Tribute to A Beloved Poet — Photos Of Billy Kahora, Paula Kahumbu, and Teju Cole at The Nairobi Memorial For Kofi Awoonor

The tribute last night at the museum was moving, so in keeping with the depth, height, breadth and weight of the late professor’s writing. The siege at Westgate was still ongoing and a climate of fear permeates the air, but about 150 people showed up. Love and respect were palpable in the room. Two of Professor Awoonor’s sons, his daughter and niece, the Ghanaian High Commission and several Ghanaians came. We sang the Kenyan and Ghanaian national anthems. Most of us read from his works. Kwame Dawes’ and John Sibi-Okumu’s tributes moved us to sorrow-tinged laughter. Tears threatened to overcome Nii Parkes, Paula Kahumbu and Warsan Shire during their tributes. Several others read from Professor Awoonor’s work including Occupy Nairobi poets, Teju Cole, Michael Onsando, Aghan Odero, Njeri Wangari who served as MC, and Binyavanga and Billy Kahora of Kwani, and others. — Storymoja Conveners

All images pulled from the Storymoja Facebook Page.