The late Prof Okoth Okombo [Photo/kbc.co.ke]
NASA leader Raila Odinga has mourned Prof Okoth Okombo following his death while receiving treatment at the Nairobi Hospital, Wednesday night.
Below is Odinga's condolence message.
"I have learnt of the passing of Prof Okoth Okombo with deep pain and sense of loss.
Over the course of his career in academia, Prof Okombo played many roles—wrote books, co-authored and edited many articles, reports, chapters and monographs particularly in the fields of language, literature, culture, the arts, community development and mobilization, among other areas.
He embodied a unique commitment to bridge scholarship and action particularly in the area of preservation of culture and languages and was remarkably successful in concretely translating his research findings and theoretical arguments into policy and practice.
In this regard, Prof Okombo was an inspiration to generations of youth and scholars who passed through his classes, some of whom joined him again in the halls of academia. We will remember and miss his eloquence, vision for education in Kenya, warmth and good humor.
I join his family, the University of Nairobi and the fraternity of the academia in mourning this great scholar. May God rest his soul in eternal peace.
Rt. Hon. Raila OdingaNovember 2, 2017."