Tributes pour in for Prof Bethwell Ogot following his death at 95
His family confirmed that he passed away at a Kisumu hospital after a short illness.
Leaders across the country have mourned the passing of Prof Bethwell Ogot, a renowned Kenyan scholar, who has died at the age of 95.
His family confirmed that he passed away at a Kisumu hospital after a short illness.
In a statement on Thursday, ODM leader Raila Odinga described Ogot as a distinguished academic whose dedication to scholarship had greatly enriched Kenya’s historical knowledge.
“Prof Bethwell Ogot was in the category of the now increasingly rare and outnumbered internationally known, deep, independent and professional scholars who treasured academic excellence and the value of knowledge to a community and a nation,” he said.
“Because of his scholarly work, we have a deeper understanding of who we are as Kenyans, the road we have travelled and the distance we still have to cover as a people.”
Odinga added that Ogot’s contributions to historical research had left an enduring legacy.
“In his death, Kenya, and indeed the world, has lost a treasure who will be deeply missed. His legacy will however endure in the many works of history that he leaves behind. I send my thoughts and prayers to his family and friends, as our nation mourns his loss,” he said.
My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and the academic fraternity following the passing of Prof Bethwel Allan Ogot, who was one of the few remaining pioneer African scholars.
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) January 30, 2025
In his long and illustrious career, Prof Ogot contributed immensely to national development as… pic.twitter.com/6zOCN2NhsQ
Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan described Ogot as an “academic colossus,” globally recognised for his pioneering research and scholarship.
“Professor Bethwell Ogot was an academic colossus, globally recognised for his groundbreaking research and scholarship. A prolific scholar, he had few equals in shaping the academic history of Kenya and the East African region,” Yusuf said.
The MP emphasised the profound impact Ogot had on the academic community, describing his passing as a significant loss for both Kenya and the wider academic world.
“Undoubtedly, he was one of the greatest historians from the African continent, his passing is a major loss for both Kenya and the academic community as a whole,” he added.
Nuria Book Store, also known as the Home of African Books, highlighted Prof Ogot’s editorial work on UNESCO’s General History of Africa, noting his commitment to preserving and promoting African narratives globally.
Among his many contributions to scholarship, the book store revealed that Prof Ogot authored numerous books, including History of the Southern Luo: Migration and Settlement, 1500-1900, Kenya: The Making of a Nation, My Footprints on the Sands of Time: An Autobiography, and Zamani: A Survey of East African History (edited with J.A. Kieran), among others.
Nuria Book Store further celebrated Ogot’s lifelong dedication to education, mentorship, and his unwavering belief in the significance of African history.
“His insights and teachings will continue to inspire future generations. May he rest in peace, knowing that his legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of those he influenced,” it said in a statement.
Siaya Governor James Orengo hailed Ogot as one of the greatest intellectuals of his time.
“Prof Bethwell Ogot is one of the greatest scholars of our time. He has left a legacy of seminal works and historical treatises. A true thinker and intellectual par excellence. He now ‘belongs to the ages.’ Rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda also paid tribute to the historian, acknowledging his immense academic contributions.
“I am deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Prof Bethwell Ogot, whose exceptional scholarship and intellectual contributions have left a lasting legacy. My heartfelt condolences to his family and all who were privileged to know him. Rest in Peace,” he said.
Shaped Africa's history
Ogot was widely regarded as one of Kenya’s most influential historians, with his work shaping the understanding of African history both locally and internationally.
Born in 1929 in what was then Nyanza Province, he began his academic journey in the 1950s after earning a scholarship to study at Makerere University in Uganda.
He later pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, establishing himself as a pioneer in African historiography.
Throughout his career, Ogot wrote extensively on Kenya’s history and the African experience, producing books, articles, and essays that examined the complexities of the continent’s past. His research, particularly in oral history, played a crucial role in preserving African traditions and providing insight into pre-colonial and post-colonial societies.
As an educator, he taught at various institutions, including the University of Nairobi, where he mentored many students who later became scholars and policymakers. He was also appointed to the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO in recognition of his contributions to academia.
Beyond his academic work, Ogot was a strong advocate for social justice and African unity. Even in his later years, he remained engaged in scholarly and cultural discussions, participating in conferences and sharing his expertise on African societies.
His impact on history, culture, and education remains significant, with his extensive body of work continuing to shape discourse in these fields.
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