The University of Nairobi through the Department of Literature, held an event to memorialise Prof. Micere Mugo on Tuesday, Aug 8, 2023.

The event brought together Friends of Prof. Micere Mugo, the Political class, alumni of the University of Nairobi, authors, poets, and human rights activists.

Prof. Micere Mugo passed away on June 30, 2023 and was the first ever female Dean of Faculty of Arts. She was awarded an Honoraria when the University was celebrating its 50 years dubbed, ‘UoN at 50.’

‘She did not die, she multiplied through you and I.’ This was the one resounding message that speaker by speaker echoed and alluded to.

Prof. Micere’s life was painted as one who was fearless, hardworking, straight-shooter,  who was never afraid to speak truth to power. She gave voice to the voiceless. She authored various poems, books and plays. Everywhere she went, she would mentor young women researchers, poets, authors and human rights activists.

Prof. Micere Mugo contested for the Dean, Faculty of Arts at the University of Nairobi and she surprisingly won the seat and did not disappoint, confessed Prof. Anyang’ Nyon’go.

All who spoke referenced Prof. Mugo’s philosophy of life, Utu ubuntu- I am because we are and because we are, therefore I am.’ It was embedded deeply in all her various works. She especially loved the shona greeting.

‘How are you?’

‘I am well if you are well’

Prof. Micere Mugo was exiled from Kenya, she went to Zimbambwe, where she was also exiled, she lived in South Africa and Botswana and then lived in the United States and Canada.  She called herself, ‘Daughter of the Universe’

Prof. Micere Mugo believed in Education and through her post as a council member of Riara University, she supported needy students through their education. She worked with civil rights centres and assisted whenever she could.

The Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Prof. Jack Odhiambo and the Chair Department of Literature, Prof. Miriam Musonye were among those who spoke.

Opposition leader, Hon. Raila Odinga and his Deputy, Hon. Martha Karua were among those who attended the event  and highlighted lessons from the Micere’s life.

Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, Chief Justice (Rtd) Dr. Willy Mutunga, Prof. Wanjiku Kabira, Prof. Kivutha Kibwana among others memorialized the good Prof. who touched many lives with her stories of courage and her unique beliefs.

Dr. Willy Mutunga urged africans in diaspora to assemble and put together the knowledge she passed on to them and export it back to Kenya, her motherland.

The full-day programme was divided in segments of Micere the Public Intellectual, Micere the Human Rights defender, the Zimbambwe experience, East African representatives, Micere’s Utu phislosophy and Micere’s biographer. The day was crowded with art performances, poem, song and dance to celebrate the warrior,the shujaa, Micere Mugo.

She did not die! She has multiplied through you and I .