Prof. Vitalice Kalecha Oduol, PhD (1958-2025)
Prof. Vitalice Oduol was a revered scholar, dedicated educator, and beloved mentor whose life was marked by intellectual brilliance and quiet strength. A long-serving professor at the University of Nairobi, he inspired generations through his commitment to learning, integrity, and service. Prof. Oduol passed away peacefully on Sunday, 20th July 2025 after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by colleagues, students, family, and friends alike.
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It is with deep sadness and humble acceptance of God’s will that we announce the passing of Professor Vitalice Kalecha Oduol who departed on Sunday, 20th July, 2025. Son of the late Mzee George Onyango Aliech and the late Mama Angeline Osewe of Komanje Village, Siaya County. Professor Oduol was a revered scholar at the University of Nairobi.
He was a devoted husband of Mrs. Susline Oduol and loving Father of John, Joshua and Emmanuel. Son-in-Law of the late Mzee James and Mama Maria Manyala. Brother of Christopher, Consolata, Fredrick, Nelly, the late Maurice and late Alice.
The funeral service will take place on Thursday 7th August, 2025 at Nairobi Baptist Church - Ngong Road at 12.00pm.
Burial service will take place on Saturday 9th August, 2025 at Yenga Village, Siaya County from 10.00am.
Daily Prayers and meetings are being held at Loresho Ridge Estate (next to Loresho Primary School).
A main fundraiser will be held on Sunday 3rd August, 2025 at the same venue from 3.00pm. Contributions can also be sent to Paybill Number 8023980, Account Number: Your Name
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
— 2 Timothy 4:7
Tributes
Here are some treasured memories of Prof. Vitalice Kalecha Oduol, PhD.
A great teacher
"Prof was my Telecoms lecturer at 4th year and one thing that intrigued me in those days was his decision to come back home to Kenya from America and help in shaping the careers of young people like myself. He would regale us with stories on his experience in America, working there many a time. Over time, I got to appreciate that it was important for us as Kenyans to put in our best brains to developing our country and I have no doubt Prof was the best of the best. Rest in peace Prof and my elder Busherian and God grant solace to your family."
Posted by Ndung'u (Student) | 1 week, 2 days agoA Breath of Fresh Air to EEE Department
"What a loss! Prof. Oduol was a treasure to the EEE department at UoN. He was one of the most diligent in delivering world class teaching given his wide knowledge and international experience. I can still remember how he covered some topics in 4th year telecommunications in such a way that they have stuck with me ('quantile normalisation'). He will forever be missed! My family and I wish his family courage and strength at this most trying of times. May God rest his soul in eternal peace. Rest well Prof!"
Posted by Paul Korir (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoProf Gone too Soon
"I haven't found words to express my feelings about this. May God keep us strong and give grace to the family as they go through this difficult moments"
Posted by Peter (Colleague) | 1 week, 3 days agoRest Well Prof
"Hand holding when I didn't really know how to do a proper thesis marked my journey with you! May God rest your soul in eternal rest sir. You were a gentleman and great at it. Fare the well Prof. Nyasaye Ber."
Posted by Omoi Cammilus (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoUnmatched wit and kindness
"I fondly remember Dr. Oduol's arrival at the department, I was struck by his unassuming nature and his lack of airs. He was open to discuss ideas openly without making one feel out of his depth. He agreed to supervise my final project and provided crucial insights throughout its execution. His dedication has been an inspiration to me and influenced how I relate to colleagues to date. We pray that God may grant him the inheritance of the Saints."
Posted by Constantine Ayimba (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoIn Memory of Prof. Vitalice Oduol
"I fondly remember Prof. Vitalice Oduol as a compassionate mentor and an outstanding academic leader. As Chairman of the Department of Electrical and Information Engineering at the University of Nairobi, he went out of his way to support students—including myself. In my second year, during a time of financial difficulty, Prof. Oduol allowed me to sit for my examinations without having paid school fees. He also made efforts to link me to the university’s work-study program. His kindness made a lasting impact on my life. Prof. Oduol taught me at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and I last saw him during a departmental visit with Distinguished Professors on May 9, 2025, as we prepared for IMAS 2025. He remained, as always, gracious, thoughtful, and committed to the growth of the profession. We celebrate his legacy—a life marked by academic excellence, integrity, and mentorship. May he rest in eternal peace."
