France, May 29 -- Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong'o has died, his daughter announced on Wednesday evening. With his focus on post-colonial identity, he was considered one of East Africa's greatest literary figures.

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, this Wednesday morning," Wanjiku Wa Ngugi wrote on Facebook."He lived a full life, fought a good fight."

Messages of support and respect quickly poured in for the celebrated author, whose decision to stop writing in English and start using only his native Kikuyu made him a powerful symbol of post-colonial African identity.

"My condolences to the family and friends of Professor Ngugi wa Thiong'o, a renowned literary giant and scholar, a son of...