Requiem Mass Held for the Late Prof. Bethwel Allan Ogot at All Saints Cathedral
The late Professor Bethwel Allan Ogot, a distinguished historian and academic, was honored in a solemn requiem Mass at All Saints' Cathedral, Nairobi, on February 20, 2025. The service was attended by family, friends, and esteemed members of the academic and political fraternity who gathered to pay their last respects to the renowned scholar.
The University of Nairobi was well represented, with academic staff from the Department of History and Archaeology in attendance, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Margaret Hutchinson. In her tribute, Prof. Hutchinson lauded Prof. Ogot’s immense contributions to historical scholarship and academia, noting his instrumental role in shaping historical research in Kenya.
“Prof. Ogot was not only the first Chair of the Department of History and Archaeology but also a pioneer who spearheaded the establishment of the Institute of Development Studies (IDS). His legacy in academia and his contributions to Kenya’s intellectual landscape will remain indelible,” she said.
Eulogized as a man who lived ‘ten lives in one,’ Prof. Ogot was celebrated for his extensive work in historiography, his role in advancing African history, and his dedication to nurturing young scholars. His influence extended beyond academia into public service, where he played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s intellectual discourse.
Among the distinguished guests present was the former Vice President of Kenya, Hon. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka. He described Prof. Ogot as a towering intellectual whose work continues to inspire generations.
The solemn ceremony was a moment of reflection on a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to shape the field of history and development studies. Prof. Ogot’s contributions to the academic world and his dedication to research remain a beacon for future scholars.
