Moi University’s newly appointed acting VC Prof Laban Ayiro has taken over official leadership of the institution for a period spanning three months.
Ayiro takes over from outgoing Prof Richard Mibey whose second and final term at the Eldoret-based university ended on Monday.
His term in office started in controversy after local leaders from the larger Uasin Gishu region stormed the institution on Tuesday demanding cancellation of the appointment and selection of Prof Isaac Kosgey on account that he (Kosgey) hails from the community.
Led by governors Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu) and Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet), the community had earlier threatened to stop the university's planned 32nd graduation ceremony up this Thursday and Friday.
Other leaders who accompanied the duo were MPs James Bett (Kesses), Silas Tiren (Moiben), Oscar Sudi (Kapseret), and Uasin Gishu County Assembly Speaker Isaac Terer.