Renowned Kenyan historian and prolific scholar Professor Bethwell Allan Ogot breathed his last on Thursday, January 2025. According to his family, he passed on while receiving treatment at a hospital in Kisumu County, located in the western part of Kenya.
Taking to social media with condolence messages that expressed both sorrow and admiration for his lifetime achievements, a host of Kenya’s political elite sent their thoughts, prayers, sympathy, compassion and commiseration to the deceased’s family as well as Kenyans who were impacted by the late Ogot’s works.
Below are some messages sent to the family:
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, also one of three African Union Commission Chairperson candidates, wrote, ” 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.”
Mr Odinga went on, “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.”
The Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Mr Kipchumba Murkomen, 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. In his long and illustrious career, Prof Ogot contributed immensely to national development as a teacher, historian, publisher and university administrator. The eminent and versatile scholar, who started off as a mathematician, hoisted Kenya’s name high by almost single-handedly heaving the weight of African history and thrusting it on the global stage. We mourn this monument of scholarly enterprise.
Siaya County Governor James Orengo said, “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.”
Hon Elisha Odhiambo ‘Akuba’, the Member of Parliament, Gem Constituency in Siaya County said, : “A great historian, educationist and prolific writer has departed. Prof. Bethwel Ogot secured a top seat in the pantheon of the greatest trailblazers in the pursuit of knowledge not just for self but for many— including donating land for the establishment of Odera Akang’o University Campus that flourishes today. On behalf of the great people of Gem, I convey my heartfelt condolences to Prof. Ogot’s family and friends and pray for God’s strength upon them during this difficult moment. Rest in Peace Prof.”
Additionally, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko said, “Prof. Bethwel Allan Ogot was a towering historian and scholar, leaving behind a rich legacy of knowledge. His vast collection of books, archives and artifacts reflects his lifelong dedication to history. Rest in Peace, Professor.”
Governor Ayacko’s wife, Dr Agnes Ochilo also mourned the death of Professor Ogot.
“Prof. Bethwel Ogot stands as one of the greatest scholars of our time. He will be remembered as an exceptional Kenyan historian and a prominent African scholar, specializing in African history, research methods and theory. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. His loss is deeply felt. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations and may his soul rest in peace as we honor his contributions to the field of history. Jowii!!!” said Mrs Ochilo.
Bethwell Allan Ogot was born in 1929 in Gem Constituency. Until his death at age 96, he was a renowned historian having focused on African history, East African history and Kenyan history. Among his notable works were Zamani: A Survey of East African History and History of the Southern Luo.
He had been a widower since 2015 following the death of his wife, Mrs Grace Emily Akinyi, a renowned politician, writer and health specialist.
Among his honors and accolades were UNESCO’S Gold Medal, Elder of the Burn Spear (EBS), Distinguished Africanist Award and Averos Medal.
