This archive report was first published on 20 April 2020.
On Good Friday, 2020, the world of letters was shocked by the sudden demise of celebrated author, linguist, and director of Global and Language Studies Centre at Riara University, Ken Walibora.
Walibora was a highly accomplished yet self-effacing individual who did not allow fame and stardom to eclipse his humble beginnings in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties. He was a devout Jehovah’s Witness who routinely participated in their Christian activities, like house-to-house canvassing and conducting free home Bible studies.
Deputy President William Ruto paid tribute to Walibora, describing him as an outstanding academic, ingenious author, and prolific journalist with a charming personality and humour. The DP noted that the fallen scholar was a man of great insight and brevity, with monumental energy and vision when pushing Kiswahili language-related issues.
Walibora's work upended the conceptualisation and understanding of Kiswahili scholarship. His novel, Siku Njema, challenged the long-standing bias towards Kiswahili authors and scholars from Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. The book was an instant hit and became a set book and a mandatory read for years.
As a member of the diaspora community, Walibora helped Kenyans pursue graduate studies in America, including at the Ohio State University, where he obtained his master’s and doctorate degrees. Among his academic progenies was Dr Anne Chebet Rotich of the University of Virginia, assistant professor Dr Karen Ngonya Stringer, and Mabel Mutoro of Unicef in New York.
Walibora's death has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his demise. The police claimed he died in a road accident, but the absence of a witness to the alleged accident is doubtful. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has been involved in the investigation, and Kenyatta National Hospital must address claims that Walibora was denied medical attention.
As if speaking to us, Prof Walibora wrote: “Like all humans, I make mistakes from time to time, I regret them, and I apologise, but most importantly, I learn and move on. I strive to attain more humility in all spheres of my life in good times and bad times, and to always avoid being prejudicial and celebrating another person’s crisis or calamity.”
