East Africa mourns Prof John Habwe, scholar who advanced Kiswahili literature and language
The Kiswahili fraternity in East Africa is mourning the death of renowned author and scholar of the Kiswahili language and literature, Professor John Hamu Habwe.
Prof Habwe, celebrated as one of the most decorated figures in Kiswahili literature, was also an acclaimed author, playwright, linguist, and long-serving lecturer at the University of Nairobi.
He passed away on the night of Sunday, August 17, after a long illness. His death was confirmed on the morning of Monday, August 18, by Prof Iribe Mwangi, Chairperson of the Department of Kiswahili at the University of Nairobi.
“Greetings to you colleagues. I bring sad news to you this morning. We have lost Prof John Hamu Habwe after being in and out of the hospital for some time. The department of Kiswahili, the University and the Kiswahili world in general has really lost. He was a great teacher for about 37 years. Personally, he taught me from my first year undergraduate and was the 1st supervisor for my PhD. I mourn him as a great mentor, linguist and creative writer. Prof Habwe passed on last night. May Prof rest in eternal peace,” wrote Prof Mwangi in a condolence note to fellow scholars.
His passing has triggered an outpouring of grief from academics, writers, students, and colleagues across Kenya and the wider Kiswahili-speaking world, who described him as a pillar in advancing Kiswahili studies and literature.
Among the prominent scholars who have mourned him are Dr Amiri Swaleh, Prof Mosol Kandagor, Prof John Kobia, Dr Vince Nyabunga, Prof Kineene wa Mutiso, Prof Kimani Njogu, Mwalimu Alex Ngure, and Dr Sarah Ndanu, among others.
Prof Kithaka Wa Mberia, celebrated author of Kifo Kisimani, told The Eastleigh Voice that Habwe was once his student before becoming a respected writer and lecturer.
“He was a dedicated student who showed great dedication towards promoting the Kiswahili language and literature. We will miss his great contribution towards the promotion of Kiswahili in Kenya and beyond,” said wa Mberia.
In his tribute, Prof Kimani Njogu, founder of Twaweza Communications, described Habwe as a towering intellectual who shaped public discourse through his writings and media engagements.
“The news of the passing of Prof John Habwe is devastating. We have lost a consummate, humble and resilient professional. I remember the many meetings we had…. from the era of the programmes like Lugha Yetu and Ukumi wa Lugha to the journal Mwamko and advocacy for the formation of the Swahili Council. Prof Habwe was a public scholar. May God rest his soul in eternal peace,” said Prof Njogu.
Distinguished academic and mentor
Born on December 12, 1962, Prof Habwe’s career spanned more than three decades of teaching, writing, and scholarship. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees at the University of Nairobi, where he rose from tutorial fellow in 1989 to associate professor in 2011.
He also served in leadership positions, including as Chair of the Department of Linguistics and Languages (2011–2013) and later as chair of the Department of Kiswahili (2013–2016).
Beyond the University of Nairobi, he lectured part-time at Maseno University and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, while also serving as an external examiner at Moi University.
His expertise extended to international organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the Kiswahili Commission of East Africa, where he contributed to translation and language projects.