Posted by Benson Ojwang (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoRest Well Prof
"My condolences to the family, Prof was a big reason I enjoyed my studies and many students after will be poorer for it having not met him. May he rest in peace."
Posted by Ian Odhiambo Otieno (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoProff
"You were such a Humble learned Professor. Great Respect. We Love you."
Posted by Moses Mutembei (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoDearest uncle
"Throughout your life you valued education, and through that you changed many lives in a positive way. The void you have left, no one can fill. Till we meet again uncle. Dance with the angels on your way to heaven,"
Posted by Jacqueline Ochieng (Niece) | 1 week, 3 days agoThank you for everything
"You were great to us your students, you encouraged me personally and was patient with me"
Posted by Lilian Kamanja (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoRIP Prof.
"What a humble yet very intelligent scholar. As my HOD and 5th year project supervisor, your humility, level of understanding and support was beyond words. May your family find peace, hope and comfort in the Lord. RIP prof"
Posted by ken Nyangla (Student) | 1 week agoTribute to the Best Prof
"Words cannot describe how sad I am right now.Why do Bad things happen to Good people?.Go well Prof till we meet again?"
Posted by Fred Kitungo (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoCondolences
"Dad it's quite unbelievable that you have departed us.its so sudden.l recall you for being kind hearted and always the pillah for the Kalechah family.You we're our referral.If it's Godd plan it's beyond us.May your soul rest in eternal peace."
Posted by Charles Oduor (Son) | 6 days, 21 hours agoSoft-spoken intellectual
"He was a soft-spoken Professor with a genuine sense of humour laced with some foreign accent. He would teach a 5yr old and they get to grasp engineering concepts. May his soul rest in eternal peace."
Posted by S.K (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoRest on peace prof.
"May your soul rest in eternal peace."
Posted by J k (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoRest on peace prof.
"May your soul rest in eternal peace."
Posted by Jimmy K. (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoRIP
"RIP Prof."
Posted by Albert Kenyani (Colleague) | 1 week, 3 days agoBig brother
"Pro was someone who was dedicated in whatever he does. As siblings we were always together n does things together. He would be send to the shop n he calls me to accompany him. Prof was my brother n my friend. I have lost someone special to me n the gap cannot n will not be filled forever. Rest in peace woud nya Ng'iya till we meet again. Consolatah"
Posted by Consolata Onyango (Sister) | 1 day, 22 hours agoA Giant has rested
"I am deeply saddened to have lost an advocate in Prof. When Prof. Magoha suspended me from University for a commotion that had formented at the American Wing, Prof. stood by me and defended me before the then Vice Chancellor Prof. Magoha. May you go well giant. I owe a lot to you Chairman. You saved my skin."
Posted by Eng. Patrick Otuoma (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoIn Memory of Prof.vitalice Oduol
""You were a great professor.May you rest in Power""
Posted by Mercie Nzilani (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoRIP Prof. V. Oduol
"Very sad news. Prof. V. Oduol was always a humble man, a great teacher and leader at the American Wing, UoN. Such a big loss. Rest well Prof."
Posted by SK Soi (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoGo ye well Prof. Oduol
"Words cannot fully express the sad feeling of your loss Prof. Oduol. Those of us who were at American Wing between 2006 and 2012 had the privilege of interacting with you as the Chairman of the department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at UoN. Indeed you showed many of us your kindness and good gesture. Rest in peace good Prof. Oduol."
Posted by Chris Otieno (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoFarewell to a Senior scholar
"Prof. Vitalice Oduol was a remarkable scholar and mentor who shaped so many lives through his wisdom and kindness. His dedication to learning and unwavering support for his students left an indelible mark on all of us. I’m forever grateful for his guidance and inspiration. May his legacy live on through the countless lives he touched. Rest in peace, Prof."
