‘He was among the rare international scholars who treasured excellence’ – Raila mourns Prof Bethwel Ogot
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Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is mourning the sudden death of Kenyan professional scholar and historian Bethwell Ogot.
Taking to his official X account on Thursday, January 30, 2025, Raila expressed sorrow describing Ogot as one of the rare international scholars who ho treasured academic excellence.
Odinga further praised Ogot’s effort to impart knowledge to the community adding that because of his scholarly work Kenyans have a deeper understanding of Kenya’s history.
“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, “Raila mourned.
Furthermore, Odinga said that Kenyans have lost a treasure and that his legacy will continue to inspire new generations.
“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,”
According to his family, he passed on at a Kisumu hospital on Thursday, January 30, 2025, after a short illness at the age of 95.
Condolence messages
The news of his death has sparked tributes from leaders who described him as a great scholar.
Here are some of the condolence messages.
“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, “Siaya governor James Orengo.
“Rest in peace, great intellectual, Prof. Bethwel Allan Ogot. May your story of moral values + principles, commitment to duty + service, intellectual depth + modesty in a material world, inspire future generations. BTW Prof. Ogot taught Maths at Alliance before opting for History,” Prof Alfred Omenya.
“I am deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Prof. Bethwel Ogot, whose exceptional scholarship and intellectual contributions have left a lasting legacy. My heartfelt condolences to his family and all who were priviledged to know him. Rest in Peace,” Kisumu senator Prof Tom Ojienda.
Prof Ogot
Prof Ogot was a distinguished historian and scholar whose works helped shape the understanding of East African history and a pioneer in documenting African history from an African perspective, challenging Eurocentric narratives and ensuring that Indigenous voices were centred in historical discourse.
Over the decades, his work spanned topics such as oral traditions, colonial histories, and the role of Kenya in the broader East African context.
His numerous books and articles have been foundational texts for students and researchers across Africa and beyond.
He also served in various academic and governmental capacities, including as a commissioner for UNESCO and a leader in the African Studies Association.
Statement on the passing of Prof. Bethwel Allan Ogot pic.twitter.com/YufLfy7wGb
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) January 30, 2025