History Scholar, Professor Bethwel Allan Ogot, was on Sunday eulogised as an astute scholar who contributed a lot to both the history of the Luo community and the academic world at large.
Speaking during the funeral ceremony of the late professor at Maseno University’s Odera Akang’o campus in Yala, speakers, who included Siaya Governor James Orengo and his Kisumu counterpart, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, paid glowing tribute to the scholar, saying his contribution was immense.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in a speech read on his behalf by Prof. Adams Oloo, said the deceased played a big role in telling the world who the Luo community was.
“His writings have formed part of our education system and through his research and publications, we have known who we are as a community,” said the ODM party leader.
Addressing the mourners, the Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Opiyo Wandayi, said the recent African Union Commission election outcome had made the ODM leadership know the true political friends of Mr. Odinga.
Wandayi said while some leaders used the exercise to undermine the former premier’s quest to lead the AU secretariat, some, especially President William Ruto, walked with him to the last minute.
“We now know our genuine friends as a people. Moving forward, this will inform how we relate with some of them,” said the energy cabinet secretary, who is the immediate former MP for the Ugunja Constituency.
Other leaders who attended the funeral were Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo, legislators Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem) and Siaya County member of the National Assembly, Dr. Christine Ombaka, among others.
By Philip Onyango
