The Eldoret University family joined thousands of mourners in bidding farewell to Professor Moses Owade Imo, 55, who was laid to rest at his Kotur residence in Teso South, Busia County on Saturday after succumbing to Pneumonia.
Vice chancellor Prof. Teresa Akenga in a message read on her behalf by Philip Raburu said Prof. Imo was not only an accomplished forester, he was also a renowned soil scientist renowned the world over.
The VC said Prof. Imo was instrumental in the rebirth of forestry through his numerous contributions that led to the formation of the Kenya Forest Services.
“During his term as the Dean, School of Natural Resources he oversaw the construction of an ultramodern Forestry teaching facility,” Prof. Akenga said, adding that Prof. Imo will be truly missed by the University fraternity.
The University Council Chairman Dr. David Ojakaa through the Council member Dr Nicodemus Anyang said Prof. Imo’s ideals and virtues will live forever.
Busia County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Animal Resources Dr Moses Osia who represented Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong said it was sad Amukura Division had lost the only professor and urged the youth to go to school and produce more professors.
A total of 13 professors attended the burial of their colleague. They included F.M.E. Wanjala, Lazare Etiegni, Patrick Kafu, Miriam Kinyua, Elizabeth Omami, Donald Otieno, Julius Ochuodho, Pius Kipkemboi, Mghendi Mwambwi, B. Kaunda, John Simiyu, Julius Manyala, Otuya Robert and Donald Ogwenz.
Mourners remembered former Busia Governor’s legal advisor Justice (rtd) Alex Etyang who collapsed and died while chairing Prof. Imo’s burial arrangements last Sunday. Justice Etyang who was Prof Imo’s neighbour will be buried this coming Saturday.
Those who attended the burial included Judy Onamu, Public Works CEC George Okwara. Chief Officer in the Deputy Governor’s Office Andrew Otiti, Amukura East MCA Moses Echopat and Kibabii Vice-Chancellor Prof Isaak Ipara. Prof. Imo leaves behind a widow, Dr Beatrice Elungata and three children.