Posted by Sir. Kabuka (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoA Humble Leader
"Prof. Oduol was such a considerate and humble leader. I remember in several occasions he allowed students to sit for exams with fee balances. He always reasoned that you could always pay later but have uninterrupted studies as you'll not get your results anyway. He was also very reasonable in all student challenges situations. We celebrate his life and my sincere condolences to family and loved ones and may God grant you grace and peace throughout your lives. Eternal rest grant to him on Lord and may Perpetual light shine upon his soul. Amen."
Posted by Lydia Mugure (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoDarkness at American Wing (UoN)
"Prof was a distinguished scholar and a true gentleman. He will be fondly remembered by many, especially his engineering students class of 2012. Rest in eternal peace Prof."
Posted by Eng. Peter Kiptoo (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoEngineer
"RIP professor"
Posted by Caroline M (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoRest Easy Prof!
"Professor Vitalice Oduol was a mentor, a teacher, and an incredible guide in my academic journey. He influenced my decision on my career choices. Professor Oduol supervised my 5th-year project and played a pivotal role in shaping how I approach learning and research. His wisdom, patience, and unwavering belief in his students left a lasting impact on many of us. Beyond the classroom, he was a kind and thoughtful mentor who always made time to listen, advise, and challenge us to think deeper. Rest well, Prof. Your legacy lives on in the lives you touched."
Posted by Wycliffe Omwenga (Teacher) | 1 week, 3 days agoWe Celebrate Prof. He was the best
"I still have his handwriting in my portfolio. He recommended me for bigger positions. A chilled Proff who always made us win. So sad losing a gem. May his soul rest in eternal peace"
Posted by Calvince Ndemo (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoComputer science
"Humble prof. RIP You landed from USA and taught me C++ in first year...My almighty God console your family"
Posted by Emmanuel (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoRest In Peace Prof
"You were and still we remain as the coolest Prof. I have met in my academic journey. Your empathy, kindness and passion to your students was evident in your way of teaching in our class. This is unfortunate, but I hope you find peace in your resting place because of the many lives you touched (mine included). Rest in Peace dear Prof."
Posted by Shawn Aranda (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoRest Well Prof
"Prof, beyond the lectures you were truly a good human. A loving father to your students. You were the embodiment of humility and honor. We shall miss the calmness of your voice even as you executed the delivery of very complex concepts. May the Almighty rest your humble soul in eternal peace."
Posted by Ascon Kamili (Student) | 6 days, 23 hours agoAn Impactful Quiet On
"I knew you during your tenure as the Chairman, Dept of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. You brought back the department back to life. We would subsequently thereafter and you would be all smiles. Your publications were in high impact journals. Rest well my friend. You have impacted lives."
Posted by Prof. Bernard O. Aduda (Colleague) | 5 days, 20 hours agoA humble uncle
"I remember when you made all the arrangements for me to go to Signaw Valley University in USA. U did what u could as a person, but God had his plans. Rest well with the angles uncle till we meet again. Flo."
Posted by Florence (Niece) | 1 day, 22 hours agoRIP Prof
"U made telecoms easy, I can remember concepts you taught us. The transformation of learning spaces during your chairmanship days, as you used to narrate in class, was a good move for student experience. Your philosophy regarding tests and outcome goals - to evaluate and give constructive feedback for better change, not to fail - has stuck with me since 2015. The many inspiring stories, including your attendance to the bush inauguration ceremony 😊, kept us going in the face of anxiety. Rest well Prof VA"
Posted by Peter Munyao (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoLaborious Teacher
"Many can lecture, but few teach harmoniously. Professor Oduol taught us telecommunications like no one else ever will. The quiet, consistent life he led spoke volumes about his integrity and personal values."
