The Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) fraternity is in mourning after their founding Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barasa Wangila, succumbed to cancer after battling it for 22 years.
Quoting his brother, Tito Wangila, The Standard reported that the VC had been suffering from prostate cancer since he was diagnosed with the disease in 1997.
Wangila reportedly succumbed from the disease on Saturday mourning while undergoing treatment at Agha Khan Hospital in Kisumu.
“The first symptoms appeared in 1997 and after seeking treatment he felt better.
"Wangila has been a dedicated man and we thank God for the time we have shared with him," stated Tito.
The don had largely lived a healthy life until the symptoms recurred in March last year forcing him to seek further treatment.
Wangila was the first VC at the institution after he was appointed by former President Mwai Kibaki in 2006 and successfully led the institution to acquire its charter.
He was also a distinguished scholar of Zoology and Fish Genetics.
The current VC at the institution, Asenath Sigot, who replaced the deceased in 2013, eulogised him as a dedicated worker who served diligently.
"He will be remembered for his selfless efforts in ensuring MMUST became a fully-fledged public university when he served as the VC.
"On behalf of the Universities' Academic Staff Union, UASU MMUST Chapter which he helped to establish, union members and on my own behalf, I wish to convey heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives and friends," stated the VC.
