Kenyan Professor Calestous Juma Dies in US

Renowned scholar Professor Caletsous Juma died at the age of 64 in the United States on Friday following a long illness.

Until his death, he was the professor of the Practice of International Development and Director of the Science, Technology, and Globalization Project at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School.

Prof. Juma was in June named among the 2017 Top 100 Most Reputable People on Earth by Reputation Polls Limited, South Africa, for having amassed high reputation for himself through the works he had been engaged in.

A prolific author, the Professor will be remembered for pioneering the era of African Science and Environmental Journalism through his brief stint with the Nationa Media Group.

[caption caption="The departed scholar, Professor Calestous Juma"][/caption]

According to his lawyer, Peter Wanyama had been unwell for some time and due to his illness he could not attend his mother's burial that was held two weeks prior.

"Prof has been unwell for the past two years and today we received the sad news of his passing. Any more details will come from his family.

"He had, however, told me that he was planning to travel to the country in the early part of next year. Unfortunately, that will not be possible," the lawyer conveyed.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent his condolences to the family describing the departed as a distinguished scholar and a patriot.

"Those who had the pleasure of meeting him — or communicating with him online and off — will testify to his warmth, his love of learning, and his great generosity. Whoever you were, he replied quickly and courteously, eager to let you have the benefit of his learning and experience. We will miss him," the President stated.

US-based Professor Makau Mutua has also condoled the family of his compatriot honouring him as one of the best.

"He was a towering scholar and a great human being. The best of the best. Unbelievable," Prof. Mutua stated.

[caption caption="Prof. Calestous Juma"][/caption]

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