Uhuru mourns top researcher Prof Abel Mugenda as police probe cause of death

Police are investigating the death Prof Abel Mugenda.

There were contradicting reports on the death of the don, who is Prof Olive Mugenda's husband. She is a JSC member and a former Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor.

Nyeri police boss Ali Nuno told the Star on the phone on Sunday they are reviewing CCTV footage at the White Rhino Hotel where the don died on Saturday.

There are reports that Mugenda might have died after falling from the sixth floor of the hotel.

"Police suspect the Saturday 5am incident is a possible suicide because CCTV camera shows the deceased's movement before his death," Nuno said.

"We have seen the footage and have handed the matter to the DCI to investigate and give a comprehensive report."

Nuno said he cannot release the details because "our investigations are still underway".

The family of the late don collected the body and took it to Nairobi after being informed of the death by the police.

President Uhuru Kenyatta condoled with the family of Prof Olive Mugenda following the death of her husband.

In his message, Uhuru said the don died on Saturday morning after a short illness.

He described him as a distinguished scholar and researcher whose work has had great bearing on education and training in Kenya.

Uhuru said he has authored and published several books and research works which will continue to help in the growth of the education sector for years to come.

"The late Prof Mugenda was one of Kenya's academic and research giants who will be remembered for many years to come for his outstanding work," the President said.

He cited one of books titled "Social Science Research: Theory and Principles" which is a valuable guide to research in Africa and the developing world.

"He was a true patriot who despite his great achievements and exposure to other opportunities outside Kenya, committed himself to serving the country through his skills, knowledge and talent," Uhuru said.

"Mugenda has indeed imparted our young people with great knowledge on research methods not only through teaching but also through his published works. We will forever be indebted to this great scholar".

The deceased has worked with the United Nations and several International NGO’s as a researcher, and a monitoring and evaluation specialist.

He also lectured in research methods, monitoring and evaluation and statistics at the University of Nairobi, Lowa State University, Kenya Methodist University and United States International University.