G. Ogutu

Sad to learn that the long serving Kenyatta University Professor Jotham Olembo passed on yesterday. I will remember him as a great Education Professor who in addition to being my colleague for many years in KU, also taught us education planning and curriculum alongside the late Prof. Sifuna and the late Prof. Ayot. We have lost three very instrumental Professors who shaped the teaching of Education at Kenyatta University and made the School of Education be respected worldwide. I remember Prof. Olembo as one who very well considered proposals in Senate and when he made a contribution in the department, in a commitee or Senate, we all listened. He had this measured approach to issues and contributed to discussions with such humility, wisdom, control and data-backed evidence and examples. He had a lot of respect for authority and for me as a colleague, a friend and Vice-Chancellor then. As the VC then, Prof would give me honest views and advice on different issues with utmost respect and, coming from him, I always listened. He was a towering presence not only in education circles but in academia in general. I last saw Prof when he was admitted at KUTRRH a while back when I was chairing the Hospital Board. We talked a lot and he soon recovered. It was gratifying to me then that the Hospital, a vision he fully supported in Senate when we conceptualized it, had the honour to take care of him that particular time - and we even talked about it. I send my heartfelt condolences to my friend and former colleague, Dr. Waveney Olembo and the entire family. May God give you peace and acceptance. May this powerful verse comfort you and your family. Psalms 34:18 - “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” May Prof. Olembo's soul rest in eternal peace.