President Kenyatta, Raila mourn the late Prof. Calestous Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta and NASA leader Raila Odinga among a host of other leaders joined Kenyans and the World in mourning the death of Kenyan born Harvard lecturer Professor Calestous Juma.

In a statement, President Kenyatta mourned Prof. Juma as one of our most distinguished scholars and patriots.

“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.” said Kenyatta

On his part, NASA chief Raila Odinga mourned the Professor as a distinguished Kenyan scholar who helped build the country’s profile across the globe.

Prof. Juma died while undergoing cancer treatment in Boston, Massachusetts barely a week after the burial of his mother.

Until his death, Professor Calestous Juma was teaching at the prestigious Harvard University.

The esteemed scholar has previously honored as among the “2017 Most Reputable People on Earth,” alongside renowned personalities such as billionaire Bill Gates, former U.S President and first lady Barack and Michelle Obama, Real Madrid soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, comedian Trevor Noah, as well as award-winning actor Denzel Washington.

Prof. Juma who held a PhD in Science Policy Research from the University of Sussex,was also a notable honoree of New African Magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential Africans’ for the years 2012, 2013, and 2014.

Below are some of the tributes from the various leaders, including Foreign Affairs C.S Amina M0hammed.

Earlier this evening, I learned of the death of Professor Calestous Juma with profound dismay. We have lost one of our most distinguished scholars and patriots.

— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) December 15, 2017

His dedication to Kenya’s cause showed in his founding of the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) in Nairobi.

— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) December 15, 2017

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.

— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) December 15, 2017

Whoever you were, he replied quickly and courteously, eager to let you have the benefit of his learning and experience. We will miss him.

— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) December 15, 2017

I am grateful for his life; and I pray that God, who has called Professor Juma to himself, will comfort his family and grant them the grace and courage to endure the loss.

— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) December 15, 2017

It is with deep sadness that I received the news of the passing of the distinguished Kenyan scholar Prof. Calestous Juma, who helped build the country’s profile across the globe. We pray for and mourn with his family, students and the entire Harvard University fraternity. pic.twitter.com/eflxnR9OOr

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) December 15, 2017

I have received the news of the passing on of my friend, compatriot and a role model Professor Calestous Juma, with a deep sense of great personal loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace. pic.twitter.com/hoTKXICPdD

— AMB:Amina Mohamed (@AMB_A_Mohammed) December 15, 2017

Prof. Calestous Juma, like Prof. Ali Mazrui before , are examples of resilience & Prophets rejected at home .. Both failed in High School in Kenya but America & England gave them 2nd chance to reach pinnacle of academic excellence.. #RIPCalestous

— Donald B Kipkorir (@DonaldBKipkorir) December 15, 2017

Some things we hear we just don't want to believe. Prof @calestous oh no!!! The nicest, warmest, most curious man. #RIPCalestous https://t.co/g73rVevVwt

— Ken Okoth (MP Kibra) (@okothkenneth) December 15, 2017

3 days before the Aug.8 elections, Calestous sent me a message, “You'll start a new bench for those who want to side with integrity and courage in politics.” He is gone but our generation shall do that! He was a source of knowledge and inspiration. #RIPCalestous pic.twitter.com/1xXRXCqwOm

— Boniface Mwangi (@bonifacemwangi) December 16, 2017