US policies restricting academic freedom, author Mukoma Wa Ngugi says as he sues Trump

Kenyan author Mukoma Wa Ngugi who has sued US President Donald Trump saying recent executive orders are stifling academic freedom. (Photo: X/Mukoma Wa Ngugi)

By Lucy Mumbi
Monday, March 17, 2025

Mukoma expressed personal fears over being subjected to criminal prosecution due to the broad language of the second executive order, which references anti-Semitism.

Kenyan author and Cornell University professor, Mukoma Wa Ngugi, has raised concerns over the effects of the recent US executive orders on academic freedom, saying they are stifling free academic discourse and limiting open discussions on critical political issues.

In a sworn affidavit, Mukoma detailed how these policies have created a climate of fear, preventing him from freely engaging in critical political issues particularly related to US foreign policy and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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Mukoma, who resides in Tompkins County, New York, is a renowned author whose works explore Africa’s colonial history and liberation struggles. He is the son of renowned Kenyan writer Ngugi Wa Thiong’o.

In his statement, he explained how he is unable to discuss political issues with his close associate, Momodou Taal, due to policies implemented under US President Donald Trump.

He said the restrictions have led to self-censorship and the loss of vital academic discourse.

“As a result of the executive orders, Momodou and I have stopped engaging with each other in public in the way we used to. It has been hard for me, as someone who always values what he has to say, to reconcile my desire to keep teaching others with my desire to speak up against his being silenced,” he said.

Describing Taal as “a very bright young intellectual” whose insights he greatly values, Mukoma said he wants to help him grow academically.

“I want to help him develop his scholarship, but this is very hard to do under conditions where I am worried about whether the university or outside forces will monitor and report the things that we say to each other, either in class or in departmental meetings or otherwise,” Mukoma said.

He also raised concerns over Taal’s inability to attend his book launch, saying it was a significant personal and professional setback as an author.

“For an author, a book launch is a critical moment in one’s academic and intellectual life, especially the first book. There is something about shaking hands with one’s readers, hearing their thoughts, talking to them in person, signing their copies—Momodou missed out on all of this because he has a legitimate fear of being turned away at the border for no good reason other than the things he said in the US,” Mukoma said.

He further expressed personal fears over being subjected to criminal prosecution due to the broad language of the second executive order, which references anti-Semitism.

Mukoma questioned how criticism of Israel could be interpreted under the order, noting that many of his Jewish colleagues have expressed similar critiques without facing accusations of anti-Semitism.

“I don’t know what type of speech might constitute anti-Semitism, but I know that many of my Jewish friends and colleagues have criticised Israel in the same way that I have, and that doesn’t make them anti-Semitic,” he said.

Mukoma stressed the emotional and professional toll these restrictions have taken on him, describing the situation as an “irreparable harm”.

“I certainly feel that I've been harmed in a way that I can't repair unless and until I'm able to speak freely and openly with my dear colleague Momodou Taal again,” he said.