When I joined Kenyatta University some years back, I was told that there were only two universities in Kenya: the University of Nairobi and 'others'. With time I have been able to know what my professors and students leaders meant.
Two years ago, Senator Melly stormed University of Eldoret with a claim that he wanted a VC who is Kalenjin to be CEO of the institution. And last week governors Mandago, Tolgos, and some members of National Assembly and County Assemblies stormed Moi University demanding that Prof Kosgey be made VC because he is one of our 'own'....
The two actions are very barbaric, uncouth and uncalled for. Since when did a university become a tribal/community affair? It is a fact that universities are public institutions and entities. As such, a university will attract minds from Kenya, Africa, and the entire world. We need Moi university and Chepkoilel (UoE) to rise and compete with other universities not only in Kenya but across the world. This cannot be realised, however, if we go fighting and offering threats if 'our man' is not appointed the VC.
I feel very much ashamed by our mis-leaders who purport to be defending the 'community'. Politics going to an extent of sacrificing merit in the name of satisfying the community is a sign of a failing nation. These are the very characteristics of a failing state. We are ruining our education standards. MOI UNIVERSITY graduates will not be taken seriously if this is what our leaders do.
Ethnicity has proven to be a cancer which is eating us on a regular basis and sending us to the grave. If indeed these politicians were pro-Kosgey with Kisgey as a person of merit, they would have used other means to protest the current appointments. Getting some influential student leaders to do it would have helped instead.
Moi University and North Rift leaders need to redeem their image.