Goldalyn Kakuya. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has defended the invitation of Goldalyn Kakuya to the university during the institution’s 12th Graduation Ceremony held on Friday.
Kakuya the leading pupil in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) 2017 exams was among the many people who graced the event on December 15.
Kenyans on social media were, however, offended by her addressing the graduands saying the occasion did not befit her.
Some criticised the event’s organising committee of allowing her to speak.
Through its official Facebook account, the University clarified that Kakuya was invited to the event, not as a guest of honour but rather to be awarded for her exemplary performance in KCPE exams.
“She was not invited as the Chief Guest. She was, indeed, one of the thousands of enthusiastic guests who attended the colorful ceremony where 2,891 graduands were conferred with Degrees and awarded Diplomas and Certificates from the University of Choice,” part of the Facebook post said.
The University further said Ms Kakuya’s speech was nothing but a congratulatory message and as such should not create any uneasy.
“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,” the post further said.
“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.”