The Kiswahili community across East Africa is mourning the passing of Professor John Hamu Habwe, a distinguished scholar and author in the Kiswahili language and literature.
Prof Habwe, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished figures in Kiswahili studies, was a prolific author, playwright, linguist, and long-serving lecturer at the University of Nairobi.
He died on the night of Sunday, August 17, after a prolonged illness. His death was formally announced 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 lost. He was a great teacher for about 37 years. He taught me from my first year an as an undergraduate and was my first 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 death has ignited grief among academics, writers, students, and colleagues throughout Kenya and the broader Kiswahili-speaking world, many describing him as a cornerstone in the advancing Kiswahili language and literature.
Those who paid tribute include 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.
Celebrated author Prof Kithaka Wa Mberia, known for Kifo Kisimani, recalled that Habwe was once his student before becoming a respected academic.
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“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, remembered Habwe as a towering intellectual who influenced both scholarship and public discourse.
“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.
Born on December 12, 1962, Prof Habwe’s career spanned over three decades. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees from the University of Nairobi, where he advanced from tutorial fellow in 1989 to associate professor in 2011.
He also held leadership roles, serving 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, Habwe lectured part-time at Maseno University and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, while also working as an external examiner at Moi University.
By Joseph Mambili
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