25 May 1968 – 19 March 2026
It is with profound sorrow, and in humble acceptance of God’s sovereign will, that we announce the passing of Dr. Philemon Odiwuor Yugi.
He departed this life on 19 March 2026, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship, faithful service, and deep love for family and community.
Dr. Yugi was born to the late Pr. Tukiko Yugi Koyo and the late Risanael Ataro Yugi.
He was a beloved son-in-law of the late Jackton Osara and Dorcas Osara. Raised in faith and grounded in community, he embodied the values of his family throughout his life.
Dr. Yugi served with distinction as a Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Policy and Development Studies, Daystar University, where he was widely respected as an expert in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).
His dedication to nurturing the next generation of scholars and practitioners left an indelible mark on all who learned under his guidance.
A devout member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Polyview, Kisumu, he integrated his faith with every dimension of his professional and personal life.
Throughout his years, he was known above all for his unwavering commitment to family, friendship, and mentorship.
Dr. Yugi is survived by his beloved wife, Benter Osara, his sons, Paul Ataro and Patton Yugi, and his daughter, Peggy Odiwuor.
He is deeply mourned by his brothers Moses Yugi and James Yugi and Lida Nyaoke and remembered fondly alongside the late Peter Yugi and family.
He leaves behind five sisters: Rose Yugi-Aol, Florence Yugi-Okinyi, Mary Tukiko-Maganya and Emily Yugi-Rao, and the memory of the late Linet Yugi-Awuor.
He was also a dear nephew of Isaiah Otieno Koyo, David Koyo, Joshua Koyo, and Samuel Koyo of Kamanga Village, and of Dan Okech of Kamolo, Kanyaluo, among many others who cherished him.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, 2 April 2026, commencing at 11:00 AM, at Daystar University, Valley Road Campus, Nairobi.
The burial will be on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, at his Kamanga Village, Central Karachuonyo Location, Homa Bay County.
“To the believer, death is but a small matter. Christ speaks of it as if it were of little moment.
‘If a man keeps My saying, he shall never see death,’ ‘he shall never taste of death.’ To the Christian, death is but a sleep, a moment of silence and darkness. The life is hidden with Christ in God, and ‘when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.’”