Kenya is mourning the death of Swahili author and journalist Prof Ken Walibora.
Mr Walibora was reportedly knocked down by a minibus taxi, popularly known as matatu last Friday in the capital, Nairobi. His body was found on Wednesday morning at the Kenyatta National Hospital.
Prof Walibora was a Swahili expert. His most famous books include Kidagaa Kimemwozea and Siku Njema, the latter which was adopted as a set-book in the Kenyan high school curriculum and later translated in English, A Good Day.
He also worked for the Nation Media Group’s television station NTV as a news anchor and editor.
Mr Walibora held a PhD in Comparative Studies. He was an assistant professor in African languages at the University of Wisconsin in the United States and a lecturer at the Riara University in Kenya, School of International Relations and Diplomacy.
Tributes have been pouring in for the author who was very vocal about the use of Swahili in schools and among the public.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta described him as a "polished broadcaster and a prolific writer whose literary works will continue to inspire future generations".
One tweeter referred to him as Kenya's William Shakespeare.
The Kenyan Shakespeare yes this man who made us fall in love with Swahili novels Ken Walibora pic.twitter.com/KUUaDzDYAm
— Azziad Nasenya (@Azzi_ad) April 15, 2020
A popular journalist also tweeted about how he read Prof Walibora's book in high school and later worked with him as a journalist:
I read your set-book in high school and later worked with you at NMG. I will not forget your infectious calmness and good humour. It was an honour. RIP Prof Ken Walibora. Death is cruel. #RipKenWalibora pic.twitter.com/VBlZp2rhce
— Dennis Okari (@DennisOkari) April 15, 2020
Others tweeted about how Prof Walibora's works had impacted their lives:
It so sadenning to here the death of Ken Walibora....He made our life in school ..all the Swahili books which are still with us came from the gifted hand of Ken... Condolences to his family and friends...He will forever be in our hearts#kenwalibora https://t.co/u5NbhKWcqV
— Nancy west???? (@nanwest45492) April 15, 2020
Prof Ken Walibora was and remains the most prolific author in Kenya. He advocated for Kiswahili speaking in Kenya through writing his books. From Ndoto Ya America Siku Njema, Kufa kuzikana to Kidagaa Kimemwozea He surely shaped the education sector#ripwalibora #RipKenWalibora pic.twitter.com/4cNeOLgZz7
— Muchiri _ Kibicho ???? (@Itskibicho1) April 15, 2020
