Thiong’o was admired worldwide, including by authors John Updike and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and by former President Barack Obama.

Vance's speech comes after Trump promised to make the U.S. the "crypto capital of the planet" when he addressed the same bitcoin conference in Nashville last year.

Jeff Rossen reveals affordable vacation alternatives that offer the same charm and adventure as bucket-list destinations, but at a fraction of the cost.