Uhuru describes Ken Walibora as a polished broadcaster, prolific writer

President Uhuru Kenyatta has condoled with the family of celebrated Kenyan Kiswahili scholar, author and journalist Prof Ken Walibora.

The President described the late Walibora as a polished broadcaster and prolific writer whose literary works will continue to inspire future generations.

The author is famous for the Swahili novel, Siku Njema, which was published in 1996 and saw him become an instant household name in Kiswahili literature.

He was employed at the Nation Media Group as a Kiswahili news anchor after which he joined the University of Wisconsin, USA, as an assistant professor, African languages.

Later, in recognition of his contribution to the development of Kiswahili, The Aga Khan appointed him as the Nation Media Group Head of Kiswahili, a position he served until he joined Riara University's School of Diplomacy.

In an interview with Daily Nation in 2015, Walibora credited his creativity to his mother in his autobiography, Nasikia Sauti ya Mama, a detail that would make him one of the most famous Kenyan authors in later years.

Those who worked with him described him as a humble editor who would correct them politely.

Renowned Kiswahili anchor Ali Mtenzi eulogized Walibora as a dedicated colleague who loved his work and did it to perfection.

Jamila Mohamed also shared similar sentiments saying despite Walibora’s prowess in media, he was always willing to learn even from his juniors.

Reports indicate that Walibora was knocked down by a matatu on Friday along Landhies Road.