Bethwel Ogot: Scholar who reshaped African history dies at 95

Bethwel Ogot, a prominent Kenyan historian and scholar, has died at the age of 95.

His death was confirmed by Siaya Governor James Orengo, who described him as one of the greatest scholars the continent has seen.

Ogot, renowned for his pioneering contributions to African history, particularly East African history, passed away at Kisumu Hospital after a brief illness.

 His legacy in historical research is widely regarded as monumental.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga mourned Ogot, calling him a national treasure.

“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,” Odinga said in a statement.

He added that Ogot’s work had given Kenyans a deeper understanding of their history.

Siaya Governor James Orengo echoed these sentiments, describing Ogot as a true intellectual.

“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,” Orengo said in a Facebook post.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also expressed condolences, emphasising Ogot's profound impact on Kenya’s academic landscape.

 “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,” Murkomen said on X.

He praised Ogot’s contributions to national development as a teacher, historian, publisher, and university administrator.

Ogot, who began his career as a mathematician, later became an esteemed historian and researcher.

He studied at Maseno High School, Makerere University, and the University of London.

Ogot’s academic career included a role as Head of the History Department at the University of Nairobi, as well as a member of the East African Community (EAC) Legislative Assembly from 1975 to 1978.

He also served as the Moi Chancellor until 2013.