Celebrated Kenyan Public Intellectual, Calestous Juma, Has Died
The internationally acclaimed educator and social critic was 64.
Calestous Juma, the Kenyan Harvard University professor who built a substantial social media following with his authoritative commentary on technology and sustainable development has died. He was 64.
Juma was the only Kenyan to be listed on the first-ever "Most Reputable People On Earth" list year, reports Daily Nation. He was named one of the most influential Africans by New African magazine for three consecutive years between 2012 and 2013.
His social media presence often provoked strong responses from folks online, making him one of the most active African academics on Twitter, with over 100,000 followers.
Since the news of his death surfaced, there's been an outpouring of reactions on social media from fellow academics, followers, and a number of state leaders, including Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta, and opposition party leader Raila Odinga as well as Rwanda's Paul Kagame.
Earlier this evening, I learned of the death of Professor Calestous Juma with profound dismay. We have lost one of… https://t.co/DTZFVR9Epb— Uhuru Kenyatta (@Uhuru Kenyatta) 1513356958.0
It is with deep sadness that I received the news of the passing of the distinguished Kenyan scholar Prof. Calestous… https://t.co/CcEJC5z1X4— Raila Odinga (@Raila Odinga) 1513358217.0
Saddened to hear of the passing of Prof Calestous Juma. We have lost a brilliant mind who was dedicated to innovati… https://t.co/wjkHxCLtbL— Paul Kagame (@Paul Kagame) 1513354316.0
Many are sending condolences and remembering his inedible impact on the African academic community.
Heart💔broken over the passing of one of my favorite @Harvard professors, Dr. @Calestous Juma. His office was a have… https://t.co/i2CHeckRd3— Farai Gundan (@Farai Gundan) 1513351059.0
Shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Prof Calestous Juma, an African intellectual giant. He was a… https://t.co/gHg9q9voy3— Prof Makau Mutua (@Prof Makau Mutua) 1513351554.0
Really shocked and saddened this morning to hear that Kenyan Professor @calestous has passed away. I’ll miss our ex… https://t.co/wU9xlAuXvb— Karen Attiah (@Karen Attiah) 1513351220.0
1. I have no words to eulogize Prof. Calestous Juma.He was a giant in the field of Science,technology& Sustainable… https://t.co/SdVDhZInWr— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H) 1513352762.0
