The African Executive mourns Rasna Warah, a highly respected Nairobi-based journalist, writer, and insightful social media commentator, who passed away at the age of 63, following a diagnosis of breast cancer in 2022. Her passing marks a significant loss for the Kenyan and broader African media landscape. Warah was a prominent and influential voice, known for her sharp intellect, unwavering commitment to truth, and passionate advocacy for social justice.

For many years, she was a fixture in Kenyan journalism, writing a highly anticipated weekly op-ed column for the Daily Nation, Kenya's leading newspaper. Her columns were known for their penetrating analysis of current affairs, often challenging established narratives and holding powerful figures to account. Beyond her work in Kenya, Warah’s writing reached a wide audience through her contributions to various regional and international publications. Her work appeared in prestigious outlets such as The Guardian (UK), Africa is a Country, The African Executive, The East African, The Mail and Guardian, The Elephant, and the literary journal Kwani?, demonstrating the breadth and depth of her engagement with African and global issues.

Prior to focusing solely on her writing career, Warah also contributed her skills as an editor and writer to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). This experience undoubtedly informed her critical perspective on global governance and development. She was a published author with a keen interest in the complexities of conflict and its impact. Her most notable works include two significant books on Somalia: "Mogadishu Then and Now" (2012), offering an in-depth look at the city’s history and evolution, and "War Crimes" (2016), delving into the devastating realities of conflict. Earlier in her career, she explored the unique experience of South Asians in East Africa with her book, “Triple Heritage” (1998). More recently, her book, "Lords of Impunity" (2022), critically examines the failings and inherent contradictions within the United Nations, proposing concrete steps for reform and transformation of the global body.

Warah’s academic background further bolstered her intellectual rigor. She held a Master’s degree in Communication for Development from Malmö University in Sweden, which equipped her with a deep understanding of the power of media and communication in social change. Her foundation was built on a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Women’s Studies from Suffolk University in Boston, USA, highlighting her early and consistent commitment to understanding both the individual and societal dimensions of social justice. Throughout her career, Rasna Warah was known for her sharp intellect and her ability to identify inconsistencies and deceptive practices. Above all, she was deeply committed to social justice, using her voice to champion the marginalized and challenge the status quo, leaving an indelible mark on all those who encountered her work.