Patrick Ochieng Obonyo Digolo was born on Christmas Day – 25 December 1948, the child of the late Mr Mathias Ochieng, the late Mama Magdalena Ajwang and Monica Atieno of Ulaf sub-county, Siaya County.
He distinguished himself from a young age as a person who put his best effort into all he did. He attended Rang’ala and Umala primary schools and proceeded to Maranda high school where he achieved a first-division pass in his o-level examinations. Thereafter he commenced a long and storied academic career beginning with his S1 in education at Kenyatta College specialising in fine art. His performance was so exemplary it led to a partial degree in educational communication and technology at Kenyatta University College (University of Nairobi), followed by a Masters degree in educational communication and technology at Kenyatta University. Further to this, in 1984, he proceeded to London School of Education to undertake additional studies in educational technology, culminating in his PhD. Prof was a prolific writer and renowned in the area of pedagogy, building the foundation of education for generations of Kenyans and Africans.
The true highlight of Prof’s life was meeting and marrying his beloved wife, Professor Betty Aoke Digolo. They met in Siaya through their joint love for athletics – Betty was a national athlete in track and field, while Prof was a pole vaulter. After their courtship and engagement they married at All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi, on 20 December 1975. They were joined by a commonality in values, love for family, and their dedication towards education and development. Their blessed union produced their four beloved children – Peter Digolo of USA, Dr Lina Akinyi Digolo-Nyagah, Jonas Digolo and Absalom Digolo of Nairobi. The family home was filled with love and friendship, and his children remember him as their confidant, the person who taught them to love art, expressed in film, storytelling, music, and pottery. He loved to play with his children – they sang, danced, and laughed. Ever the educationalist, he filled his childrens’ heads with fables and history alike. He and Betty built a beautiful home full of peace, love and respect. They were welcoming, loved to entertain many friends who are still friends today.
He remained a dedicated brother to Silfanus Odima, Dolfin Ngesa, Benson Okoth, Marianna Opwapo, the late Rosa Olof, Rosabella Aluoch, Florence Anyango, Roseline Achieng, Dennis Otieno, Maurice Oduor and Mariko Oduor amongst. He was father-in-law to Michael Nyagah, and in-laws to his parents Dr Henry Wellington Alube and the late Mrs Esther Wakaba Alube.
Prof was dedicated to preserving and recording Luo traditions and culture. He authored numerous renowned books on the subject, including Luo Proverbs and Wise Sayings, and Ulaf People of Alego: History of Migration, Settlement and Development. These critical texts serve as a lighthouse to current and future generations on where the Luo people come from. It is well accepted that if you do not know where you come from you will not know where you are going. Thanks to academic giants such as Professor Patrick Digolo the future of the Luo peoples is secure.
Prof reached his sunset on 7 March 2026 following a period of illness. Throughout this difficult time, he was surrounded by family, friends, and most importantly, abundant love. He is remembered as a community leader, a champion of culture, the consummate family man, and a towering figure in academia.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
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