By Achola Bulimo Mathews
Kibabii University Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Ipara Odeo has urged the government to name a university after the late former President Mwai Kibaki.
Seeming to suggest Kibabii University to take that honour, he urged the government to fully fund the chosen public institution.
“The public institution that will be named after the late Kibaki should be fully funded by the government,” he said, adding that the university or college should teach economics and governance in his memory.
He said Bungoma owed the late Kibaki the existence of Kibabii University, saying he was the one who gazetted its launch after operating under Masinde Muliro University/College.
“Through a singular action by the head of state, Bungoma was able to get Kibabii University that has given the county a new face and promoted the economy of the region,” he said.
Speaking to journalists after signing the condolence book for the late president at Bungoma County Commissioner’s office, Prof Odeo said the government should also name one of Kibaki’s major projects after him, pointing out the Nairobi Expressway as a strong candidate for this honour.
“President Kibaki is remembered for many projects. It will be a big honour to name one after the public icon,” he said. He was accompanied by the university management staff.
Prof. Odeo lauded the state for organizing the signing of the condolence book around the whole country, saying it was a great relief to many Kenyans who could not travel to either Nairobi or Othaya, Nyeri County, to pay their last respects.
He also eulogized the late Kibaki as the brainchild of the 2010 Constitution, saying the elusive document came to life during his tenure as the head of state.
He said that the Western region remembered him for giving more Cabinet minister slots to the region than any other time.
“Without President Kibaki, I don’t think Wamalwa Kijana would have gotten such an exclusive chance to serve in the capacity of Vice President of this great country,” he said.
Bungoma County commissioner Samuel Kimiti urged Bungoma County residents to visit his office and sign the condolence book.
