Renowned scholar and researcher Bethwel Allan Ogot has died.

According to the family, Ogot breathed his last while undergoing treatment at a Kisumu hospital. 

The legendary writer with a host of literal works under his belt was 95.

His eldest son David Ogot confirmed his death but said he was not able to give much details yet.

“I am still waiting for other family members before we give more information to the public. We will be able to give information in due course,” he said.

Prof Ogot, a Kenyan historian, was the husband of the late former Gem MP and author Grace Ogot.

He was an eminent African scholar who specialised in African history, research methods, and theory.

AUC chairmanship candidate Raila Odinga, in his condolence message, described Ogot as an independent and professional scholar who treasured academic excellence.

“Prof Bethwel Ogot was in the category of the now increasingly rare and outnumbered internationally known, deep, independent, and professional scholars who treasured academic excellence and the value of knowledge to a community and a nation,” said Raila.

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o said Prof Ogot will be fondly remembered for his great contribution to African history, research methods and theory.

“The strides he made on the global arena, especially in education, will remain with us for eternity. His university and academic research life, both at Makerere and the University of Nairobi, brought forth the Institute of Development Studies and the Institute of African Studies at a time when History and Development studies were viewed as less academic fields,” Nyong’o recalled.

Siaya Governor James Orengo mourned him as one of the greatest scholars in the continent who made significant contributions to improving literacy.

 “Prof Bethwel Ogot is one of the greatest scholars of our time. He has left a legacy of seminal works and historical treatises. A true thinker and intellectual par excellence,” said Orengo.

Prof Ogot, who spent 60 years teaching in different universities, wrote at least 41 books. His home in Gem is a masterclass of information and boasts over 10,000 books he collected over the years.