Why I admire Goldalyn’s bravery at Masinde Muliro University( MMUST)

There are about one hundred and twenty four of us who sat KCPE in a period of less than five years after Goldalyn Kakuya was probably born. A good number of us are still alive with different levels of success or otherwise.

The point here is a flashback down the memory lane which runs about a decade ago not even the brightest of that entire class of five streams would muster the courage to stand before a class of Form Fours and give them a dress down. Our class had a mixture of both boys and girls and my classmates would forgive me for making this sweeping statement; at least that is how I viewed it then.

Flash forward to 2017 and what has happened? Goldalyn Kakuya.

Facebook is awash with mixed reactions on the 2017 top KCPE candidate’s speech before a University congregation on a Graduation Ceremony.

Her piercing message specifically targeted graduands of Phd, Masters, Bachelors and Diploma Awards. It is alleged that she intrepidly uttered the following, “You still have a long journey to go. Just by graduating today it doesn’t mean you have achieved such much. It is through determination, obedience, humility and respect for God that I have made it in life. Today as you make this great step in your life, emulate me. I have defied the odds and disability to stay top and dine with kings..”

Whereas I won’t delve into the content and structure of the speech for personal reasons, I would like to give my two-pence undertaking on the circus surrounding the address. Consider the fact that one Dr. Bob Mbori, Phd has dedicated valuable time to ‘set the record straight’ on the episode on the University’s official Facebook page. The good doctor not only dismissed the remarks but also the fact that the young girl was one of the invited guests. He gives such a shallow explanation that would make one imagine the anguish the Director, Public Communication at the University has gone through since the ceremony.

MMUST graduates are all daggers at the collective ‘embarrassment’ they have been subjected to by whoever is responsible for the invitation. It appears, from where I sit, that the milk is already spilt.

All said and done, Goldalyn has entered the institution’s archives as one of the guests who graced such an auspicious occasion of the 12th Graduation Ceremony. The girl only needs guidance on what to say to what audience. She didn’t invite herself so there is no need of bashing her. She is growing up and needs to be encouraged. If she is invited to address any other such congregation be it of a global nature, let the girl go all the way.

Come 2021, I wish to be part of the congregants when Goldalyn addresses the great MMUST congregation on the 16th Graduation Ceremony. Of course after her KCSE results would have been made public.