Renowned scholar and scientist Professor Jacob Ogweno Midiwo, a cousin of the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga, has passed away at the age of 83.
Jacob Midiwo was a pillar of the academic community and has left an indelible mark through his services at the University of Nairobi and Maseno University, according to Siaya Governor James Orengo.
In a condolence message dated June 8, Orengo notes that the late Jacob Midiwo had dedicated his mind to education.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of an exceptional scholar and a dear friend, Prof. Jacob Ogweno Midiwo. Prof. Midiwo was a pillar of the academic community, leaving an indelible mark through his decades of distinguished service and mentorship at both the University of Nairobi and Maseno University. His brilliant mind, leadership, and dedication to education will be sorely missed, not just in Siaya, but across the entire nation,” James Orengo noted.
Midiwo was recognized nationally for his contribution to Natural Products Chemistry and Phytochemistry in Africa.
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Jacob Midiwo Educational Background and Career
Prof. Jacob Ogweno Midiwo obtained a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree from the University of Nairobi.
Later, he pursued a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Maryland, College Park, in the United States of America (USA).
As an academic and researcher, Midiwo served as a lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Nairobi before becoming a professor in the early 1980s.
At Maseno University, Jacob Midiwo became a professor of Chemistry.
Research Areas and Contributions
In his studies on medicinal plants and bioactive natural compounds, Midiwo researched areas such as Organic Chemistry, Phytochemistry, Natural Product Chemistry, Medicinal Plants, and Antiplasmodial and antimicrobial substances from African plants.
In addition, his research covered plant families including Polygonaceae, Myrsinaceae, Compositae, and Papilionaceae.
During his research, the scholar focused on compounds with pharmaceutical potential.
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Publications by the Late Raila’s Cousin
- Antimalarial plant compounds
- Antibacterial agents from Kenyan plants
- Bioactive African medicinal species
Research and study papers by the late Raila’s cousin, Jacob Midiwo, were cited in international journals, including Phytochemistry, Planta Medica, and the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Family
Jacob Midiwo was a brother of the late Member of Parliament for Gem Constituency, Jakoyo Midiwo, who died on June 14, 2021.
Midiwo was also the late Raila’s cousin.
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