Daystar Community attends Requiem Mass for The Late Prof. James Kombo

Phillip Kombo (left) and Samuel Kombo share a moving tribute to their father, the late Prof. James H. Kombo, during a memorial service held at All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi, on May 12.  (Photo Courtesy of St. Paul's University)

By Timothy Oiro

[Nairobi: 12th May 2026] The Daystar University community, led by the DVC-Finance, Administration and Planning Prof. Muturi Wachira, joined mourners, family and friends in celebrating the life of the late Rev. Canon Prof. James H. Kombo in a memorial service.

The memorial service was held on Tuesday 12th May at the All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi. Key attendees included St. Paul University led by the University Chancellor Prof. Margaret Kobia and the Ag. VC Prof. Esther Mombo, together with Deans, faculty members and staff.

Prof. Kombo’s family was led by her wife Mrs. Pamela Kombo, daughter Leonida Kombo, and sons Phillip Kombo and Samuel Kombo.

His sons, Phillip Kombo and Samuel Kombo, commended their mother for standing beside their father and walking with him through his journey of life. They acknowledged that the name “Kombo” is not just a suffix appended to his credentials, but a name that carries great weight.  They promised to uphold their father’s character, legacy, and keep his memories alive. Phillip stated that his father taught him love, kindness, humility, and above all, to keep peace.

Speaking on behalf of Daystar University Vice C chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro, the DVC-FAP, Prof. Muturi Wachira, eulogized Prof. Kombo as a leader who served Daystar University with dedication for 25 years. He noted that Rev. Prof. Kombo carried out his duties with courage, wisdom, and humility, serving as both a spiritual leader and the Chair of the spiritual nurture committee.

“The growth and success that Daystar University enjoys today cannot be celebrated without mentioning the contributions of Prof Kombo. We are comforted by the assurance that Prof. Kombo has gone to be with the Lord,” said Prof. Muturi.

Prof Muturi further encouraged the family with the words of Psalm 68:5, urging them to look to God as their protector and provider: “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”

The Vice Chancellor, St. Paul’s University, Prof. Esther Mombo eulogized Prof. Kombo as a distinguished leader, scholar, priest, mentor, and friend. She noted that he was a distinguished scholar in systematic theology for Christian higher education.

“Under his leadership, he upheld excellence and spiritual formation, shaping minds and nurturing generations of servant leadership,” she said.

St. Paul’s University Chancellor, Prof. Margaret Kobia, noted that his leadership at St. Paul’s University was marked by academic grounding. She highlighted that she interacted with him during graduation, an institutional event which he conducted with utmost professionalism. “He was a humble servant leader who valued people and relationships,” she said.

Rev. Canon Prof. James Kombo was a renowned theologian and an ordained minister of the Anglican Church of Kenya whose life was grounded on servant leadership and theological scholarship. His work life began in Daystar University where he served for 25 years, from Director of the Institute of Christian Ministries and Training (ICMT, nor DPLDI), up to Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, and the Acting Vice Chancellor before joining St. Paul’s University in 2020 as Vice Chancellor.

The late Rev. Canon Prof. James Kombo will be laid to rest on Saturday 16th May 2026 at his rural home in Alego, Siaya.

In Daystar University, the legacy of the late Prof. Kombo will continue to linger in our hearts particularly in the lives he touched within the community.

Fare thee well Rev. Canon Prof. James Henry Kombo.