Renowned historian Prof Bethwell Allan Ogot will be laid to rest on Saturday, February 22.
The burial service will be held at Maseno University’s Odera Akang’o Campus and is set to begin at 10 am.
Before the burial, memorial services will be held in his honour: one in Nairobi at All Saints Cathedral on Thursday, February 20, starting at 10 am.
The other will be held in Yala at St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Friday, February 21, beginning at 1 pm.
Prof Ogot passed away on January 30, 2025, at the age of 95, after a short illness while receiving treatment in Kisumu County.
A highly respected academic, Prof Ogot was a trailblazer in African history, particularly the history of East Africa, and he dedicated his life to scholarly work and research.
Throughout his career, he authored 43 books and published over 100 articles in refereed academic journals.
His contributions to the field of history were unmatched, and he was celebrated for his deep understanding of African heritage and his ability to communicate complex historical narratives in accessible ways.
His recent publications include the Dholuo-English Dictionary and Odera Akang’o, both published in 2024 when he was 95 years old, demonstrating his enduring passion for academic work.
Prof Ogot’s work extended beyond history books. He was a key figure in the academic and cultural landscapes of Kenya and East Africa.
His scholarship covered a wide range of topics, from pre-colonial African history to post-independence political developments.
His leadership in academia was marked by his role as emeritus professor of the history of Maseno – a position he assumed in 2003 and held until his passing in 2025 – and Chancellor of Moi University from 2003 to 2013.
During this period, he oversaw the formation of several university colleges, which were later upgraded to full-fledged universities: Chepkoilel, Garissa, Kabianga, Maasai Mara, Masinde Muliro and Rongo
In addition to his books, Prof Ogot received Honorary Doctor of Letters degrees from several prestigious universities, including Kenyatta University, Moi University, Maseno University, Kabianga University, and Maasai Mara University.
One of his most significant works, The History of Nairobi, 1899-2012, was published in 2020 and provided a comprehensive account of the city’s evolution from colonial to modern times.
In 2023, he released Mvita: The History of Mombasa, 12th Century-2012, offering insights into the coastal city’s rich history and its role in regional trade and cultural exchange.
He was in the final stages of completing The History of Kisumu 1901-2012, an expanded and revised version of his earlier work on Kisumu’s history
Prof Ogot became the first scholar from East and Central Africa to win the distinguished Africanist Award by the African Studies Association based in the United States, awarded to scholars worldwide who have contributed immensely to African studies.
Prof Ogot received his award at the Association's annual meeting in Houston, Texas, in 2001.
