Notable Kenyans Who Went to Makerere, Like Kibaki

Notable Kenyans Who Went to Makerere, Like Kibaki.Makerere University has been one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the region since 1922.The University of Kampala has produced brilliant East Africans who have served in both pre- and postcolonial Africa.Did you know that Makerere University educated some of Kenya’s most prominent and distinguished civil servants and politicians? Kenyans.co.ke investigates these individuals, determining who they are, when they were in Uganda for studies, and the impact they had.Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Mwai Kibaki Makerere University, eulogized the late President Kibaki as a gallant son of Makerere upon his death.Kibaki aspired to join the military after excelling in Mang’u, like most of his Othaya villagemates who had enlisted in the army to fight in the First and Second World Wars.He studied economics, history, and political science at Makerere University. In 1955, he received a First Class Honours degree in economics.“Makerere University is proud of the legacy of her Gallant Alumnus, H.E. Dr. Mwai Kibaki. We believe that he lived a life that resonated with the values upon which Makerere University was founded,” stated Prof Nawangwe in a glowing tribute published on the University’s website.Oginga OdingaIn the month of October 1911, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was a Kenyan freedom fighter and the country’s first Vice President. Oginga went on to become one of Kenya’s first opposition leaders.Raila Odinga’s father, Jaramogi, attended Makerere University in 1940 before returning to Maseno High School as a teacher. He joined the political party Kenya African Union (KAU) in 1948, launching his illustrious political career.He passed away in 1994.Ngugi Wa Thiong’o Professor Ngugi Wa Thiong’o was born in 1938 in Kamirithu, Kiambu County, Kenya. He is a prolific Kenyan writer and academic who writes primarily in Gikuyu and formerly wrote in English.His works range from literary and social criticism to children’s literature and include novels, plays, short stories, and essays.The award-winning author is another distinguished Kenyan and a graduate of Makerere University College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1963.Prof Ngg wa Thiong’o went into exile in 1980 as a critic of President Daniel Arap Moi’s autocratic rule.Dr.Robert OukoHe was a brilliant individual.Dr. Robert Ouko served as Kenya’s Foreign Minister from 1979 to 1983, then again from 1988 to 1990.He served in the colonial government as well as the subsequent Jomo Kenyatta and Moi regimes, despite being one of the most educated Kenyans at the time.Dr. Ouko’s eloquence and expertise in Foreign Affairs stem from his education at Makerere University, where he earned a diploma in International Relations and Diplomacy.In 1990, Robert Ouko was assassinated.Mukhisa KituyiFrom 2013 to 2021, Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi was the highest-ranking Kenyan in the United Nations, serving as Secretary General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).Dr. Kituyi resigned from his UN position to run for Kenya’s presidency. From 2002 to 2007, he was the Minister of Trade and Industry.Kituyi, who was born in 1956, graduated with honors from Makerere University with a B.A in Political Science and International Relations.Otieno Kajwang The late Otieno Kajwang, who was born in 1956, like Mukhisa Kituyi, was a fiery politician who represented the Mbita constituency in the National Assembly.Otieno Kajwang was elected to represent Homa Bay County in the 2017 general election as a result of devolution.He passed away on November 19, 2014. Following his death, his brother, Moses Kajwang, won the by-election and was re-elected in 2017.Notably, they have a family history in the legal profession. This family includes Thomas Joseph Kajwang, also known as TJ Kajwang. TJ is the current member of parliament for Ruaraka.Before enrolling at Makerere, Otieno Kajwang and other student leaders, including Mukhisa Kituyi, were expelled from the University of Nairobi in 1979.Ngugi wa Thiong’o was a university lecturer at the time. Otieno Kajwang is also remembered for the struggle song Bado Mapambano.David MwirariaDavid Mwiraria, also known as Daudi, was a member of the Finance and later Environment and Natural Resources committees.He was a powerful politician from Kenya’s central region. Mwiraria was a member of Kibaki’s first cabinet when he took power in 2002, following Moi’s 24-year reign.ALSO READ:In 1962, he earned a B.A. in Mathematics from Makerere University.He passed away in 2017.Notable Kenyans Who Went to Makerere, Like Kibaki

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