Posted by DANIEL MAKANA (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoFOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
"Fate smiled upon me, the day that you became my brother in law. From the very beginning, I felt at ease in your presence, and I knew in my heart, that the two of us would grow closer through the years. Now as I look back in the time, I am reminded of just how much we have shared, and I am grateful that I was blessed with a brother in law whose wormth, thoughtfulness and sense of compassion, made my days brighter, my sorrows more bearable, and my life richer in so many ways. For this, I feel fortunate beyond measures. Nind gi kwe wuod nyang'iya"
Posted by BARRACK OLOO (In-law) | 1 day, 17 hours agoA GENTLEMAN
"Of all the many blessings, however great or small, to have had you for an uncle was the greatest one of all. The family chain is broken now and nothing seems the same, but as God takes us one by one, the chain will link again. Till we meet again, in the world to come. Nind gi kwe nera"
Posted by JACQUELINE OCHIENG (Niece) | 1 day, 17 hours agoThe most humble Prof
"The best memory I have is when you told us in class "I suffered when I was a student and I will never want my students to go through that " and in deed we had a good year being taught by you, a very humble,soft spoken Prof. R.I.P Prof we have truly lost a gem."
Posted by D.N (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoTribute to Prof. Vitalis Oduol
"It is with profound sadness and deep respect that I pay tribute to Professor V.K. Oduol of the Department of Electrical and Information Engineering at the University of Nairobi. His passing is not only a great loss to the academic community, but also a deeply personal one for me. Prof. Oduol was more than a colleague, he was a teacher, a mentor, and an inspiration to me. I had the privilege of being his student during my undergraduate studies, where he taught me Telecommunications with clarity, depth, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Later, during my MSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, he once again guided me through the rigorous discipline of Engineering Mathematics with the same passion and intellect that defined his career. His lectures were never just about formulas or theory; they were about understanding, application, and pushing boundaries. He demanded the best from his students, not out of harshness, but because he believed in our potential. As a colleague, he remained generous with his time, humble in his brilliance, and firm in his integrity. Prof. Oduol’s legacy will live on in the many students he taught, the research he advanced, and the colleagues he supported. I am honored to have known him, and I will always carry with me the lessons he imparted in the classroom and beyond. May his soul rest in eternal peace. His light, though no longer with us in person, continues to shine through the countless lives he touched."
Posted by James Murithi (Colleague) | 1 week, 3 days agoLaborious Teacher
"Many can lecture, but few teach harmoniously. Professor Oduol taught us telecommunications like no one else ever will. The quiet, consistent life he led spoke volumes about his integrity and personal values."
Posted by DANIEL MAKANA (Student) | 1 week, 1 day agoHonoring a true educator.
"Prof. Oduol, you taught us more than telecoms. You taught us how to carry ourselves with undeniable presence, intellect, humility, and a defiant kindness in a world that rarely rewards all three. May we always charge forward with your kind of steel-like leadership that sees and builds people."
Posted by Crystal Koile (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoRest in peace uncle
"Gone too soon,may God give our family strength"
Posted by Eunice Ochieng (Niece) | 3 days, 16 hours agoGo well professor
"We've lost a great intellectual mind. Taught telecommunications with a lot of ease with great professionalism. Go well!🙂"
Posted by Emmanuel Otieno (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoGo well brother in-law
"BARRACK OLOO TO BROTHER IN LAW Fate smiled upon me, the day that you became my brother in law. From the very beginning, I felt at ease in your presence, and I knew in my heart, that the two of us would grow closer through the years. Now as I look back in time, I am reminded of just how much we have shared, and I am grateful that I was blessed with a brother in law whose wormth , thoughtfulness and sense of compassion, made my days brighter, my sorrows more bearable and my life richer in so many ways. For this, I feel so fortunate beyond measures. Nind gi kwe wuod nyang'iya"
Posted by Barack Ochieng (In-law) | 1 day, 22 hours agoYOU WERE PRECIOUS BROTHER
"No sadness can compare to this, my precious brother. The choir of angels are singing to welcome in another. You were so special to me. I hold unto you forever, my brother, In my heart and memory. We shared something special, a bond so deep and true. Nobody else would ever make me smile so well as you. I know that we will meet again, I know this is not the end. Rest softly from now until that day, my brother, my friend."
