, returned to Nairobi on 31st July 2004 after 22 years of exile in Europe and the United States. He was received by thousands of Kenya who sang and danced celebrating his return. The reception was overwhelming and many shed tears of joy. I was there. His village in Limuru performed and danced for him and his family. Ngugi has given many powerful lectures at the Universities of Nairobi, Dar es salaam and Makerere. But on returning from Makerere university on 11 th August, 2004 Ngugi and his family were attacked at a Norfolk Towers Apartment where they were sleeping. This was around 2.00 am. They were badly harmed. As I write now Professor Ngugi and his wife Njeeri are admitted at the Nairobi Hospital. Ngugi was scheduled to work with younger Kenyan writers and to give a Public Lecture to over 4,000 Nairobians in the next few days and to launch a number of children books. He was scheduled to visit a number of High Schools. It is not clear whether the attack was an act of thuggery or a politically motivated crime. The Norfolk Towers are "well guarded" and supposed to be safe given their proximity to the famous Norfolk Hotel. Ngugi's enemies struck at his moment of joy. I wanted to share this pain. Kimani Njogu Nairobi
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