Professor Emeritus Clement M.P.
Oniang'o

Professor Clement Meshack Peter Oniang’o was born on 19^th June, 1943, in Ebuchenya village, Butere District, to Kuka Peter Eshiyonzo and Kukhu Flista Amanya Eshiyonzo, both deceased. He was raised in a family of five children, alongside his eldest sister Melca Ephalinah Anyanga Eshiyonzo-Mutere (wife to the late Prof. Festo Abby Mutere), his brothers Wellington Eshiyonzo Mutuli and Johnston Patrick Songa (both of whom predeceased him), and his youngest sister Dina Eshiyonzo-Simiyu. It was in Ebuchenya that a strong foundation of discipline instilled in him a lifelong dedication to excellence. Pursuing his dream of higher education, he crossed oceans to earn his B.Sc. at Wisconsin State University in 1969, followed by an M.A. at Washington State University in 1973, and eventually completed his Ph.D. in Philosophy at Makerere University in Uganda in 1976, examining the relevance of existentialism to the African experience.

Returning home, he built a distinguished academic career, rising to Full Professor of Philosophy and serving as the Founder Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Nairobi. Beyond his extensive research, international lectures, and vital role in mentoring over 20 doctoral candidates, he was a deeply devoted family man. He shared a rich family life with his wife, Hon. Prof. Ruth Oniang'o, whom he married in 1971 and with whom he raised five children: twins Makeba Mwani Magambo and Masuka Tiang'a Magambo, Dr. Eshiyonzo "Tete" Mashaka Oniang'o, Joseph Omutsembi Oniang'o, and Lulu Philista Oniang'o. He was also a father to Peddy Eshiyonzo Oniang'o, born to Susan A. Ayako. He was a proud grandfather to Michael Magambo, Benjamin Magambo, Sayuri Magambo, Tsahmaya Oniang'o, Sanyu Magambo, Victoria Magambo, Imora Mak'Osewe, and Saya Mak'Osewe. He leaves behind an enduring legacy of intellectual rigor, compassionate leadership, and a family that loved him dearly.