Former Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Prof Olive Mugenda on Saturday welcomed another scholar in her family following graduation of Angela Mugenda who attained PhD in Astronomical Engineering from Purdue University, US.
The Mugenda family has for a long time been associated with credibility in shaping the country's research and academia. Prof Mugenda was the first woman to serve as Vice Chancellor of a public university.
Now serving as commissioner in the Judicial Service Commission and as a board member of Kenyatta University Hospital, Prof Mugenda took to her social media to congratulate the young scholar in Engineering field.
"Blessed to attend my daughter's graduation at Purdue University - USA. Congratulations my dear girl, Angie, on attaining your Ph.D in Astronautical & Aeronautical Engineering. Use your skills to leave a mark wherever you go. You have made me a proud mother. God bless," she wrote.
Angie becomes the third to attain a doctorate in her family after her mother and late father Abel Mugenda. Her other sister Lynda Mugenda is pursuing doctorate in medicine at the same institution.
The family came under sharp focus early this year after the death of Prof Abel Mugenda, a distinguished researcher and statistician. He died in a Nyeri Hotel with sources pointing out to a possible suicide.
“He was all alone most of the time and would appear in the dining hall for meals. He was mostly on phone but we would not notice something unusual,” said a staffer.
Sources said the scholar committed suicide due to family marital problems although the claims could not be ascertained. Deputy President William Ruto attended his burial at Thogotho with President Uhuru Kenyatta reportedly snubbing due to controversy surrounding the death.