Blog

Prof. Bethwell Allan Ogot: A Celebrated Historian and Scholar Born in 1929 in Gem Yala, Siaya County, Prof. Bethwell Allan Ogot lived a life dedicated to advancing African history and scholarship. A descendant of Ramogi Ajwang, he passed away on January 30, 2025, at the age of 96 after a short illness. A distinguished historian, Prof. Ogot’s academic journey spanned institutions like Ambira and Maseno School, University of London, Makerere University, University of St. Andrews, and SOAS University of London. As a scholar, he was instrumental in shaping African historical studies. He served as a lecturer at Makerere University and later chaired the History Department at the University of Nairobi, where he founded and directed the Institute of Development Studies and the Institute of African Studies. Prof. Ogot played a pivotal role in Kenyan history, assisting the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga during the Lancaster negotiations for Kenya’s independence in 1960. His influence extended beyond academia; he served as a member of the East African Community Legislative Assembly and was the President of the Pan African Archaeological Association. His global contributions included serving as President of the International Scientific Committee for UNESCO’s General History of Africa. Recognized with numerous awards, including the UNESCO Gold Medal, Averos Medal, and the Distinguished Africanist Award, Prof. Ogot’s legacy is immortalized in the Bethwell A. Ogot Book Prize, established in 2012 to honor excellence in East African studies. Beyond his professional accolades, Prof. Ogot was a family man, devoted to his wife, fellow author Grace Akinyi, and their four children. His legacy as a trailblazer in African history will continue to inspire generations.