The University of Eldoret is mourning the death of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof Phillip Okoth Raburu, who died early Monday after a period of illness.
Raburu died at about 4.30am at Eldoret Hospital, according to his family. He served as the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Planning, Research and Extension.
His death was confirmed by his first cousin, Willis Owino-Ong’or, who described the professor as a close family member, friend and brother in faith.
“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 4.30 am in Eldoret Hospital. He fought gallantly, but God saw it fit to take him,” Owino-Ong’or said.
Owino-Ong’or also said Raburu had spoken the previous day about wanting to “go home”, a remark the family later reflected on following his death.
He conveyed condolences to Raburu’s wife, Elizabeth, their children Jessie, Eugene, Steve and Joy, and the wider family.
At the University of Eldoret, students and staff joined the family in mourning the senior administrator, with student leaders remembering him for his mentorship and involvement in students’ lives.
University Student President Collins Kimutai described Raburu as a mentor and father figure who played an important role in the academic and personal development of students.
“Prof Raburu was not just a leader in our university — he was a mentor, a father figure, and a true servant of knowledge,” Kimutai said.
He said Raburu’s commitment to research, innovation and student growth had left a lasting mark on the institution.
“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.
“You left a legacy. You fought a good fight and your legacy will live on,” he added.
Raburu was an Associate Professor of Aquatic Resources and Environmental Management and built his academic career around teaching, research and university administration.
Born and raised in Migingo Village in Kisumu County, he pursued higher education in environmental and aquatic studies.
He earned a PhD in Environmental Studies from Moi University, an MSc in Hydrobiology and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nairobi.
Raburu began his career in education by teaching at several teacher training colleges before joining Moi University.
He later held various positions within the university system before rising to senior leadership at the University of Eldoret, where he became Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Planning, Research and Extension.
His responsibilities included overseeing areas linked to research, academic development and institutional planning.
His death leaves a senior leadership position vacant at the University of Eldoret as the institution and his former colleagues mourn a scholar whose career spanned teaching, research and university administration.
The family is expected to announce funeral arrangements in due course.
