Thursday, February 12, 2015 Senator leads varsity students demo

 
Uasin Gishu Senator Isaac Melly (centre) leads a protest against the University of Eldoret Vice-Chancellor Thursday. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA   

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In Summary

• Incidentally, Mr Melly, who started off as a casual worker at the university when it was a constituent college of Moi University, claimed Prof Akenga employed staff from her community and overlooked locals.
• But Prof Akenga said the institution is run by a management board and it abides by the Constitution and ministry of Education regulations.
• Addressing the public before storming the varsity, Mr Melly said more than 300 locals have worked for over three years as casuals.

A senator, students and the public Thursday engaged police in running battles as they protested over alleged tribalism at a university.

Uasin Gishu Senator Isaac Melly led a demo against University of Eldoret’s Vice-Chancellor Prof Teresa Akenga for allegedly spearheading tribal appointments.

The senator rallied scores of students and locked up the varsity boss’ office in defiance of police.

The protesters engaged armed police officers as chaotic scenes lasted about four hours.

Incidentally, Mr Melly, who started off as a casual worker at the university when it was a constituent college of Moi University, claimed Prof Akenga employed staff from her community and overlooked locals.

“The vice-chancellor has been short-changing our people who should be benefiting from the institution,” Mr Melly charged.

MANAGEMENT BOARD

But Prof Akenga said the institution is run by a management board and it abides by the Constitution and ministry of Education regulations.

“The board is guided by the Constitution, therefore, no one in the management can do much without following the regulations,” she said.
Prof Akenga said she has a record bearing vital information about the institution.

“The employment status according to our records shows over 50 per cent of people from the local community have been hired,” she said.

Addressing the public before storming the varsity, Mr Melly said more than 300 locals have worked for over three years as casuals. He said they have been denied permanent jobs as people from the vice-chancellor’s community are favoured.

“Residents have been toiling as casuals while other people are brought on board to enjoy better deals,” he said.

The senator alleged that Prof Akenga undermines residents and refers to them as “less educated and not able to be employed in better positions.” He claimed the VC sends derogatory text messages to staff members.