Leaders in Vihiga County including members of Civil Societies have condemned leaders from North Rift lead by Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago and Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos for storming Moi University Main Campus at Kesses to protest against the appointment of Prof. Laban Ayiro as the Institution’s acting Vice Chancellor.
Lead by Maurice Ovwamu, Civil Society leaders said they are surprised by the argument fronted by leaders from that region that an outsider has been appointed at the helm of the Eldoret based University.
“We being the Members of different Civil Societies in the County condemn this act in the strongest terms possible, the leaders involved in the uncivilized demonstration aren’t meant to be associated with what they did and they need to apologize to Kenyans after which they should face the full force of law,” said Ovwamu.
They said Universities are institutions of higher learning, they admit all Kenyans and are funded by public funds, and their management is based on equality and freedom from discrimination.
They said article 27(4) of the Constitution states categorically that the state shall not discriminate directly or indirectly against any person on any ground, including Race, Sex, Pregnancy, Marital status, Health status, Ethnic or Social origin, Color, Age, Disability, Religion, Conscience, Belief, Culture, Dress, Language or Birth.
Speaking while at Mbale town they said it’s the mandate of the President to report to parliament all measures taken and progress achieved in the realization of national values saying citizens hold the head of state accountable when it comes to the implementation of national values at a national level.
“We have continuously seen a trend where state appointments are based on ethnic inclinations, this is a dangerous trend and we must work together to check on this, therefore we call upon the President to exercise his powers to enable this situation to be brought under control, by ensuring that Prof. Ayiro’s appointment is sustained,” said Ovwamu.
They have now called upon the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to exercise its mandate by thoroughly investigating and prosecuting those leaders involved in the demonstration and propagating the promotion of ethnicity in management of a Public Institution.
“We also call upon the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to rein in on the leaders over their display of ignorance. All Kenyans have a right to work, live and study anywhere in the Country,” Ovwamu said.
