Prof. Bethwell Ogot, a celebrated Kenyan historian, academic, and intellectual giant, has passed away at the age of 95.
His family has confirmed that the renowned scholar died at a Kisumu hospital on Thursday, January 30, following a short illness.
The death of the professor marks the end of a remarkable life that contributed greatly to the fields of African history, literature, and culture.
He was widely regarded as one of Kenya’s most influential scholars and an esteemed educator whose work shaped the understanding of African history both locally and globally.
Born in 1929 in what was then the Nyanza Province, Ogot’s academic journey began in the early 1950s when he earned a scholarship to study at Makerere University in Uganda.
He then went on to become one of the pioneers in African history.
Later, the professor pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, cementing his position as a leading historian of East African and African history.
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The Education and Career of Prof. Bethwell Allan Ogot
Born in Gem, Siaya County in 1929, Professor Ogot is an alumnus of Ambira High School, Maseno School, Makerere University College, the University of St Andrews, and the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, in the United Kingdom.
During his time in London, Ogot led the Kenya Students Association, which gave him the chance to assist prominent nationalists, including the late Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, during the 1960 Lancaster negotiations that paved the way for Kenya’s independence in 1963.
He also served as the President of the International Scientific Committee for the preparation of UNESCO’s General History of Africa and was the editor of Volume 5 of UNESCO’s History of Africa.
After that, he undertook another significant project with UNESCO, for 20 years, producing the History of Humanity, which allowed him to delve into global history.
Ogot’s academic career includes teaching and holding administrative roles at the University of Nairobi, Makerere University, and Kenyatta University.
Also, he served as Chancellor of Moi University until 2013, mentoring numerous professors worldwide. He remains a Professor Emeritus at Maseno University in Kisumu.
Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Ogot authored several works, including books, articles, and essays that explored the complexities of Kenya’s history and the African experience.
His research contributions, especially in the area of oral history, helped preserve African traditions and culture, and offered invaluable insights into the social and political dynamics of pre-colonial and post-colonial Africa.
In his later years, Professor Ogot remained active in academic and cultural activities, participating in conferences and sharing his wisdom on the evolution of African societies.
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Raila Odinga and James Orengo Mourn Professor Ogot
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has in a heartfelt statement paid tribute to the late scholar, describing him as a rare and deeply revered figure in the world of academia.
“Prof. Bethwel 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.
“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,” stated Raila.
Also, Siaya Governor James Orengo eulogized him stating, “Prof. Bethwel 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.”
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