Financier, professor Bethwell Allan Ogot, a renowned historian and scholar from Kenya, has passed away at the age of 95.
His family has confirmed that he passed away on Thursday, January 30, at a hospital in Kisumu, following a short illness.
The news of his death has led to an outpouring of tributes from people in politics, academia, and those who admired his significant contributions to historical research.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga called Ogot a rare intellectual treasure, whose academic work enriched Kenyans' knowledge of their heritage and national identity.
Professor Bethwel Ogot was a rare breed of renowned academics who valued academic excellence and regarded knowledge as a vital asset for a nation and its community. His groundbreaking work has helped us comprehend Kenya's history and our people's journey, as well as the challenges we still face.
Siaya Governor James Orengo paid tribute to Ogot, lamenting the loss of an intellectual giant. He remembered Ogot as a renowned scholar who had the remarkable ability to reshape historical narratives.
What is Ogot's legacy
Born in 1929, Ogot was an influential figure in the field of African history who played a pivotal role in redefining historical narratives by challenging Eurocentric perspectives and advocating for the perspectives of indigenous African people to be at the forefront of historical discussion.
His academic path led him to be one of the pioneering Kenyan scholars to achieve a PhD in history, a field he had keen interest in for years.
Ogot's research spanned a wide range, encompassing oral traditions and their significance in preserving historical records, the influence of colonial histories on contemporary Africa, and Kenya's position within the broader historical context of East Africa.
His books and scholarly writings have served as the cornerstone for students, researchers, and historians not only in Africa but also globally.
In addition to his work as a historian, Ogot also held significant positions in academia and government, including a role as a UNESCO commissioner and a leadership position in the African Studies Association.