Posted by CONSOLATA ACHIENG (Sister) | 1 day, 17 hours agoGo well Prof !
"Through the little interactions with Prof when he assumed departmental leadership his unmistakable humility and a sincere commitment to student welfare was evident. His passing is a significant loss to the entire Electrical & Electronics community. I extend my heartfelt prayers to his family, trusting that they may find strength and solace through divine comfort. May Professor's soul rest in eternal peace. Would you like it framed as part of a condolence letter or memorial announcement? I can help tailor it for that."
Posted by Buxtone (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agoRIP MY HEROE
"You fought a great battle my next door neighbour in our Obambo village,in Alego Usonga. We will always cherish you wuod Nyamulu"
Posted by Tom Mboya Odhiambo (Cousin) | 1 week, 3 days agoA Profound Loss
"Prof was the best we had. During his tenure as the Department Chairman, life was easy and calm. A true gentleman and a man with a heart made of gold. May his soul rest in peace. May his family have courage and peace during this difficult moment."
Posted by Dennis Onditi (Student) | 1 week, 3 days agouncle RIP
"UNCLE..... You touched so many lives with your generosity and compassion." We will always cherish you.""
Posted by wilfred ogwe (Uncle) | 1 week, 2 days agoKind Professor.
"It is sad to learn of the passing of a great guy. The Prof taught me at PAUSTI and he did it with kindness, and care. Never one to prove that you do not know. He wanted every student to do well and excel. Rest in peace, Prof."
Posted by Kumbirayi (Student) | 1 week, 2 days agoA role model to students in our locality
"Death has robbed us of a great scholar from our locality, Obambo, sub-location, Alego, Siaya County. The foundation of Professor Vitalice Oduol's admirable intellectual abiliry was laid at Obambo Primary School where he left an indelible academic record and became a legendary role model and a symbol of inspiration to the past and present school community. It was with profound shock and disbelief that my family and I received the sad news that the Professor had departed from us. Go well my friend, you have left a positive legacy that many generations will remember."
Posted by Karoli Ooko (Friend) | 1 week, 2 days agoFare thee well my colleague and lecturer
"Dear Prof. It is with great sorrow that I pen this down, our interactions have been one of a kind. From high school where I found you as the school captain when I joined the School in January 1980. We were to meet again in 2007 where I was an only student going through coursework for my Msc in Electrical and Electronic engineering at UoN, in fact you taught me two units. You also recommended me later on for A Telecommunications Design Program at Royal Institution of Technology in Sweden. Later on I would seek guidance on best books, Materials and tools for teaching Telecommunications oriented Units for Bsc and Msc programs. You were like a big brother to me in my research and teaching growing. May you rest in eternal peace"
Posted by Kenneth Kagoiya (Student) | 1 week, 2 days agoKind and brilliant Chairman
"Prof Oduol taught us computer science unit. He made the unit easy to grasp and relatable. He told us many stories that opened our young minds. He will forever be remembered by many students for how he treated them when he was Chairman of Electrical Department. If there is one word that can summarize Prof Oduol is the four letter word "kind". He would allow comrades to sit for exams and clear the balances later. He also allowed students who Retakes to proceed to the next level as long as they would handle exams for the current year and the retakes. This saved the students from repeating a class the entire year just to retake one or two units. He was however quick to caution that should you be found out by a higher authority, you should not mention him😃. Suffice to say that he saved many comrades from academic ruin, and the said comrades turned out well finally. Prof was truly loved by students. If they could vote, he would be their candidate. May God grant him eternal rest and give comfort to the family."
