11 Facts About Josephat Karanja

Josephat Njuguna Karanja was the fifth Vice-President of the Republic of Kenya between 1988 and 1989.

Josephat Karanja resigned to avoid an ongoing vote-of-no-confidence in the Kenyan Parliament.

Josephat Karanja was accused of displaying the stunning beauty at a time when political wives were never seen nor heard.

Josephat Karanja was a member of parliament for Mathare Constituency during his VP years, but later moved to Githunguri Constituency, which he won in 1992 after two previous failed tries against Arthur Magugu.

Josephat Karanja is probably more remembered for his tenure there between 1970 and 1979, a period referred to as the hey-days of the university whereby black student enrolment increased by large numbers for the first time in the country's history, than for any other aspects of his public service career.

Josephat Karanja had a reputation as a no-nonsense leader and administrator who would not entertain any margin for error.

Josephat Karanja managed the university with an iron fist, and was politically very savvy.

Josephat Karanja was described in some quarters as brilliant, dedicated, but aloof and not in touch in others.

But, unlike the former Attorney General Charles Njonjo, Karanja delegated and empowered those below him to take charge.

Josephat Karanja fiercely guarded the independence of the university, and had the ability to get things done.

Josephat Karanja died in Nairobi on 28 February 1994 at the age of 63 from cancer.