SOMU President gives government ultimatum

The Student Organization of Maseno University (SOMU) president Fredrick Makajos has given the national government a 48- hour deadline to come up with a solution to end the ongoing lecturers’ nationwide strike.

Accompanied with other student leaders from the university, Fredrick Makajos issued the statement as he addressed fellow students and media in what was a climax to a peaceful demonstration held by the students against the government.

“I want to reiterate what our Secretary-General has said, that we are giving the government 48-hours to come up with an amicable solution that will bring our lecturers back to class, failure to which we shall hold other demonstrations until a solution is found,” the president warned.

Addressing students in their residential areas, SOMU Secretary General, Linus Sang earlier voiced the dissatisfaction of students on the government’s efforts to end the strike and stressed that comrades are already tired of waiting as the strike is almost entering its third week.

 “Comrades are tired and tired of waiting because this strike is going to largely affect our academic calendar and most of us have already cleared the fees due for this semester. We cannot pays fees and not be taught yet that is the main reason why we are here. We shall not relent until we see lectures in class teaching,” Sang sternly spoke.

 Also speaking during the meeting was SOMU Vice President, Isaac Kinyua who majorly lamented on the delayed disbursement of HELB Loans to some students.

 “I am aware that some of you have not yet received their HELB Loans to date and we want to tell you comrades that we are working on that. It is quite unfortunate that HELB has delayed the disbursement yet most of us largely depend on these funds to sustain ourselves financially while in school,” Kinyua bemoaned.

Meanwhile, President Makajos pleaded with students to remain calm and peaceful in the institution as they wait for the government to react on the ultimatum given.

“I beseech you, comrades, following the directive that was given to us by our Secretary General, to remain calm as we wait to see if the government will act during the period we have allotted them. Let us maintain peace in the institution as we wait for another directive from our office,” said Makajos.