Professor Philip Okoth Raburu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Planning, Research and Extension at the University of Eldoret, has died.
Raburu died at 4.30am on Monday at Eldoret Hospital after a period of illness, according to his family. He was an Associate Professor of Aquatic Resources and Environmental Management.
Willis Owino-Ong’or, who identified himself as Raburu’s first cousin, confirmed his death in a statement on Monday.
“It’s a sad morning for me. I have lost my first cousin, son of my aunt, my brother in Christ and friend, Prof Philip Raburu, this morning at 4.30am in Eldoret Hospital. He fought gallantly, but God saw it fit to take him,” he said.
Owino-Ong’or said Raburu had spoken to the family the previous day about wanting to “go home,” words that his relatives later interpreted differently following his death. He sent condolences to Raburu’s wife, Elizabeth, their children Jessie, Eugene, Steve and Joy, and the wider family.
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At the University of Eldoret, student leaders mourned the death of the senior administrator, with Student President Collins Kimutai describing him as a mentor and father figure to students.
“Prof Raburu was not just a leader in our university; he was a mentor, a father figure, a true servant of knowledge,” Kimutai said.
“His dedication to research, innovation and student growth will never be forgotten. On behalf of the entire UoE student fraternity, I send my deepest condolences to his family, the University management, staff and all comrades,” Kimutai said, adding, “You left a legacy. You fought a good fight and your legacy will live on.”
Raburu hailed from Migingo Village in Kisumu County and had an academic background in environmental and aquatic sciences. He held a PhD in Environmental Studies from Moi University, an MSc in Hydrobiology from the University of Nairobi and a BSc from the same institution.
Before joining Moi University, Raburu taught at several teacher training colleges. He later joined the university and held administrative positions at the University of Eldoret.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.
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