Mbiti: Philosopher who challenged ‘demonic’ view of Africa’s religion

Prof John Mbiti presents former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga with a copy of the Kikamba bible he translated from Greek in 2015. [File, Standard]

“One person cannot embrace the Baobab tree.”

These words have come to be associated with Canon Prof John Samuel Mbiti, a renowned theologian, philosopher, author, teacher and pastor, when he called on the world to embrace African cultural heritage in theological processes, while maintaining the Bible as the guide and indispensable tool of theological reflection and articulation.