Eminent Kenyan scholar Prof Calestous Juma was born on 9th June 1953 in Port Victoria, Budalangi, Western Kenya and passed on the 15th of December 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
Our excellence in academics – bequeathing humanity towering scholars at home and in academic capitals of the world- has long been the pride of the people of Mulembe. But even in the land of giants, still others stand taller. Like Calestous Juma of Port Victoria, Budalangi in Samia of Busia Kenya. A born teacher whose influence on 21st century life can never be fleeting.
The duty of those of us who remain is to ensure that Calestous Juma’s life work never is momentary – – even with the eminent professor’s burial, at his ancestral home, this Saturday 6th of January 2018 reminding us of life’s evanescence.
As Calestous Juma takes a bow, we appreciate that life is a flux and thus look forward to our children enjoying Harvard scholarships anchored in your good work brother. But even outside that, we will execute our duty to the departed by naming children after your and ground them to tell their children about you. Genda vulahi omwana amberi.
Vihiga’s Second Governor, Dr. Wilber Ottichilo, Mourns Comrade Calestous Juma
An accomplished scholar himself, Hon.Dr. Wilbur Ottichilo lost a friend and brother:
DR. WILBER OTTICHILO (@GovernorVihiga) twitted on December 15, 2017
R.I.P. my friend @calestous Juma, your wise counsel and insightful contribution to academia will surely be missed. We’ll hold down the fort in your absence in a bid to make the world a better place. Till we meet again Brother. #RIPCalestous
Africa’s Leading Entrepreneur, Dr. Reginald Mengi of Tanzania, Takes his Hat Off in Tribute
Yo, game recognize game: Reported to be the richest man in Tanzania, Dr. Mengi takes off his hat in tribute to Calestous Juma.
Reginald Mengi (@regmengi) twitted on December 17, 2017
R I P Calestous Juma, Kenyan born Harvard Professor, one of the most reputable people in the world, a towering scholar, the best of the best. A great loss to me, Kenya, East Africa ,Africa and the World
G.O.A.T Satirist Gaddo’s Reveals That, his Friend, Calestous Juma, had a Sharp Witt that Inspired Many of his Work
Intelligence can be dull, but never when it’s glistened with wit.
Gado Cartoons (@iGaddo) twitted on December 16, 2017
Shocked and saddened to hear the passing on of my friend Prof Calestous Juma. No doubt an intellectual giant, but some of us were lucky to also know you as Brilliantly witty with incisive sense of humour. Prof was an inspiration and instigator behind many of my editorial cartoons.
The Enigma,Raila Odinga, stately as always…
Surely, a road maybe? Stadium? Research Institute? University? named after Calestous Juma in honor of his contribution to project Kenya.
Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) twitted on December 15, 2017
It is with deep sadness that I received the news of the passing of the distinguished Kenyan scholar Prof. Calestous Juma, who helped build the country’s profile across the globe. We pray for and mourn with his family, students and the entire Harvard University fraternity.
