Dr Wambui Nganga Pays Tribute to Late Prof Violet Kade, Recalls Mentorship and Lasting Legacy

Dr Wambui E. Nganga has paid an emotional tribute to the late Prof. Violet Kadenyeka Mugalavai, describing her as a friend, mentor, former boss and a remarkable academic whose influence extended far beyond the workplace.

In a tribute shared following Prof. Mugalavai’s death, Dr Nganga said she had known the renowned academic for more than three decades, during which their relationship grew from one of professional association to a deep friendship.

Dr Nganga described Prof. Mugalavai, popularly known as “Prof. Kade,” as a caring mentor who guided her in various aspects of her personal and professional life. She recalled how Prof. Kade encouraged her to pursue higher education and regularly followed up on her academic progress.

“She was my friend, mentor and one time boss, but over the more than three decades that I knew her, she became so much more than that,” Dr Nganga said.

According to Dr Nganga, Prof. Mugalavai’s concern went beyond academic and professional matters. She regularly checked on her family and took an interest in her children’s education, offering advice on school choices and their academic journeys.

Dr Nganga also highlighted Prof. Mugalavai’s contribution to academia, particularly in food security, nutrition, food processing and value addition.

She said Prof. Mugalavai was passionate about developing practical solutions to food and nutrition challenges facing communities, including innovations involving instant ugali and uji products associated with her work at the University of Eldoret.

Dr Nganga recalled working closely with Prof. Mugalavai as she guided students during their practicum and said the late professor generously shared her knowledge with students and colleagues.

She also remembered participating alongside colleagues Eunice Yabann and Julie Makomere in sensory experiments that supported the development and evaluation of Prof. Mugalavai’s food innovations.

Beyond her academic achievements, Dr Nganga portrayed Prof. Mugalavai as a humble and down-to-earth person who was comfortable engaging in ordinary activities despite her academic stature.

She recalled a field trip to Nairobi where Prof. Mugalavai stayed at her sister’s home with students. Each morning, she would wake up early and wash dishes, a gesture that left an impression on the family.

Dr Nganga said the experience demonstrated Prof. Mugalavai’s humility and her ability to remain grounded despite her professional titles.

“She was humble. She was not defined by her titles. She was comfortable serving and being part of the ordinary things of life,” she said.

Prof. Mugalavai was also remembered for her love of cooking, experimentation, apparel and crafts. Dr Nganga said the two shared an interest in crafts and would exchange ideas outside their academic and professional engagements.

She further recalled celebrating several milestones together, saying she was grateful to have had opportunities to celebrate Prof. Mugalavai during some of her special moments.

Dr Nganga said one of her most recent memories of Prof. Mugalavai was during Dr Rachel Karei’s birthday celebration, where the two interacted, laughed and shared a jovial moment.

She said she was grateful for the opportunity, noting that she did not know at the time that the gathering would become one of her last memories of the late professor.

Dr Nganga said Prof. Mugalavai’s legacy would live on through her research, students, colleagues and the many people she mentored and inspired throughout her career.

She mourned the loss of a friend and academic colleague while celebrating the impact Prof. Mugalavai made in food science, nutrition, food security and the lives of those around her.

“Fare thee well, Prof. Kade. Rest peacefully, dear friend. She will be deeply missed, but she will never be forgotten,” Dr Nganga said.