Prof. Richard Samson Odingo

It is with our deepest sorrow and acceptance of the will of God that we announce the passing on to glory of climate icon and Nobel Laureate Prof Richard Samson Odingo, formerly of the University of Nairobi on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi, after a long illness bravely borne.

Prof Odingo was husband to the late Rhoda Abonyo Odingo and Dr Alice Oluoko-Odingo. He was the son of Timotheo Owuor and Norah Atieno Ndhiwa Owuor of Kajimbo in Nyakach, Kisumu County. He was the son-in-law of the late Benjamin Bwana and the late Belseba Odondi Bwana and Maritha Adongo of Oyugis, Homa Bay County and Rev Absalom Oluoko and Benta Adhiambo of East Alego, Siaya County.

He was brother to Dorothy Hulder Ouma, Johnson Odhiambo and the late Phoebe Achieng Ndegwa, the late Sophia Atieno Nyang’or, the late Samuel Ogongo Owuor, the late Eliud Okeyo Owuor, the late Peter Midega Owuor and brother-in-law of the late Amos Ndegwa Nyagol (Or), and the late Joseph Nyang’or Sigu (Or), the late Stephen Ouma Odhengo (Or) sisters in law Tabitha Akeyo Ogongo (yuoro), Margaret Nawire Owuor (yuoro), Leonora Opere (yuoro), Dorcas Odhiambo (yuoro), Dr Miriam Okong’o (yuoro), the late Joshua Bwana (Or), the late Arkipo Bwana (Or), Susan Bwana (yuoro), Rose Midega (yuoro), Hannah Odhiambo (yuoro), James Oluoko (Or), Margaret Ong’ala (Or) and Florence Keya (Or).

Prof Odingo was the father of Mark Charles-Lwanga Robson, Dr Nora Avril Akech, David Timothy Odingo, and Kristina Tatiana Nyasangare Odingo. He was grandfather to Tamar, Amber and Medina. He was the nephew to the late Joseph Odhengo Ogongo, cousin, uncle, teacher, counsellor, mentor and friend of many.

Prof Odingo was the vice-chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) when it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, jointly with former US Vice President Al Gore. He held the position for 11 years. The recognition honoured the scientific excellence and tireless efforts of 2,500 scientists working under IPCC in convincing the world that global warming and climate change is a reality. This made Prof. Odingo the second Kenyan Nobel Peace Laureate after the late Prof. Wangari Maathai, who won the honour in 2004. He also served the country in several roles including at the National Climate Change Activities Coordination Committee (NCCACC)

Prof Odingo also had a long career in university teaching and research. He earned his PhD in Geography from the University of Liverpool in 1963, becoming one of the first Kenyans to get a PhD. His main areas of specialization were Agricultural Geography, Climatology, Environmental Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geography of Natural Resources, drought and desertification, agriculture and rural development and multipurpose river basin development. At the University of Nairobi, Prof. Odingo occupied a number of positions, including Chairman of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies and Dean of the Faculty of Arts. Prof. Odingo supervised many master’s and PhD students, and supported many on their academic advancements through his contributions. He also worked for UN agencies such as WHO, World Meteorological Organisation, UNEP, FAO, and UNDP. 

Prof. also engaged in many philanthropic and community engagements, helping with the healthcare and education of many. He was a member of the All Saints Cathedral since 1963, regularly attending the 10am, and in later years 7am or 6pm service.

He loved books and wide assortment of music particularly of the waltz, jazz, classical, country and Christmas carols genres. Harry Belafonte, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong were some of his favourite artistes.

Prof. was a man of rare attributes who dedicated his God-given gifts and talents to serving humanity; a man whose story is that of commitment. We are saying goodbye to our beloved Richard, who despite his many honors and decorations, remained humble. Kwaheri!

Rest in Peace, Professor.