No transfers, rules varsity
Moi university has rejected requests for student transfers sparked by the recent post-election violence in the country. Prof Richard Mibey, the university’s vice-chancellor, said a number of students had requested to be transferred, but reiterated that the university would not yield to the request. “If we grant these requests, then we shall balkanise our institution along ethnic and political lines,” he said.
Prof Mibey spoke as the community around the university resolved to keep off the university’s academic programmes. A meeting between the district security committee and the local community decided to uphold peace and ensure that learning activities run smoothly. At a meeting held at the university’s pavilion, and chaired by the chancellor, Prof Bethuel Ogot, participants agreed that effective learning could only take place in a safe environment. “We are glad that we have reached such an agreement,” Prof Mibey said. He urged the local community to be thankful for the numerous employment opportunities the institution had brought to them.
Local councillor David Maritim said the community had resolved to work with the university administration to ensure the safety of the students and prevent such acts of violence from recurring. “We as the community, are major stakeholders in the interests of this institution. We must work hard to ensure that it is safe for all of us since our own children are also learning in it,” Mr Maritim said. He also dispelled rumours that there was a group of armed youth that had been tasked to attack university staff and students from other communities. “The University is now safe for everyone. We urge all students and staff to report back as quickly as possible to ensure that normal learning resumes,” he added.
Uasin Gishu DC Bernard Kinyua urged the community and students to work as a team to ensure peace is maintained. Student leader Ekwuam Naboss urged students who had not reported to do so quickly since they were lagging behind in their studies. “They should come back so that they can catch up with their colleagues,” he said. Prof Ogot blamed a section of the university’s academic staff for fuelling rumours about the security situation in the university and calling for its closure. “It was unfortunate that some of our staff went around claiming that the security situation at the university can’t permit learning to take place,” Prof Ogot said.
Daily Nation
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