Saturday, April 4, 2015 Prof George Eshiwani is dead

By ANITA CHEPKOECH  
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Former deputy prime minister Musalia Mudavadi (left) is received by the late vice chancellor of Kenyatta University Professor George Eshiwani. FILE 

In Summary

• The Professor of Mathematics had extensive experience in university management, having served as the first principal of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and later as the first Pro-Chancellor at Mt Kenya University (MKU).
• Maseno University Vice chancellor Dominic Makawiti said: “The loss of Prof Eshiwani is a big blow to the education of this country.”

Former Vice-Chancellor of Kenyatta University, Prof George Eshiwani, is dead.

The mathematician collapsed and died Saturday while undergoing treatment at Kisumu’s Agha Khan Hospital.

His son, Ronny Aloyo told Sunday Nation that his father had been unwell Saturday morning and was rushed to the hospital in the afternoon when the situation got worse.

“My mother had informed me this morning that father was unwell. I then learnt that he collapsed and died in hospital this evening,” he said on phone from Nairobi.

He said his death was a big loss to the family.

In a tribute to his father, he said: “ One of the finest professors, a friend, a father and the longest serving VC in Kenya, a key figure in Kenyan politics ; today you just left us. RIP Dad. You are a hero.”

UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT

The Professor of Mathematics had extensive experience in university management, having served as the first principal of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and later as the first Pro-Chancellor at Mt Kenya University (MKU).

Dr Simon Gicharu, the founder of MKU said Prof Eshiwani had been very instrumental in helping his school to stand on its feet.

“When he left Kenyatta University, he went home to farm. But I pleaded with him to come and help me establish the school. It’s because I know he is a great educationist,” said Dr Gicharu.

“We last talked three months ago and he just wanted to know our progress. He is always concerned about academic progress,” he added.

Maseno University Vice chancellor Dominic Makawiti said: “The loss of Prof Eshiwani is a big blow to the education of this country.”

Among those who paid tributes to him is Cotu secretary general Francis Atwoli who described him as a “patriotic Kenyan scholar”.