Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) -Kenya’s iconic historian and a global intellectual maverick, Prof. Ali Mazrui, who wrote the late Wangari Maathai’s 2004 testimonial for the Nobel Peace Prize, has died at 81, his family said Monday.
The man, known for his political commentary and academic writings, will be buried at the historical monument at Fort Jesus in Mombasa.
The passing of Mazrui was mourned by the Kenyan society, which honoured him with the appointment as a University Chancellor following his years in exile after the exit of former President Daniel Moi from power.
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who is currently monitoring elections in Mozambique, described Mazrui as an “intellectual giant.”
“We have lost an intellectual giant and an important player in the pre- and post-independence history of Africa who gave credence to the existence of African history pre-dating colonialism,” Odinga said.
He paid tribute to Mazrui for “a life dedicated to humanity and Africa.”
“Mazrui’s death is particularly a blow to us in Kenya. Mazrui pushed vigorously and courageously for our country to discard bad ways and self-inflicted pains in favour of a glorious future which he believed was possible,” Odinga said.
According to Odinga, the late history icon celebrated Kenya’s successes and mourned its failures all the time hoping for the best for the country.
“In the process, he put our country indelibly on the map of scholarly achievement. We take solace in the knowledge that in passing on, Mazrui leaves behind a body of significant works that will forever stand to his credit and assure him of a lasting place of honour among the worlds greatest scholars particularly of African history and politics,” Odinga added.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and other Kenyan leaders also sent condolence messages upon his passing.
