Literature Scholar and Critic Prof. Chris Wanjala was remembered by the Literature Department and praised for his immense contributions to the world of literature. Speaking during the online webinar held on October 26, 2021, Prof. Jane Oduor, Chair, Linguistics, Literature and Languages Department, observed that the late Prof. Wanjala was ever always happy and smiling.

 

Prof. Chris Wanjala had interests in African literature. She opined that the late academic gave critical perspectives on African Literature. “He had interests in Performance Arts as well”, she said.

In her concluding remarks, she noted that Prof. Wanjala was a giant on whose shoulders many stood and as they studied Literature.

Dr. Alex Wanjala, son to Prof. Chris Wanjala gave a moving tribute to his late Dad, touching on his vast academic contributions to the literary world.

“Since inception, the Department of Literature has been engaged in the development of African Literature and Literature in general.  He came up with editorial work on East Africa Literary Criticism. Covered various debates in society, covering the works on Ngugi wa Thion’go among others,” he said.   

The hallmark of his literary journey was the inaugural lecture he delivered in Taifa Hall in 2003.  

“He was part of the golden age, that ensured that literature was taught not just in universities but also in secondary schools. Unfortunate events happened and the academic community criticized the government of the day and many literature lecturers, book authors were detained during the Moi Regime,” said Dr. Alex Wanjala, who also teaches at the Literature Department.

Prof. Hellen Mwanzi opined that Chris Wanjala was the first PhD holder from the University of Nairobi. She described Prof. Wanjala as a man who loved the company of literary scholars.

“He loved working with young people, talked about literature and writing. He took literature to the people. He impacted Young People greatly,” she said.

Those who were mentored by Prof. Wanjala include : Flora Wekesa, Fredrick Kimotho, Makau Kitata, Simon Peter and renown columnist Tony Mochama who described the late Professor as warm, youthful, and easily interacted with the Youth.