‘KARIBU
UMEFIKA’ declares the bold red writing
on a raised sign post at the main gate to Moi University main campus. The
street leading into the institution is tarmacked with a neat line of trees along
each side. The scenery is naturally green with large green fields dotted with
trees of various species. Such ambiance creates a sense of unique serenity akin
to a popular picnic site.
This
stretch of tarmac is interrupted by a junction that branches to the left
leading one straight to the administration block. If juxtaposed with State
House one would mistake the two for twins. It is no wonder that the
administration block of the second public university established in Kenya in
1984 and named after the second president of Kenya takes on a similar design of
the official residence the former head of state once occupied in Nairobi when
this university was established.
On
the second floor of this deceptively peaceful building lies the Vice
Chancellor’s office which the outgoing VC Prof. Richard Mibey has occupied
since 2006. Things have taken a dramatic twist since the Cabinet Secretary for
Education, Dr. Fred Matiang’i appointed Prof. Laban Ayiro as the acting VC. The
office has turned into a kiln with key politicians in the region demanding for
revocation of the appointment and subsequent ascension of ‘one of them’ to the
post.
These
turn of events sharply contrasts with the days when Prof. David Some was the
VC. He was replaced by Prof. Mibey in a peaceful transition that attracted
little attention. At this time one wasn’t reminded of which part of Kenya they
came from. Students lived as one and the student union had a fine blend of
leaders from various parts of Kenya. This university was fondly referred to as
‘the university with a difference’. This difference isn’t difficult for one to
notice.
The
campus is deeply set in the middle of a relatively rural background with no
major urban center around it. There is one exit towards the nearest town which
is about 35 kilometers away. Some time back entrances to some hostels were
turned into little markets in the evening. Women sat beside spread out gunny
bags or polythene bags carrying different kinds of groceries. Most of them sold
sukuma wiki with a few selling
indigenous vegetables like terere.
Others had a combination of tomatoes, onions and milk; yet some roasted maize
on jikos. Life here assumed a
relatively calm rhythm without any serious incidents of unrest.
During
weekends students lined up the path leading to a small waterfall for
relaxation. Some opted to take a walk to the nearby semi slum Chebaiywo market
named Mabatini or mabs in short in reference to the many
structures constructed using iron sheets. Despite the dusty streets and open
fields there was general tranquility as one would stroll about anytime without
fear of getting an axe attack.
Flash forward and the nation has been presented with a theatrical confrontation over the leadership of the University that even threatened to disrupt the 32nd Graduation ceremony. Alumnae like Javas Bigambo, Kamau Ngunyi, Peter Okumu, and Bernard Orina among others must be missing their ‘University with a difference.’