Masinde Muliro University responds to social media critics of Goldalyn Kakuya's graduation fete speech

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has come out to defend the presence of Goldalyn Kakuya during the institution’s 12th Graduation Ceremony held at the Main campus.

Goldalyn, the leading pupil in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) 2017 was among the many people who graced the event on Friday, December 15.

 She has been in the limelight since the day the KCPE results were announced, earning her two meetings with President Uhuru Kenyatta. Her achievement has been met with massive recognition countrywide.

According to Kenyans on social media, the speech that she addressed to the day’s graduands did not befit her. Many criticized the organizing committee of the graduation ceremony for allowing her a lost to speak.

I've a lot of respect for Goldalyn Kakuya for what she achieved despite the odds. But on what grounds would she be invited to speak to GRADUANDS about how she "made it in life"? Masinde Muliro owes all its 2017 graduates an apology.

— Judy Muriithi (@ImJudyMuriithi) December 16, 2017

U strive thro high skul, thro 4 years of campus, work 2 pay ua own fees. A std 8 pupil is tellin u how2 make it in life. On ua graduation.????????

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— Benjamin_Toz (@Benjah_Toz) December 16, 2017

At this rate, she's likely to address AU summit in Addis Ababa early next year on how to resolve Somalia's unending conflict.????????????— kioko muthini (@KiokoMuthini) December 16, 2017

Goldalyn Kakuya's handlers are failing her and the buffoonery at yesterday's Masinde Muliro graduation is evidence. She's literally being set up for failure with all this over hyping. It's time to cease the unnecessary attention and let the little girl focus on being a form one.

— #MUFCholic (@Timo_Utd) December 16, 2017

@Omoinelson1 call a spade a spade or rather soon we might see intellectuals being bullied to listen to unwarranted speeches and lectures. This is putting the cart before the horse. Let her prepare for life in form one. Too much of everything is poisonous— John Ikuthu (@johnikuthu) December 17, 2017

The university has, however, come out to defend her presence in the much talked about event. According to their Facebook page on December 17, Goldalyn was invited to the academic event, not as a guest of honour but rather to be rewarded for her exemplary performance.

“She was not invited as the Chief Guest. She was, indeed, one of the thousands of enthusiastic guests who attended the colorful ceremony where 2891 well deserving graduands were conferred their various Degrees and awarded Diplomas and Certificates from the University of Choice,” part of the statement read.

Following the outcry that she had addressed the graduates, MMUST said there is nothing in her speech that should raise alarm. Her remarks were simple congratulatory messages.

“The correct status is that Ms. Kakuya congratulated the graduands, wished them well and observed the need to be ethical while pursuing different careers. A recording of her remarks is available,” read another part.

The university concluded by saying they are proud of her and supports hard work as a pillar for success, which is, in itself, an ever continuing journey.

“As an international University located in Kakamega County, Kenya, where Ms. Goldalyn Kakuya hails from, we recognize and reward effort and hard work and shall always continue doing so,” the University posted.