MKU Dean of Law Dr. Mutubwa laid to rest in Kakamega.

The local legal fraternity on December 6 joined Mount Kenya University in mourning Dr Wilfred Mutubwa who died last week.

Mutubwa was described as a beacon of inspiration, a guide, a mentor, and a friend to many young and upcoming lawyers in the country.

Dr Mutubwa was the founder of Dr Mutubwa Law as well as an academic and served as the Dean, of Mount Kenya University, Parklands School of Law.

He died on November 26 2024 during a brief health break in court proceedings.

Lawyers who attended the requiem mass held Friday at Consolata Shrine Catholic Church described him as a giant in the field.

His students noted he was both a teacher and friend, who had been helping them find their footing in their fledgling legal careers but also nudged them to pursue other interests and become all-rounded individuals.

Dr Mutubwa is survived by his wife Virginia Wanjiru Mutubwa and his children Noelle and Nadine Mutubwa.

Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi MKU Vice-Chancellor led the academia in mourning the young academic icon whom he described as a 'very focused, very responsible young man'.

'I was in the interview panel when he was employed. He came and impressed us with his experience in the private sector. He was a self-starter. He was not used to complaining, but would offer solutions to the problems at hand and would give opportunities to law students,' he said.

He encouraged the family to be courageous in grief.

'Courage is not having the strength to go on, it's going on when you don't have the strength, ' said Prof Jaganyi as he conveyed his condolence message from the MKU University.

Others who attended the requiem mass and condoled with the family included former Chief Justice David Maraga, former Attorney General Githu Muigai, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo. Chief Justice Martha Koome sent her condolences.

Dr Mutubwa's colleagues at MKU recounted the impact that he had on the institution as well as the legal profession.

'One of the things that I remember about Dr. Mutubwa concerns the Masters of Laws programme. Before he became a dean, the programme had been launched but was not picking. When he took over as dean, together with his team, he was able to kickstart the programme by proposing strategies that have seen the programme grow. Right now we have big numbers in that programme,' said Dr Peter Kirira, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Administration, Planning and Institutional Advancement.

'The best way to celebrate his life is to make sure that we make his legacy bigger.'

Acting dean Seth Ojinde described Dr Mutubwa as a lover of knowledge who also liked to share knowledge through his love of writing, which he did even towards the end of his life.

'At least a week prior he had published a book on arbitration in the construction industry,' said Ojinde.

Dr Mutubwa's students remembered him as pushing them to excel in different areas.

'Dr Mutubwa was a transformative figure who shaped the way we see the world and ourselves,' said Achieng Elsie Sandra, Executive Treasurer, MKUSOL Clubs Council.

'During our inauguration as Clubs Council, he told us that, 'Leadership isn't about power, its about service'. That single sentence transformed the way I viewed responsibility and purpose, and it continues to guide me every day.'

'To the students, he was our greatest advocate. He believed in us even when we doubted ourselves. He pushed us when we needed to be pushed, and celebrated us when we achieved. As a testament to his commitment to each of us, his office door was always open to anyone who knocked. He saw potential where we saw limitations, and he nurtured that potential with unwavering belief and patience.'

The students noted that under his guidance, the school flourished not just in academic rankings but also helped students explore other areas.

Through his pioneering role, there was the formation of the Golf Club, the ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) Club and the Law Journal Review.

He spearheaded initiatives that expanded scholarships, improved facilities and brought the school community together.

'Dr. Mutubwa was not just an academician; he was a mentor, a teacher, a great friend, and an inspiration to all of us. He was a man of the people, admired by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,' read a joint eulogy by Mount Kenya University Students Association Parkland's Law School Council 2024 - 2025.

'He always encouraged us not to settle for average, urging us to strive for excellence in all our endeavors. His mere presence was a testament to the rewarding nature of the legal profession.

'His commitment to producing well-rounded students, whom he fondly referred to as '3D lawyers,' is a legacy that will continue to guide us.'

The association also noted that Dr Mutubwa was passionate about academia.

'He introduced us to the intricacies of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), encouraged us to publish our writings, and founded the MKU Law Journal, providing a platform for intellectual discourse. His vision extended beyond the classroom, he established the MKU Law Golf Club, often inviting us to golf courses to network and grow socially.'

The MKU Law Journal has been growing and now strives to become a regional publication of repute.

'His wisdom, encouragement, and invaluable insights were instrumental in the inception and subsequent journey that has shaped the law review into what it is today,' read the eulogy by the MKU Law Journal Committee.

'He graciously accepted to be the patron of the journal and was unwavering in his support. In his characteristic fashion, he always challenged us to dream and act on our dreams. His wit, insight and wisdom will be severely missed.'

'We will forever cherish the memories of his visits to our editorial board meetings, his insightful feedback, and his unwavering belief in our work. His legacy will continue to inspire us to strive for excellence in our academic endeavors and never settle for average professionally."

Dr. Wilfred Mutubwa was buried Saturday, December 7, 2024, at his home in Lurambi, Shimalabandu Village, Kakamega County.

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Publication:	The Star (Nairobi, Kenya)
Date:	Dec 7, 2024
Words:	1012
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