Commission for University Education urged to address Eldoret University row

Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu) has challenged Commission for University Education (CUE) to address the leadership crisis at the University of Eldoret.

Uasu Secretary General Muga K’Olale, and national chairman Sammy Kubasu, questioned why CUE has been slow to ensure sanity is restored at the institution, which closed last week following students’ unrest to demand the removal of Vice-Chancellor Teresa Agenga.

A senate meeting resolved to close the university after students riots for three consecutive days. Prof Agenga has denied allegations of corruption and nepotism, and invited local leaders to inspect the institution’s employment records.

The Uasu national leadership has backed the VC, maintaining that she has since restored standards and professionalism at the university.
Uasin-Gishu County Senator Isaac Melly, who has been leading the protests against Agenga, was last week injured during riots.

Dr K’Olale and Uasu national organising secretary Musalia Edebe, met CUE Secretary David Some on Wednesday over the crisis and asked him to ensure the problem is fixed.

“Agenga is being fought for political reasons because her tragedy is that she is not politically correct. Academic ranks are earned and not determined by ethnic chauvinism,” said K’Olale.

Political leaders from, Western, including Lugari MP Ayub Savula and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Youth League chairman Rashid Mohamed, have also defended the VC.

“We are concerned as leaders from Western over onslaughts on our people serving in various capacities. What is happening to Agenga happened to Cotu Secretary Generral Francis Atwoli when some Jubilee politicians linked him to the death of former Kabete MP Geroge Muchai without any evidence,” said Rashid.

K’Olale yesterday said the union also wants President Kenyatta to de-politicise and de-ethnicise appointments in public universities.

Uasin Gishu County Assembly Minority Leader Ramadhan Ali has cautioned leaders not to spark off tribal animosity in the region by mishandling the row at the university.