FORMER vice chancellor of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Prof George Eshiwani, died on Saturday in a Kisumu hospital after collapsing at a funeral.
Eshiwani had attended the burial of Grace Ogot in Siaya county when he collapsed and was rushed to Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu for treatment.
Amani leader Musalia Mudavadi said: "Eshiwani rose from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of education excellence and management. He was a pragmatic scholar who applied knowledge to practical solutions. A mathematician, he applied his know-how to solve problems – a rare fit."
The professor of Mathematics died aged 72 years after retiring from teaching to farm at his Muluanda home in Khwisero, Kakamega county.
His son Ronny Aloyo said Eshiwani has been unwell for some time.
“He was supposed to go for checkup on Saturday, but he insisted on attending the burial of his long time friend and fellow academician Grace Ogot. He said he would go for treatment after the burial,” Aloyo said.
Briefing the press at their home in Khwisero yesterday, Aloyo said the family has suffered a big blow.
Khwisero MP Benjamin Andola said Eshiwani was a man committed to helping all people without discrimination.
He told the Star that the professor was committed to improving academic standards in Khwisero by working with school head teachers.
Eshiwani also served as the founding vice chancellor of Mount Kenya University and vice chancellor of Kenyatta University.
