2019 seems to have kicked off with some misfortunes. Just yesterday, President Uhuru Kenyatta’s led Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju buried his young brother in Rarieda, Siaya County. Today, the President is again mourning a great mind and scholar! He has eulogised Professor Abel Gitau Mugenda, husband of former Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor, as a distinguished scholar who made significant contributions to education.
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Prof. Olive Mugenda, following the death of her husband Prof. Abel Gitau Mugenda. Prof. Gitau was a great scholar who imparted our young people with great knowledge on research methods through his teachings and published works.
— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) January 6, 2019
Prof Mugenda died on Saturday after a short illness, according to a statement released on Sunday afternoon by the Presidential Strategic Communication Unit (PSCU).
In the statement, President Kenyatta noted the professor was also a researcher whose work has had great bearing on education and training in Kenya.
He also pointed out that Mr Mugenda authored and published several books and research, which will help grow the education sector for years to come.
“He was one of Kenya’s academic and research giants, who will be remembered for many years to come for his outstanding work,” said the president.
The president cited one of Prof Mugenda’s books titled Social Science Research: Theory and Principles, which he described as a valuable guide to research in Africa and the developing world.
Mr Kenyatta also described Prof Mugenda as a true patriot who committed himself to serving the country through his skills, knowledge and talent, despite his great achievements and exposure to opportunities outside Kenya.
“Prof Mugenda imparted great knowledge on research methods to our young people, not only through teaching, but also through his published works. We will forever be indebted to this great scholar,” he said.,