Nominated Senator Daisy Nyongesa has accused a section of Rift Valley leaders of planting seeds of tribalism among the Kalenjin community by trying to ethnicize a national institution in their favour.
Speaking at Kabrengu in Lugari sub-county Daisy expressed her disappointment by the action taken by the leaders to oppose the appointment of Prof. Laban Ayiro as the Moi University’s Acting Vice Chancellor.
“The path that has been taken by Uasin Gishu Governor, Jackson Mandago, and his Elgeyo Marakwet counterpart, Alex Tolgos is a dangerous one,” warned Daisy .
Education Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i’s appointment of Prof Ayiro has drawn mixed reactions from members of the public,with leaders from Rift Valley leading street demonstrations against it.
Mandago,Tolgos and Kapsaret Member of Parliament, Oscar Sudi have been at the forefront in marshalling the Kalenjin community in opposing the appointment, claiming it was done in bad faith.
Senator Daisy castigated the leaders, saying it was wrong for them to ethnicize national institutions under the guise of devolution.
“It is shocking to see leaders of high standing ethnicizing an institution of international acclaim like Moi University,” noted Daisy
The youthful senator observed that though the Luhya community feels short-changed on various key public appointments by the Jubilee administration, its leaders had not resorted to the streets in protest.
She cited the recent appointment of Justice David Maraga as the Chief Justice, “where all indications had pointed to Dr Smokin Wanjala as the best candidate for the post. Now they don’t want Prof Ayiro,” she added.
Daisy cautioned politicians against polarising the nation along tribal lines ahead of next year’s general elections.
