Kiswahili Scholars Demand Answers on Walibora’s Death Four Years Later
A section of Kiswahili scholars in Kenya now wants the government to uncover the truth surrounding the death of Professor Ken Walibora Waliaula, one of Kenya’s most prominent authors.
Professor Ken Walibora was a celebrated writer, poet, journalist, and language enthusiast who made significant contributions to the promotion and preservation of the Kiswahili language and literature.
The Kiswahili scholars, led by Prof Andrew Watukhe and Dr. Henry Indindi, lamented that Prof. Walibora’s death remains a mystery four years after his passing on April 19, 2020.
They spoke at a memorial service held in honor of their colleague who had passed away.
Kiswahili language instructors and students from numerous institutions nationwide also attended the event.
After allegedly being struck by a matatu near Muthurwa market, Professor Walibora was hastily buried due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Although Walibora was allegedly knocked down by a matatu on Nairobi’s Landhies Road, Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor’s autopsy revealed he was also stabbed.
Walibora was a professor of Kiswahili at the United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) in Nairobi, Kenya.
Walibora was the author of forty books, among other accomplishments. Siku Njema, a secondary set book between 1997 and 2003, is one of his works.
Also well-known are Kidagaa Kimemwozea and Ndoto ya Almas and Ndoto ya Amerika.
His works were widely studied in schools and universities, and he was considered a literary icon whose legacy continues to inspire generations of Kiswahili learners.
Walibora was a passionate advocate for Kiswahili, and his contributions to the field were invaluable. He inspired countless students and scholars to appreciate and embrace Kiswahili as a language of culture, identity, and knowledge.
His death left a void in the Kiswahili literary community, and scholars are calling for concerted efforts to continue his legacy and ensure the continued growth and development of the Kiswahili language.
Kiswahili Scholars Demand Answers on Walibora’s Death Four Years Later