It is with deep sorrow and humble acceptance of God’s will that we learnt of the passing on of Dr Bob John Obwangi Mbori in India on December 22, 2018 after a short illness. Until his death, he was a senior lecturer and the founding dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST).

To the students and staff, your voice and good command of the English language booming through the public address system during graduation ceremonies will continue to ring in our ears. You left a mark within the institution and the lives of every individual who came across with you.

Bob, who was born on December 10, 1967, was a loving husband to Beatrice Kemunto Obwoge, father to Rebin Buyaki (Moi University, School of Education), Raveena Bora (Moi University, School of Information Science) and Raby Jos (St Joseph’s Academy Kakamega). He was a son to the late James Mbori and Jerusa Mbori.

We all had something to learn from you. Even in your hospital bed, you maintained contact with us and gave us hope that you were coming back home soon even when it appeared unlikely.

Family and friends have been meeting daily at Bob’s residence in Shitungu, Kakamega, and his rural home in Nyakenogo Village, Marani for prayers and arrangements for a fundraiser on January 15. The cortege will leave Kakamega County Referral Hospital Mortuary for a requiem mass at MMUST grounds on January 16, and thereafter for an overnight stay at his Shitungu residence. His body will be interred in Nyakenogo Village.

After teaching me the phonetics and phonology of the Queen's language to near perfection, Dr Bob Mbori, you take your final bow. It’s too soon; it’s hard for me to stomach. You were the best MC that the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) ever had. Your voice and good command of the English language blasting through the Public Address system while addressing students and other guests during graduations still rings in my ears. Many people - myself included - are greatly indebted to you for your invaluable contribution in the development of careers. I will always remember your words of wisdom and the jokes you made about your yellow car. May you forever rest in peace, Dr Mbori

– Your former student, Ken Gachuhi

Dr Bob John Obwangi Mbori died in India on December 22, 2018 after a short illness. Until his death, he was a senior lecturer and the founding dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences at MMUST.

Bob, who was born on December 10, 1967, was a loving husband to Beatrice Kemunto Obwoge, father to Rebin Buyaki (Moi University, School of Education), Raveena Bora (Moi University, School of Information Science) and Raby Jos (St Joseph’s Academy Kakamega). He was a son to the late James Mbori and Jerusa Mbori.