Posted by Grateful student (Student) | 1 week, 1 day agoMY ABSOLUTE ROLE MODEL
"Death has snatched my absolute role model. When I joined Obambo Primary School in Class four Prof. was a candidate in class seven. Mwalimu Limba would bring him to our class to teach us some mathematics he was an astute mathematician. Prof RIP my role model i will never forget your words "education is what will make you a person wod jakadhai" transalted in Luo "Somo ema biro miyo ibed dhano" as we nicknamed you "Oduol somo e dhano" RIP Our Role Model"
Posted by Dr Konyango Charles Otieno (In-law) | 1 week, 2 days agoFather figure
"When I joined Alliance High School in 1976 from a remote school from Teso land in Western Kenya I was so lonely until I met this cool caring student. He made me feel very comfortable. Go well Prof, you made an impact. I thank you."
Posted by Dr Asoka Itur (Friend) | 1 week, 2 days agoGood Teacher, Good Father
"This is my teacher and I loved his ways."
Posted by Atanasio (Student) | 1 week, 2 days agoGo well Dad (Thuon)
"It's so painful writing this words by not believing our helper [Baba Mkubwa] is no more. On behalf of the family of your brother Frederick Oduor kalecha we were totally shocked about your demise Prof. Vitalis Kalecha.As a family, it will never be easy to find a Dad like you, the gap you've left behind we're still asking ourselves how it will be filled. Words even can't explain how far you brought this family until the month you became unwell. A friend to our home,, Champion and Destiny changer to our lives.....,Fly with Angels but in our heart,, Forever you will remain... [Matthew 26 : 29]"
Posted by Liz Oduor Kalecha (Parent) | 1 week, 2 days agoA Note of Thanks for Your Actions When You Lived
"Prof. Oduol made difficult topics easy by virtue of being an easygoing straightforward person. Through his style, many students have graduated in the school of life. Through Prof. Oduol, the world rejoices for the brilliance of knowledge supplied and how he has always encouraged the the practice of learned information. Thank you for making the world a better place while with us. May the next life have kingly roles preserved for you... to be able to make a compelling difference like you always do! Fare thee well!"
Posted by Bul (Student) | 1 week, 1 day agoKind hearted professor
"Professor was such a kind man, he inspired me in uon engineering department, he allowed me to sit for exams without having completed fee, otherwise I would have repeated the year as was happening in other departments. He simplified the complex electrical engineering concepts and would encourage many students to not give up in their academic journey. He remained as a reference in my cv for many years. Fare thee well prof."
Posted by Timothy Muasa (Student) | 1 week agoThe Patient Professor
"Prof. Oduol was really patient with us in his Telecommunication and Electroacoustic units. He would take his time to explain and re-explain when clarification was needed. His patience and master class content gave me a strong foundation and confidence to pursue a Telco Career. Thank you Prof. Rest in peace."
Posted by Samuel Ochor (Student) | 6 days, 22 hours agoBig brother
"Pro was someone who was dedicated in whatever he does. As siblings we were always together n does things together. He would be send to the shop n he calls me to accompany him. Prof was my brother n my friend. I have lost someone special to me n the gap cannot n will not be filled forever. Rest in peace woud nya Ng'iya till we meet again. Consolatah"
Posted by Consolata Onyango (Sister) | 1 day, 22 hours agoFOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
"Fate smiled upon me, the day that you became my brother in law. From the very beginning, I felt at ease in your presence, and I knew in my heart, that the two of us would grow closer through the years. Now as I look back in the time, I am reminded of just how much we have shared, and I am grateful that I was blessed with a brother in law whose wormth, thoughtfulness and sense of compassion, made my days brighter, my sorrows more bearable, and my life richer in so many ways. For this, I feel fortunate beyond measures. Nind gi kwe wuod nyang'iya"
Posted by BARRACK OLOO (In-law) | 1 day, 17 hours agoA GENTLEMAN
"Of all the many blessings, however great or small, to have had you for an uncle was the greatest one of all. The family chain is broken now and nothing seems the same, but as God takes us one by one, the chain will link again. Till we meet again, in the world to come. Nind gi kwe nera"
Posted by JACQUELINE OCHIENG (Niece) | 1 day, 17 hours agoShare a treasured tribute...
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