By Akech Obat Masira & Omar Nasser.
POEM
Prof. Bethwell Allan Ogot
Eminent and towering African Scholar and world-renowned historiographer
Who shaped the contours of African historiography to the world through UNESCO’s initiatives
He demystified the eurocentric fallacy of Africa’s history.
Then, Africa was a dark continent. A continent devoid of its own history.
He reconstructed Africa’s rich splendid past heritage through Indigenous African knowledge systems
To generations and generations and generations.
Generations of great historiographers in Africa and beyond
Prof B.A Ogot.
The gem of Gem and the Jewel of Africa’s history
Iconic African thinker, researcher, historian, mathematician, educator, political strategist and institution builder.
Creatively weaved indigenous African narratives of pre-colonial Africa’s great past.
Weaved the past to rekindle Africa’s rich and splendid heritage
Prof. B.A Ogot’s Legacy goes on beyond the grave
Your unique contributions to the growth of African history
Transcend mere scholarship.
A great political strategist an institution builder
As a political strategist, you worked closely with Kenya nationalists during the Lancaster House Conference in London for Kenya’s Independence.
Through UNESCO’s initiatives
You pioneered a new historical methodology
That hugely transformed Africa’s heritage and recognition.
The eminent giant creative history scholar
Whose legacy in histography echoes world wide
And transcends scholarly brilliance
A towering historian in intellectual discourses
Exemplifying the transformative power of scholarship
Prof B.A Ogot, denied the opportunity
To be first Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi due to ethnicity
Yet Kenya then had only 3 Professors
Prof Bethwell Allan Ogot, Prof. David Wasawo & Prof. Simeon Ominde
The Kenya academic excellence
Prof. B.A Ogot, your great contributions
In history are as formidable as the earth
And that vast stretch of the surrounding great lakes of Africa
Prof. Bethwell Allan Ogot
An architect of academic institutions.
The Epitome of African Historiography
At Gem, Yala
Odera Akang’o University
On the 22nd February, 2025
Poetry recitation by Misango Arts Ensemble
Email: obatmasira1@gmail.com
