Professor’s murder rude halt to an era
Posted Tuesday, December 23 2008 at 16:48
The brutal murder of Prof Japheth Samuel Maranga about two weeks ago did not just bring to an end the life of an individual; it suddenly halted a whole era.
In the words of a mourner during his burial, this man left behind “a huge civilization”. Professor’s death was a loss to the entire teaching fraternity. Virtually every teacher trained in Kenya was either taught by the professor himself or by his student.
President Kibaki, in a speech read on his behalf by Education minister Sam Ongeri, described the departed don as one of the most distinguished scholars and educators this country has ever produced.
The professor’s academic journey is illustrative of the results of determination. He began as a P1 teacher and served for 15 years, rising to the position of headteacher.
He then left the classroom and served as a district education officer. His dreams of rising higher in the professional ladder were momentarily shattered when he was told he could not go further since he did not have a university degree.
Undeterred, he registered for mature age university entry examinations, which he passed and joined Makerere University.
From then, there was no looking back. The university degree opened doors to a teaching and research career, which saw him in the corridors of Nairobi, Kenyatta, Moi and Baraton universities in a span of 32 years.
Armed with this wealth of experience, he always advised teachers to strive to improve their qualifications rather than bemoan their fate and stay stuck at one level.
“Aspire to inspire before you expire,” he often challenged his students. Professor Maranga lived true to this dictum before he was senselessly made to expire.
Gangs targeting judges, Bosire says
Published on 22/12/2008
By Robert Nyasato
Two appellate judges claim criminals have targeted senior members of the Judiciary.
Justices Samuel Bosire and Riaga Omollo alleged the killer gangs were after judges and their families.
“It is worrisome that judges’ families have become targets of criminal acts. When death comes through a criminal act, you don’t know what is happening,” Justice Bosire said.
They asked the Government to address “worrying” insecurity in the country and protect the Judiciary.
Justice Bosire spoke on Sunday during the burial of his elder brother, Prof Japheth Maranga, at Metamaywa in Borabu District.
Maranga, 76, who until his death was a lecturer at Eastern Africa University, Baraton, was shot dead by armed men two weeks ago, outside his house.
Justice Osiemo lost his brother in a similar attack in Birongo, Masaba District, on Sunday.
Justice Bosire asked the police to intensify surveillance in judges’ home.
Justice Omollo, who delivered a message of condolence to the bereaved family from Chief Justice Evan Gicheru, said Kenyans had a right to demand protection from the Government.
“We pay tax and therefore are entitled to protection by State security. It is our right as Kenyans to demand for it,” he charged.
Admitted
Other judges at the burial were Justices Sarah Ondeyo and David Maraga.
Education Minister Sam Ongeri, his Public Works counterpart Chris Obure, local MP Wilfred Ombui and his Kitutu Masaba counterpart Walter Nyambati, and Nyanza PC Paul Olando also attended.
Mr Olando conceded insecurity in Gusiiland, but assured residents that the Government had put in measures to ensure security during the festive season.
“Some people have grouped themselves to commit crimes for purposes of amassing wealth or are out for hire,” he said.
Prof Ongeri, who read a message from President Kibaki issued a stern warning to the gangs saying: “Your time is up. We can’t allow you to destroy a community and society.”
He said the Government would not tolerate any form of brutality.
“If we don’t stamp out this insecurity now, it won’t end. I urge residents to co-operate with the new police unit to eradicate the killer gangs,” he said.
He paid tribute to Maranga, saying he was a great scholar who had made tremendous contribution to education.