We have all gathered here to mourn someone who means many different good things to each person in the gathering. He has answered the call to join those who have gone ahead of us.
The Ibo saying captures this inevitable fact appropriately in a proverb which says: Every piece of iron is destined for the smithy. In Arabic this is stated as: Inna lilahi wainna ilayni rajiun. In English it simply means: From God we have come and to him we shall return.
Our hearts go out to the family and friends. We are all hurting over the loss. But the family feels more pain. This is because it is not easy to withstand the loss of a person of this stature. The cost of training an individual to this level is huge. In return their contribution is immeasurable. Dr. Oloo has passed on at a young and formative stage in his life and career yet he had already made great contribution. The value of his full potential had he lived on cannot be estimated.
I wish to share some of his virtues.
Dr. Jared Peter Odhiambo Oloo was an outstanding man.
He was first and foremost a teacher and lecture of great skill and understanding. A number of his students are serving this great nation in different capacities.
Until he departed, he was Chairman, Department of Science, Technology and Engineering. He did a superb job during his stint as academic and administrative head where he provided excellent mentorship for young faculty and students. His unique style of inclusiveness and impartiality in running the department was exemplary.
He was a scholar of repute. His Intellectual and professional rigour can be seen in his publications and was manifested in his coherent reasoning. He had cut a niche in the field of Theoretical Physics where he concentrated in the area of Superconductivity. His research ventured in areas that had direct practical value to society. A case in point is his research topic for Masters degree which explored “Effects of varied Magnetic intensifies and exposure time on germination of Rosecoco beans.” He disseminated his ideas through publications and professional bodies. Up to his final day, he was Member of Kenya Physical Society and Kenya Society of Electric and Electronic Engineering
At a personal level, this was a versatile large hearted gentleman who communicated fluently in four languages. This was a brilliant man with strong opinions but also straight forward.
Dr. Oloo was a person with caring temperament; Very lively, lovable, likeable and supportive.
His fellow Auditors at the University remember him for his fun and funny witty remarks. In his CV he boasts of being a very good time keeper, a man of his word and actions.
This was a valuable member of KIBU. So our hearts are saddened by the loss.
Though he may be dead, his kindness, humility and ideas will never be forgotten.
Fellow mourners, here lies great man. Let us emulate him so that when we die, history, humanity, and by extension God will be kind to us.
Fare thee well comrade Dr. Jared Peter Oloo Odhiambo, PhD.
Prof. Isaac Ipara Odeo,
VICE CHANCELLOR
