Bonaya Godana: Herdsboy who became Africa's peace ambassador

Bonaya Godana was the first Member of Parliament from Marsabit to become a Cabinet Minister under President Daniel arap Moi’s administration.

Born into a humble family and raised as a herdsboy, he defied the odds to become a distinguished lawyer and a towering figure in Kenya’s legal and political spheres.

Born in Dukana, Marsabit County, Dr Godana belonged to the Gabbra community.

He began his education in local primary schools and later attended Marsabit Boys High School, where he excelled in his O-Level examinations.

He went on to study law at the University of Nairobi, graduating in 1976.

He then pursued advanced studies at the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva, earning a PhD in International Law in 1984.

Godana began his professional career as a lawyer before transitioning into academia. In 1986, he joined the University of Nairobi as a lecturer in public law.

However, in 1988, he resigned to contest the parliamentary seat for North Horr, a newly created constituency at the time.

He was re-elected in successive terms and held the seat until his untimely death in 2006.

In 1998, Godana was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs by the late President Moi.

He served in this role until 2001, during which time he worked to address regional conflicts, particularly along the Kenya–Ethiopia border.

His tenure was marked by his deep understanding of international law, diplomacy, and regional geopolitics.

He also served as KANU’s Deputy Party Leader from 2002 until his death, which occurred in a plane crash while on a peace mission.

Godana stood as a beacon of excellence in international legal scholarship and practice.

His lifelong dedication to justice, his advancement of international legal thought, and his tireless pursuit of peace left an enduring legacy not only in Kenya but across Africa and beyond.