People from all walks of life gathered at Nabing’eng’e area in Milima ward, Tongaren Constituency in Bungoma County on Saturday during the burial of Professor Alfred Manyonge Wanyama of Maseno University where he was eulogized as generous and responsible.
The family of the late led by widows Pamela Manyonge and Annet eulogised him as a family man; he loved his family for he had few words. They insisted on unity in the family and were shocked by the short illness that led to his death.
His children said their father loved education and challenged them to work hard and join Higher education Institutions where they all managed.
He was a father figure and loved them where they could joke but was principled and strict which contributed to them growing up as disciplined and responsible citizens.
Maseno University fraternity said the late was a role model, he nurtured many in education as he was a Mathematician since his A Level education in Friends School Kamusinga.
They encouraged young scholars to have passion in Maths, develop a positive attitude towards it and fill the void left by Prof. Manyonge.
They expressed their grief for losing such a soul not to be replaced.
Dr. Edgar Otum from the Statistics Department who doubles as Education CEC in Siaya County government remembered the memories they shared with the late in matters education.
He said the late was hardworking where he could start his lessons at 7am and teach all through up to 5pm, he was diligent where he could give exams and mark immediately without waiting to be reminded in the Department, he was a man of peace and no single time he could yell at a person because of annoyance.
The Chair of the Department of Pure and Applied Mathematics said he had never brushed shoulders with the late for he was peaceful and did his work exceptionally.
He urged the family to seek God and continue carrying on with his legacy.
Dr. Isaac Okoth Dean of the school of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science said the late was a father of Applied Mathematics in the University.
He read the condolence message from the Vice Chancellor Prof. Julius Nyabundi who eulogized the late as the lecturer who executed his responsibilities diligently without supervision.
Prof Nandi Vice Chancellor of Friends Kaimosi University encouraged people to embrace education as he showed his pride in the late since he loved education adding that Bungoma North is a giant in education champions where majority of scholars come from.
His classmates in Friends School Kamusinga during his A level led by West Media Limited Director Mr. Cyprian Wekesa eulogized the late as a genius in Mathematics who was harmless since he couldn’t be heard or seen quarrel with anybody during their time in school.
Mukhuyu Monthly Meeting church led by their pastor where the late was worshipping while in Webuye said the late was dedicated and committed to matters church where he was paying school fees for orphans in the church and was standing in for other vulnerable cases in the church.
He was active in church activities where he served as the Recording Clerk until his demise.
The preacher that gave the sermon said there is time for everything saying it was God’s plan for the Professor to leave the earth saying each human being has his time too.
He said the Professor played his roles well while alive as he encouraged people to work just like the late was.
Tongaren MP representative, delivered MP’s message of condolence as he echoed Prof Nandi’s sentiments of Bungoma North having majority Professors in Bungoma County as he urged Prof Nandi to intervene why Nabing’eng’e Secondary school is not performing well since his exit as the BOM chair.
The MP has plans to start putting up Junior Secondary School buildings and repair old classes adding that all needy students will receive bursaries to ensure that all children get education.
Milima ward MCA Jerusa Aleu Sikuku as she condoled with the family she said the late was a hero and advocated for education, therefore told parents to be cautious with their children, advise them during this festive season so that when schools open they get back well hence help in curbing teenage pregnancies and involving in drug abuse.
She also used the opportunity to highlight some of the projects she has initiated in the area like giving dairy animals to groups in her area.
Professor Manyonge worked as a bank clerk from May 1983 to September 1984, he was a tutorial fellow in the Department of Mathematics, University of Nairobi from 1990 to April 1996, Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics, Maseno University from May 1996 to 2003, Senior Lecturer Department of Pure and Applied Mathematics, Maseno University from 2003 to 2013 and until his demise he was an Associate Professor Department of Pure and Applied Mathematics, Maseno University from 2013.
