Outrage as Moi University VC Post Given to an “Outsider”

It is so saddening that tribalism is what drives our country. The most bitter part is that the people whom ae appoint to lead us, are the same ones who take the front row in spreading this evil amongst us without fear or shame.

The case of how tribalism has taken the better part of us was broadly witnessed yesterday when politicians stormed Moi University protesting over the appointment of an “Outsider” as the they put it, by the Cabinet Secretary (CS) of Education Fred Matiang’i to act as the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the institution as before a replacement is found.

Who is an “outsider” in this case? Laban Ayiro is, the one whom the CS has appointed, but politicians from the North Rift region feel that he is not fit at all to lead the institution in any way. Not because he cannot deliver or perform to the expectations of the institution, but because he is not from the Kalenjin tribe. I guess this is where they would have used the term, “His second name betrays him,” as was stated by one politician to a journalist some time back.

For those who may be abit lost, Moi University is a Public University located in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. I believe I am not wrong to say that it stands at the heart of the Kalenjin Community. Professor Richard Mibey, the outgoing VC has been in charge of the institution for the last decade before his term expired just recently. He was forced out of the office to a compulsory leave since he seemed not in a hurry to leave office so as to pave way for his retirement. Then in some unclear circumstances, he returned and continued serving as VC.

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However, Mibey finally left and his place was given to Laban Ayiro as the acting VC by the Education CS for the next three months as the institution looks to get his lasting replacement, but before Ayiro could enjoy his new post, a section of leaders from the Kalenjin group came in to protest that he be removed so that one of their “own”, Isaac Kosgey can take charge. They were being led by Governors Jackson Mandago of Uasin Gishu county and his Elgeyo Marakwet counterpart Alex Tolgos.

They threatened that if at all Kosgey would not have been appointed as the acting VC for the institution, then the graduation ceremony set for Friday 23rd will not take place, adding that the appointment was made when the Deputy President Willian Ruto (Prominent leader from the Kalenjin Community) was out of the country.

“We want to be very clear on this. There will be no graduation on Friday if Kosgey is not the VC. We have told Matiang’i to immediately release his appointment letter,” said Mandago outside the Institution.

The Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) condemned the whole incident. Last month, NCIC released a report urging the government to intervene on a trend where public institutions had been ethicized and come to think of it, is it wise that there be a public University in every county in Kenya?